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Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Writer's strike

I must admit I don't know anything about the writer's strike. I don't know whether it is justifiable or not. I do know that it is somehow responsible for my inability to find anything decent on television to watch. I also know that the lack of writers hasn't stopped crap like Celebrity Apprentice, Deal or No Deal, or the plethora of other "reality" and game shows of the same ilk from cluttering up the digital airwaves.

It's sad when I look forward to the reruns of Seinfeld and Frasier to come on at 10 p.m. just so I can actually watch something that doesn't involve a competition to lose weight, become a supermodel or marry a vapid, but eligible bachelor.


Hey, if the sitcom and late night talk show writers are holding out for big bucks to turn out crap, I'll just throw my resume in as a scab writer who will crank out the same crap for half the price. I'd be so jazzed to be paid anything for writing that I'd even whip out a few screenplays as a bonus.

I'm not a big fan of unions. My own theory is that collective bargaining for higher wages here has done the most good for workers in China and Indonesia. Even as a kid I could figure out that the more companies had to pay their employees, the more their goods cost. And the higher the cost for the goods, the less people would buy them. So demanding higher wages either could lead to your eventually putting your employer out of business or you were just going to have to use your pay increase to pay higher costs for other people's goods because everyone else was demanding more money, too.

I think we should return to the barter system. I could trade puns for food.

Maybe it would help me lose weight.

But I digress.

Besides, there is an all new episode of My Name is Earl on followed by 30 Rock and then Grey's Anatomy. Somebody is getting paid write again.

I imagine my DirectTV bill is about to go up again.

Sigh...

9 comments:

Lights in the wake said...

I've never been a big fan of unions either, for the reasons you mentioned. However, that's not gonna make me give back the sweet 15% raise my union just got for me.

I guess I just don't approve of unions for other people.

Good thing I'm not particularly good at seeing hypocrasy in myself cuz this might be something I'd feel bad about otherwise.

Time said...

Lights,
Being a hypocrite means never having to say you're sorry.

Being a manager it is a prerequisite that I oppose unions. But congrats on that sweet raise.

Anonymous said...

I started watching the fat people show a few years ago when during the random episode I came across, one of the contestants HAD A HEART ATTACK! After that....I guess I was a little hooked....but only because I really got into each of their personal stories....yeah, that's it....it was all about the human drama....although my interest trailed off once the emergency room visits stopped.

This is the perfect opportunity for you to Netflix all the TV series you've never had the chance to watch (such as the Wire or any number of BBC series - PLUS I see Knight Rider Season 1 + 2 are available!)

As far as unions, why don't you throw in the excellent 80's movie by John Sayles, Matewan.

BlazngScarlet said...

I hope the damn strike ends soon .... football is almost over, and then I'll have absolutely NOTHING to watch!

Karen said...

In Summer we only ever expect a heap of crap on tv (non ratings period). Unless of course you like cricket or tennis, then you are good to go. Craig and I have been having LOST marathons every night in readiness for the new season. That is the one show that I must not miss or it gets very ugly in my house.

Time said...

iridethebus,
I must admit that I used to watch the Biggest Loser. But let's face it, shedding fat as a spectator sport says a lot about our society.

BTW I think I saw that Knight Rider is coming back. Hasslehoff won't be starring in it though. They would have had to rename it DUI.

Blaznfyre,
Football won't be over until the Seahawks lose.

Gypsy,
It is my understanding that the writers of LOST wrote five years worth of plots. So the strike shouldn't affect it. Unless they LOST the scripts...hahhahahahah.

K. said...

I agree with you on why you dislike unions. Added to that, they're losing more money by striking and winning than they'd make if they didn't strike at all (typically, that's how strikes are anyway) because of how long this is going on without getting paid, or only getting the union stipend. Plus all the other people that are getting screwed over by not getting paychecks during this time.

DVDs of past shows are wonderful things. Especially when one doesn't have cable to begin with (I'll get R to relent on cable one of these years......)

JP (mom) said...

I'm just pissed that the award shows have gone to hell with the strike. Oh well, next year there may be nothing to award if this keeps up.

Damn, no fancy dresses, borrowed diamonds or red carpets. The tragedy. JP/deb

R. said...

After weighing the pros and cons of working in a Union shop all I will say that I will try to avoid working Union whenever possible.

However, given two products of equal quality and given the union made product is within %20 of the cost of the non-union product I will go Union.

lights in the wake:
So when are your dues going up?