Please Don't Shorten Due To Writer's Strike
By ZaffireWolf
@ZaffireWolf (480)
United States
December 16, 2007 11:38pm CST
I don't know what this writer's strike is about and I don't really care because like the past fifteen hundred thousand news stories I've heard it's most likely a load of petulant hysteria bullcrap. But could it please NOT affect Smallville?
Kryptonsite.com, last I read it, makes the suggestion that Smallville season 7 might only be 15 episodes long this season. That's about eight episodes shorter than the usual season, and I feel like I'd get ripped off somehow. That's eight less episodes of time they'll be allowed to explore the world of Smallville, which seems like a shame to me at least. Of course, it's not like Smallville hasn't had its few episodes here and there mocking its own fans (7.05 Action, anyone?), but come on. Are we not allowed to at least voice our humble desires?
I guess one could further argue that the writers aren't really writing the story, they're retelling the Superman mythos. It'd feel kind of like you're giving up in the middle of telling the story of Cinderella and killing off the title character in the beginning. Of course they want more money. Who the hell doesn't want more money? I've been blacklisted, I think I can sort of sympathize with people who want money.
But PLEEEEAASSE? I mean, at least the Smallville writers can be respected. At least I'd understand if THEY deserved more money. This isn't about the other writers who just ought to try sucking less and instead be rational about where their money actually comes from that they can actually earn more.
PLEASE don't screw us over on the good stuff at least. You're showing these shows on public television, it's not like you're keeping them a secret for your own personal viewing.
2 people like this
4 responses
@UnselfishShellfish (1306)
• United States
17 Dec 07
"PLEASE don't screw us over on the good stuff at least. You're showing these shows on public television, it's not like you're keeping them a secret for your own personal viewing. "
The writers are the ones being screwed. The producers and directors and actors are the ones making the big money. The writers only get a small fraction of the money when the shows air on TV. The writers want equal pay for the shows airing online and when they are released on DVD. The producers and studio owners are the ones digging in their heels and saying no to the extra money. Without the writers, there would be no show.
So if you want to get mad at someone, get mad at the producers and studio execs who won't pony up the money to make the writers happy. They are the ones causing the strike to go on longer than expected. The studio execs are the ones being too cheap to give into the demands of the writers. They are the ones holding on to the money and refusing to give it up.
1 person likes this
@ZaffireWolf (480)
• United States
17 Dec 07
If they're getting skimped out of pay, isn't that the business for a court of law, then?
And yeah the writers are getting screwed over, but the audience seeking intellectual enlightenment is getting screwed over too.
@vivasuzi (4127)
• United States
9 Feb 08
I think the silly thing is the whole "guild" or union thing. Really all these different shows have to go through a union in order to decide how much they get paid? It's lame. I don't work in a union. If I decide to go on strike, i'd be all alone, and no one would be negotiating on my behalf.
The truth is, this union thing is outdated, especially for writers. They should all negotiate with their particular shows on their own terms and get on with it!!
@4monsters4me (2569)
• United States
17 Dec 07
I support the writer's strike even if I can't stand missing my favorite shows. They have a right to strike if they feel their demands from the higher ups aren't being met, which, obviously, they aren't.
If the strike isn't resolved soon, then most likely all the shows will be cut short this season. It isn't the end of the world. We may be entertained by the shows but this is their job. When the strike is over they will pick up where they left off on the shows.
And really there is nothing the producers can do about it. Without the writers there who is going to write? Well I suppose they could get someone to cross the picket line but "scabs" aren't very well liked in any industry.
I think you are looking at it all wrong. We aren't the ones being cheated, it's the writers that aren't being paid fairly.
@emarie (5440)
• United States
18 Dec 07
I live in California and I actually support the writers strike. These people aren't making much money and they just want a larger share of the 'new media' profits which they aren't getting. New media referring to Online downloads and online rentals. Some writers don't get a cut in this and thats why they're striking. It is taking some time, but they have to come to a good agreement. These writers have families and I can sympathize in wanted a little more to make ends meet.
On the note of shortening Smallville. Probably not. Just delay everything. Most of the time, series take breaks in the holiday season and come back in January. Some shows have enough shows till mid Jan and some shows are done filming. I do hope this ends quickly just because they need a happy holiday, but I'm not sure its going to be that way. Even the actors are walking the lines in support of the writers because without them there wouldn't be any shows.
So I'm trying not to be selfish and I know they're come back. There are a few shows that won't because this was their last season like Scrubs I think...but Smallville is safe from anything too rash. Just think of it as another break like they do for the summer.
