Who's Write?

I don't really understand it. This writers' strike. I don't understand how the studios and networks let this strike start. I don't understand how the AMPTP (The Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers) lets it continue.

As I understand it, the WGA (Writers Guild of America)is requesting a minute percentage of the profits from digital media.

The networks claim that they aren't MAKING any money, because what is available on the internet is "promotional" in nature.

Hmmm. Does that mean that Clorox and Toyota and Target aren't PAYING them anything to insert their commercials at the beginning of every episode? Gosh, I thought the networks were smarter than that.

Hmmm. Does that mean that i-tunes gets every penny of the $1.99 they receive for individual episodes? Gosh, I thought the networks would negotiate for some of that income.

So, if the networks aren't actually MAKING any money, as they say, what do they CARE if they give 2% of that "nothing" away?

But here's the thing... the networks are re-packaging material that is ALREADY BOUGHT and PAID for, wrapping it in a nice neat bow and RESELLING it.

They are making a few bucks now and expect to be making more. Sharing the wealth with the people who CREATED the very programming from which they profit is only fair.

But here is something else I don't understand. Why are writers persecuting Ellen Degeneres? It seems that Ellen decided to cross the picket line and continue with her show despite the strike.

I don't think Ellen is wrong. I believe she is doing her best to serve her audience - particularly those who made travel plans to see a show taping.

Also, there is a large staff of people who are NOT writers who will lose their paycheck if Ellen shuts down production. She isn't hiring OTHER people to try to write - she is writing her show herself. A person can support striking workers in ways other than actually striking with them.

So, yes, I believe the writers are justified in striking, but my heart goes out to the thousands of other crew members who will not be working while the strike continues.

Many of these people, writers included, don't make big bucks, so being without work will be difficult for many and I wish them luck.

I hope this strike is resolved quickly - for everyone who will be affected - including me - because other than Survivor and The Amazing Race, I just don't get the appeal of reality television!