Show striking writers due respect
Marissa Warms
Issue date: 11/30/07 Section: Opinion
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Writers: people who put their creative thoughts and ideas into words for the world to enjoy.
OK, so that definition is a little biased because I am a writer, but basically a writer is a person who puts thoughts into words, right?
Well, sort of.
I bet if you asked one of the writers of the NBC show, "Heroes," what they did for a living, they would have a much fancier way of saying, "I'm a television show writer."
They are important people; they are the creative genius behind our favorite television shows, and they are the ones who make "Grey's Anatomy" ... well, made "Grey's Anatomy."
Regardless of who or what a writer is, the Writer's Guild of America is on strike. They want more money. Well of course they do, who doesn't want more money?
I know plenty of people, myself included, who are addicted to one or more television shows that are merely weeks away from reruns and making new episodes a thing of the past.
Think about this: The writers are on strike, so who do we blame? The writers, you say. What about when you hate the season finale of your favorite show, then who do you blame?
The writers.
We rarely think about whether the camera angle is slightly off, or how artistically, or perhaps, not so artistically entire scenes are shot. We always blame the writers.
They put up with complaints, restrictions and much more from their superiors and their audiences every day of their working careers.
All they want is a little respect. When you miss an episode of "your show," what do you do? I know that I am immediately comforted to know I can watch it online for free, whenever I feel the need and find the time.
Guess what? The writers aren't getting a cut of what viewers watch online. It's not fair, but they are on strike, and we are mad about it. We want our shows back on our televisions when they are scheduled to air. And don't think we'll be satisfied with reruns.
We are programmed to live at such a fast pace, that we are angered and upset by simple things. OK, so our show won't be on for a few weeks while protestors and lawyers figure out how to settle this dispute, but look on the bright side - it gives you time to do homework. No? Alright, well you can try watching new shows then. Go to bed early. We can all use a little more sleep.
No one is saying that this strike is fun. It's not fun for us, and it's surely not fun for the writers and TV stations that need the shows for ratings. Allow this to give you a new perspective.
It is unknown how long this strike will last. We can stay angry, we can move on and wait for this to end, or we can get a second job and send money to help pay the writers of our favorite shows.
Basically, it boils down to us wanting our shows and writers want money. How do you think this will turn out? I would bet the writers get their money, wouldn't you?
I'd hate to be working at a production studio right now, having to deal with complaints from TV stations and audiences of television shows around the world. I would want this strike over with as soon as possible.
Be patient while the writers have their moment of glory. After all the stuff they put up with, I think they deserve it.
Marissa Warms is a senior advertising/public relations major from Irving. Her column appears Fridays.
OK, so that definition is a little biased because I am a writer, but basically a writer is a person who puts thoughts into words, right?
Well, sort of.
I bet if you asked one of the writers of the NBC show, "Heroes," what they did for a living, they would have a much fancier way of saying, "I'm a television show writer."
They are important people; they are the creative genius behind our favorite television shows, and they are the ones who make "Grey's Anatomy" ... well, made "Grey's Anatomy."
Regardless of who or what a writer is, the Writer's Guild of America is on strike. They want more money. Well of course they do, who doesn't want more money?
I know plenty of people, myself included, who are addicted to one or more television shows that are merely weeks away from reruns and making new episodes a thing of the past.
Think about this: The writers are on strike, so who do we blame? The writers, you say. What about when you hate the season finale of your favorite show, then who do you blame?
The writers.
We rarely think about whether the camera angle is slightly off, or how artistically, or perhaps, not so artistically entire scenes are shot. We always blame the writers.
They put up with complaints, restrictions and much more from their superiors and their audiences every day of their working careers.
All they want is a little respect. When you miss an episode of "your show," what do you do? I know that I am immediately comforted to know I can watch it online for free, whenever I feel the need and find the time.
Guess what? The writers aren't getting a cut of what viewers watch online. It's not fair, but they are on strike, and we are mad about it. We want our shows back on our televisions when they are scheduled to air. And don't think we'll be satisfied with reruns.
We are programmed to live at such a fast pace, that we are angered and upset by simple things. OK, so our show won't be on for a few weeks while protestors and lawyers figure out how to settle this dispute, but look on the bright side - it gives you time to do homework. No? Alright, well you can try watching new shows then. Go to bed early. We can all use a little more sleep.
No one is saying that this strike is fun. It's not fun for us, and it's surely not fun for the writers and TV stations that need the shows for ratings. Allow this to give you a new perspective.
It is unknown how long this strike will last. We can stay angry, we can move on and wait for this to end, or we can get a second job and send money to help pay the writers of our favorite shows.
Basically, it boils down to us wanting our shows and writers want money. How do you think this will turn out? I would bet the writers get their money, wouldn't you?
I'd hate to be working at a production studio right now, having to deal with complaints from TV stations and audiences of television shows around the world. I would want this strike over with as soon as possible.
Be patient while the writers have their moment of glory. After all the stuff they put up with, I think they deserve it.
Marissa Warms is a senior advertising/public relations major from Irving. Her column appears Fridays.
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