From a source close to "The Office" --
The Office has shut down for good. Around 2:00 pm Tuesday. The crew has been asked back Wednesday to strike the location, but there will be no more shooting. This is thanks to a complete staff picket from 4:15 am to 3:00 Monday (when they called the day) and 6:45 am Tuesday until they shut it down. It is also thanks to a number of WGAmebers/actors making principled stands and not reporting to work.
Additionally, I've been told that Steve Carell informed NBC he is unable to report to work because he is suffering from “enlarged balls.” Not just enlarged, I'd say, but brass ones. The source on this one adds, "We wish him a happy, slow recovery."
101 comments:
If all of the top actors on shows and movies had the balls to stand up like Steve, this strike would shut down the industry by the end of the week. SAG members should stand by WGA, no-stike clause or not. WGA had the misfourtune of their contract being up earlier, but SAG will either stand to suffer or gain from the outcome of this strike. Make this strike count! Everyone - SAG and WGA- out on the line!
Steve, I really don't know if I could love you any more. Awesome.
I'm 100% behind the writers, and had I known they were making such a pittance off of DVD sales and Internet distribution, I would have stopped buying DVDs and downloading shows a long time ago. I can do without TV for as long as it takes for the writers to get their fair due. It's not like it's going to be any good without them, anyway!
Strike! Strike! Strike!
I love you... The Office.
I'll miss you. But hopefully I won't have to miss you for too long.
Once again The Office writers show why they're the funniest, snarkiest show on the tube. "Promos" indeed. I loved that bit. Your comedy fu beats all other comedy fu. Go, WGA!
I will miss The Office so, so much, but just like my other favorite shows its the WRITERS that make it so good to begin with. Kudos to the cast members who refused to cross the picket line.
I wish I were on the West coast so I could get out there and support you guys. This TV watcher is on your side.
This is the best promotional WGA writers strike video I've seen yet. Who writes this stuff? Brilliant! ;)
I am a big fan of Steve Carell for standing up for his beliefs (or maybe not because I'd think all the weight from that brass + gravity = painful). The fact is plain and simple, the writers deserve more. I will be downloading the "season box set DVDs" that cost a small fortune without guilt until you're properly paid. SAG members need to get off their asses and contribute. RIDICULOUS.
Good for them! Hopefully more shows and actor's will follow "The Office's" lead and we can get a resolution to this mess asap!
Here's to hoping!
Office shut down for good?
Whew! About time somebody took that crapfest off the air.
This just makes me love The Office even more. Which is good, because this season has been disappointing, so now I get to overlook that because, dude, they are so awesome!
I'll miss The Office but more luck to everyone on the picket line.
Go Office writers! I will really miss the show but you have my support. Kick some ass out there!
Hey whatever happens im with the writers. my favorite show greys anatomy and the office what would it be without the writers.....ABSOLUTLEY NOTHING! please give the writers what they want they deserve it and steve, very sweet not to cross the picket line. Until the writers get their fair share it is time for....STRIKE!
in Canada we can't watch The Office episodes online. Guess it's for the better eh? I'm 100% behind this as well. I'm somewhat of an aspiering writter(if the spelling and grammer skills kick in anytime soon...), myself. Is there anything the viewers can do to show our support?
xo Kate
While I will miss the Office being off the air, I sure has heck support the writers.
I can't believe they didn't pay you for the webisodes. I think I watched every one of those things. That just royally pisses me off, especially with all the 'dont steal music online' PSAs they play all over the place... steal from the corporation bad, steal from the workers, good! Crazy.
You guys are not just striking for the writers in my opinion. You are the only 'office workers' (writers work in offices dont they?) who actually have a union, I wish it would spread out to the rest of society - data entry clerks, library techs, call centers, help desks, etc etc.
Steve, "enlarged balls" could be a very severe symptoms of a couple of major diseases. Trust me; you don't want to know.
The most common solution is a mixture of 1/3 Jeff Zucker's blood and 1/3 increase of the pension and health benefits.
If you are wondering as to what happened to the remaining 1/3rd, well, you know, "brass balls syndrome" is only 2/3rd curable. The remaining 1/3rd keeps the symptoms recurrent every 2o odd years when the studio heads find a new entertainment medium to exploit your works, and decide not to pay you guys.
All I'm saying is, take good care of your balls. You will need them again after 20 years.
I'm terribly sad that the Office has stopped shooting. I'm even more sad to learn that writers receive no compensation for internet distribution and ad revenue! What can an average TV watching American do to help this cause?
As an avid television and movie watcher, I feel a wonderful sense of pride that the cast of the Office is refusing to cross the line! No matter how much I love the show, I would rather see the cast standing up for what is right. I only hope that the big-wigs get off their collective ***** and give the writers what they deserve!
I'm so glad that the writers are standing up for themselves. I can't even believe how unbelievably selfish the studios are being. I support then 1000% and if there were picket lines around me I would bring them lunch. I mean, they are out of work for now. I have stopped watching episodes on the network websites and downloading them off of iTunes until the writers get what they deserve. It's not fair at all for these writers.
Kate in Canada, I've been telling everyone I know to boycott the reality and game show crap that the studios will shove down your throat in replacement of the scripted shows. Not to offend anyone who likes American Idol, but the only way for you viewers to help is by NOT WATCHING your favorite show's replacement. Better yet, turn off the tv until the strike is over. you have to hit them where it hurts - in the pocket.
Bravo Steve Carell!!!! You're stand has really inspired me
from a Canadian Office fan
Nathalie is right everyone!!! As fans we need to show our support. We need to let it to show how much they need their writers!
I think, more than anything, we need to boycott iTunes and Amazon's download service and any others out there. Let the corporations know that we aren't going to give them money until the writers get their fair share of it. If sales drop enough, Apple and Amazon may encourage the studios to make something happen.
Is there anything we as fans can do to support the writers? I'm thinking like a petition or something? If anyone knows of something that is already in place, please leave some instructions so we can take action as well!
I'm glad that they are standing together during this. I would hate to see the strike tear apart the wonderful relationships between writers and cast on this show. In support of them I am turning off my TV and boycotting the NBC site and the NBC store. This is hard (that's what she said) because I love watching all the extras, but not if the writers aren't being fairly compensated. After all, without their words we wouldn't have shows... I have lots of DVDs and I'll spend my time watching them until the strike is settled. I sent an email to this effect to AMPTP and NBC. Hopefully if enough of us do they will come to their senses and offer the writers a fair settlement!
I'm also glad that this didn't happen before the Office Convention because it really would have changed the vibe and that was such an amazing weekend.
Diane, my husband is the boom op on the show and also from PA. He wanted to go to the convention sooo bad. It sucks that he is laid off, but we knew that would happen soon anyway if the strike continued. We are proud to be affilliated with the show and proud that Mr. Carell stood up for the greater cause.
Writers of The Office, there is a huge place in my heart for you. You can do this!!!!!!
Best of luck, I'll be praying...
xoxo
Liv
I am 100% behind the Writers Guild. If it weren't for them, the actors and other members of the crew the big wigs at the studios wouldnt make all the money they do. Give them want they deserve!!!
As much as I love and will miss The Office, I respect you guys for doing this. As an average viewer, I honestly had never considered who was getting paid for reairs of shows online, so at least this is raising the awareness of the issue.
Hey ho we won't go ...
I'm with a few commenters above in wondering what the rest of us can do to help! Besides joining Facebook groups, of course. I decided to stop watching shows online (which is how I usually catch The Office) and not purchase or rent any DVDs of TV shows. Anything else?
We used to watch The Office online whenever we missed the TV airing. We won't be doing that again unless things change. I never knew any of this!! I bought Season 2 of LOST on iTunes! I feel so cheap! Is it curtains for Office for good? forever? goodbye? my heart just broke. Those dirty lawyers.
You have more support than you know. Don't lose faith and above all DON'T GIVE UP!
Maybe now that the REAL writers are on strike, my script idea can make it through! My killer script has Michael play an April Fools joke on everyone by actually becoming a real, legitimate boss, just for that one day! "Uh, Pam, is it just me, or is Michael acting like an actual boss today?" "It's not just you, Jim, I noticed the same thing. Should I call for an ambulance?" Oh, the hilarity! ;)
Anonymous,
There are actually lots of office workers in unions. For one thing, there's the OPEIU which is specifically for Office and Professional Employees. Plus there's folks like the Boeing engineers, lots of government workers (usually in AFSCME), and sometimes office workers at places like UPS (I've been told all the office workers are Teamsters as well as the drivers and warehouse workers, but I'm not sure if that is true).
And that's just off the top of my head.
Seriously, the labor movement is bigger and more active than a lot of folks realize (even a lot of folks who have a union job but aren't very active in the movement). My hope is that folks who feel solidarity with the writers will feel the same solidarity when nurses, transit workers, teachers, firefighters, and other workers have labor disputes in the future. Too often the media just parrots the management line about how workers are overpaid, unions are destroying the industry, and we should think only how this will impact us as consumers, not how we would want to be treated if we were on strike. It seems like folks aren't buying that nonsense this time around. Lets hope they don't next time either.
How can the studios DO something like this? There are so many writers who are going to be really financially strapped because of this. Not all of them can afford to strike for this long - it's totally admirable that Steve, BJ Novak, Mindy Kaling and other writers are striking, but I'm guessing they can afford to do so. Good for them! Still, it must be hard for the writers that aren't as prominent and are struggling financially.
I watch the office on the internet in Australia because our television is so pathetic. I watch most media on the internet.
I fully support this strike. The creators should be paid. And the public should not be treated like shit by the networks.
The internet is serious business.
[img]http://www.vulomedia.com/images/96526ahnold.jpg[/img]
I think you writers are all going to be out of a job soon.....your day in the sun is over.....it's internet time. Isn't that what the real strike is about? You had your time....the future is the internet. Maybe about 500 of you will survive as writers but no way will they need 12000 writers.
Wow... I don't know whether to be like, really happy for you guys or really sad for all of America that they won't get to see an amazing show until this is all sorted out. This whole thing just sucks. They should just give you the fucking money, like they don't have enough already.
Please don't shut down forever, thoguh. It's a privelege to watch The Office, and one I don't want to be rid of. Steve, Mindy, Greg, Michael, BJ, and all others, you rock and ily! I really hope you guys get this sorted out.
JAM FANS SUPPORT THE STRIKE!
What anonymous (7:01) doesn't seem to realize is that the internet is driven by words. Websites and blogs are hungry beasts and what they are hungry for are words. So the internet is not the end for writers, to the contrary. And that doesn't even begin to parse the internet distribution issues the WGA is wrangling over.
And, for the record, writers have never had a "day in the sun" because we've always been treated like some distant cousin the cat dragged in--when in reality neither the movie industry or the publishing industry exists without us.
I like Steve even more now. Let's hope more actors follow his lead.
I love you guyz! And I am appalled to hear that YOU AREN'T GETTING PAID FOR DOWNLOADS! And A PITTANCE for DVDs. Readers, if you REALLY want to help with the strike, make a list of the advertisers that have ads running inside the downloads, and tell them that you REFUSE TO BUY THEIR PRODUCTS as long as the strike is on. That will CRUSH the networks and their BS.
(edited for clarity)
Hats off -- just fantastic both to see this in action & to note that every active show I care about is clearly deeply committed to pulling these changes off.
I also love the easy-to-grasp way in which the Office writers elucidate key points in the issue here as well (well, and selfishly it's also nice that they can continue to make me laugh at uncomfortable situations w/o crafting a script beforehand. Nice promo here, guys!)
I must be the only one who thinks Steve Carell made a bad call with his big balls bit. It seems he has an obligation to fulfill his contract with the SAG before he can support the WGA. After they shoot the one remaining episode, he can go on strike all he wants to. He should. It is the right thing to do. But he should do HIS job first before anything else.
I also can't help but feel a little betrayed by his actions. He gives he impression that he no longer cares about the fans who love him and have loved his work ever since 40-Year Old Virgin.
Wow Steve. Awesome. Some actors still know how it's done.
Also, get the balls checked out. It could be a sign of a dangerous medical condition.
Other than that, Good show!
I am SO in support of the writer's, I second what was said above - give them the damn money, there's definitely enough in Hollywood to go around, and they deserve it more than some of the people who are WAY overpaid for what they're doing. Without the writers, a show is nothing. Actors are necessary, of course, but without a writer the actor has no work.
I'll miss The Office while it is shut down, but I just hope that if we boycott everything we can boycott, and if we show our support as the average viewer, maybe we can help affect positive change. Let's get our shows back by showing our support too!
Because I really need my shows to keep on spitting out new episodes... I need SOME method of procrastination from school work!!!
Thank God they're just in it for the art.
so...um...if we download these "promotions" "illegally", we are criminals, because we cause the networks to lose money, but they're not making money off these "promotions", so there's obviously none to give to the writers.
i love it when orwell runs the tv networks.
Strike on, writers! I commend your bravery. This is a stand that must be taken against those fucking sharks.
I definitely support the strike but with shows shutting down early, a lot of people are going to be out of work. Will the WGA stand by SAG when their contract is up in June?
With The Office having so many hybrids (writers/producers, writers/actors, etc) it gives them a very clear perspective on the immense contributions of the WGA members -- I'm so proud that the cast and crew and staff of my favorite show is standing strong at the crux of this issue.
Could you imagine if someone asked these studio execs to work for non-existant residuals AND be creative at the same time? Maybe then they'd realize what an insult this is to some of their most valuable employees.
I'll definitely miss The Office and while I support the WGA in their efforts to be appropriately compensated for their work, this is a great opportunity for everyone to shut off their TVs and read a book!
Devoted viewers should also help the writers by boycotting their favorite shows until this is favorably resolved.
I think one thing people can do is join the "online community" of websites like NBC.com, indicate which shows you like, then send emails via their feedback sections that you won't be watching any online shows until the payment issue is settled.
That way the corporations can see how they're hurting themselves and their wallets,
Screw Carrell. How much money did he get for that stupid Noah's Ark movie? If actors like him and pro athletes and CEO's didn't make the obscene sums they do, there'd already be more money to go around for writers and crews, not to mention highway departments for fixing broken down bridges and broken up roads. You think Carrell feels your pain? Ha.
I support your strike. Keep on it
Steve, I am so proud of what you and the rest of The Office are doing. I knew I was smart to love this show, but your integrity has made me love it even more. Good luck with your balls, I have never laughed so hard!! YOU ROCK
I don't watch TV or movies so this affects me not one bit. Let's be honest and admit that we are ridiculous in supporting overpaid Hollywoodites but yet we can't seem to pay our public school teachers a decent wage. Something is very wrong when we pay so much to athletes and hollywoodites so much but are unwilling to support our schools.
"Under the previous contract, which expired Wednesday night, the six major studios must pay a minimum of $106,000 for an original screenplay, while networks must pay at least $20,956 for a teleplay for a prime-time comedy and $30,823 for a prime-time drama."
"That is a lot of money compared with the average earnings of people in Los Angeles County and typical Americans. The average worker in Los Angeles County earned $52,572 last year, according to government statistics, while the per capita income of the overall population is about $25,000."
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/05/business/media/05writers.html
Any sympathy I might have had just went out the window.
Steve, u are my hero! if only every1 else in Hollywood half the balls u did.
Brian H, are just jealous of Steve's balls. That's ok, I know that men are insecure. Let me help.. take a deep breath... and screw off. I know that people in Hollywood are overpaid, this isn't about fixing our warped society it's about standing up for something you believe in. Steve, and the rest of the cast are supporting their friends. If you want to fix society get off your computer and go do something. Stop whining about Hollywood and it superficiality. Me-I just want to watch The Office
I have to say I barely watch TV anymore - I watch Grey's, Lost, and The Office all online at work where they force you to watch the ads and I watched all the Office webisodes.
I hope they get what they deserve - I had no idea writers weren't getting paid for online.
Good Luck
The Office is the best show on TV, best scripts and best performers. Good on them for standing up for what they deserve...their fair share. I'll be sad to see them off for a while, but I know this is the right thing. Stay strong!!
"I know that people in Hollywood are overpaid, this isn't about fixing our warped society it's about standing up for something you believe in. Steve, and the rest of the cast are supporting their friends. If you want to fix society get off your computer and go do something. Stop whining about Hollywood and it superficiality."
I see, you care more about Hollywood and missing your favorite TV show than society. You appear just as superficial and vain as Hollywood. Stadning up for greed, yup, thats a good value to stand up for. Pfft.
Anonymous (November 8, 2007 8:55 AM) wrote: "Under the previous contract, which expired Wednesday night, the six major studios must pay a minimum of $106,000 for an original screenplay, while networks must pay at least $20,956 for a teleplay for a prime-time comedy and $30,823 for a prime-time drama."
How much are the studios and networks making? It's a large pot and the writers aren't getting their fair of it. Comparing the $$$ that the average Angelino makes is a straw-man argument.
Good luck, writers.
"How much are the studios and networks making? It's a large pot and the writers aren't getting their fair of it. Comparing the $$$ that the average Angelino makes is a straw-man argument."
'A straw man argument is an informal fallacy based on misrepresentation of an opponent's position.'
Hardlya straw man argument. it is to simply point out that while the writers are crying about how little they make, they are actually making quite a bit of money. The simple fact is, the writers are crying "poor me" when the minimum they got under the old contract PER show was $20,592. Multiply that time 10+ shows per season. $200,000+ per year. That is nothing but greed.
Time for everyone to look on the State of CA's unclaimed property website. Seriously. That $28 in TW dividends might not have meant anything last week, Mr. Greg Daniels, but it may next week. And BJ, dude...
I did search for an old BF and found out that he's got over $5K unclaimed. Then again, he's a studio guy with a drug problem so fuck him.
"Hardlya straw man argument. it is to simply point out that while the writers are crying about how little they make, they are actually making quite a bit of money. The simple fact is, the writers are crying "poor me" when the minimum they got under the old contract PER show was $20,592. Multiply that time 10+ shows per season. $200,000+ per year. That is nothing but greed."
Um, except MOST of the writers are getting that kind of gig. Many of them get the chance to write a script a year for TV. Others might be able to sell a movie script every other year or so.
And ultimately, I'm not sure why you think the chairman of a network deserves TENS OF MILLIONS for his "work" and the actors deserve MILLIONS for their work while the people who actually make the shows possible don't deserve their fair share?????
Though it's true that writers and other "Hollywood" types earn salaries that pale in comparison to the average man's salary, you have to put those earnings into perspective. The studio execs are making a ton of money and this is just another example of leadership reaping the rewards of their hard-working staff. How many of us have worked overtime, weekends, etc. so that others can earn bigger profits? I'm not a Hollywood type but if I was creative enough to be a writer, I'd be right there holding a sign with them.
"Um, except MOST of the writers are getting that kind of gig. Many of them get the chance to write a script a year for TV. Others might be able to sell a movie script every other year or so."
Then maybe they should look into another line of work? Why would you go into an overpopulated field when there are other lines of work? I don't particularly like my job, its not what I wanted to do...However, I entered a field I knew had a lot of openings and knew I would make a decent living doing so. Be it so, TV is a waste of time.
"Americans spend nine times as many minutes watching TV or movies as they do on sports, exercise and all other leisure-time physical activities combined"
"When considering only the amount of time spent on an activity, the researchers found that, on average, Americans spent 170 minutes a day watching TV and movies, or nine times the number of minutes spent on all leisure-time physical activities combined. The average daily duration for driving a car was 101 minutes, nearly five times the amount spent on sports and other exercise."
Get off your duffs, turn your back on the trite Hollywood rag trade and do something. 99% of the garbage these "writers" put out isnt even worth watching.
Fuck unions. If it wasn't for the union, there would be competitive pay and writers could chose to work for the companies that want to pay them and to hell with the rest. Unions have no place in today's workplace.
We all support you :) JAM forevah
well, at least i do!
I doubt the "unionized" individuals who have this blog will allow any posts critical of them to stay up. You want the freedom to write garbage for TV yet you wont accord others the same freedom of speech.
Unions are useless in the modern world, and serve, as far as I can see considering the the raft of laws introduced over the past few decades, no real purpose but to take money from members and fund the union leaders expense accounts and salaries.
God Bless Steve. Way to go. That's how you show support. I support you guys in in the strike. I'm in a union at my job, so I know what you're guys are going through in terms of unfair compensation. Keep fighting.
you got me pegged, anonymous that left message at 9:32. I don't care about society. The truth is I just can't stand people that try to bring the breakdown of society into every arguement. Give me a break, if I stood for greed wouldn't I be backing the networks? Get off your high horse. Wouldn't you want something that you have earned? Don't lie, your the one preaching morality
"Get off your high horse. Wouldn't you want something that you have earned? Don't lie, your the one preaching morality"
Yep. I am preaching morality. Why do you think I dont bother to watch the garbage they show on TV or movies?
"Oh the businesses and corporations are making the money. boohoo."
And who owns the corporations? Stockholders. Who are the stockholders? Every single individual who has a 401k or other retirement plan. Which means that just about everybody. But you didn't think about that did you?
[Useless troll repellent, whose ingredients consist of sound logical arguments and impassioned pleas urging trolls to process my arguments, deleted by myself]
Attention, people who troll:
Do you know that you're probably earning way less than the average Angeleno to write poorly-reasoned, poorly-phrased, unoriginal, and/or irrelevant comments attacking unions and writers?
That's right: whatever those high-earning Hollywood executives (assuming you aren't among their ranks) are paying you is way too low! You are selling yourselves way too cheap! Outrageous!
You should definitely hold out for more. I can't wait for your strike, people who troll!
I know everyone else on this blog would support your refusal to write trolling comments for low-to-no pay & benefits. They know how it is. I know they would never cross your picket lines.
So, I am to assume that anyone who does not support unions or the writers is a troll. Nice leap of logic there. Unfortunately for you,I write this, not because I am being paid by any studio executive, but rather for the fact that unions do nothing but keep mediocre hacks in their well paid cushy jobs. You want some reality? try this then. There's a lot more people out there with better writing skills that live without medical, dental, or pay for a script that takes a week to write and earns you $20k minimum for writing it. Bother me when you get a real job.
"Yep. I am teaching morality. Why do you think I don't bother to watch the garbage they show on tv"
You got me! Why do you even have an opinion about this then? You didn't answer my question. Wouldn't you want money that you have helped earn? That's all this boils down to. If I helped bring in all this money through my talent and hardwork I expect my fair share. The writers aren't being greedy, they're being human
"You got me! Why do you even have an opinion about this then?"
Because I am allowed to?
"You didn't answer my question. Wouldn't you want money that you have helped earn? That's all this boils down to. If I helped bring in all this money through my talent and hardwork I expect my fair share."
So let me go tell my boss, "Hey! You made $6,500,000 profit last year! I deserve part of that because if it weren't for me you wouldn't have made so much!" See how long I keep that job. I'm happy to make the $85k a year I make. And you know what? I save most of it so if I DO get laid off I have enough to live on for a while.
Well I'll miss the office, but it is good that the writers are taking a stand...without the wonderful writers the office would not even exist...it's THE best show in tv and they deserve their due for making it!
Sooooo proud of Steve! I wish every actor would do the same and take a stand!
With my favorite TV show threatened by a long-term “hiatus” I am forced to reflect back to a time when television viewing choices were limited to three network channels, FOX didn’t exist and summertime meant you turned off your TV and went outside. Today it seems like there are more reality shows than news programs. Incredibly, I recently came across a reality show where psychics compete against each other. Yes, there are some good, quality shows on the air today but it seems like over the last decade or so, the bad programming outweighs the good. It’s time the studios appropriately compensate their talented writers and stop using reality shows as programming filler. I don’t think I can take one more “washed-up actor trying to rejuvenate his career by walking around in front of cameras in his underwear complaining about how being typecast killed his career and wondering where he went wrong in his life” reality shows. If I want that much reality, I’ll watch the writers strike on You Tube. It’s much more interesting.
Oh! But you are the one leaping to the conclusion that I think you -- anonymous at November 8, 2007 12:15 PM -- are, not a troll, but a person who trolls**. Maybe you're not! Let's see.
"There's a lot more people out there with better writing skills that live without medical, dental, or pay for a script that takes a week to write and earns you $20k minimum for writing it."
OK, I will try and understand what you phrased ambiguously: I am guessing that you meant to say that there are people who are either jobless or work in jobs other than writing, that these people also happen to be better writers than the ones striking, and that they work without medical, dental, or pay (or are jobless).
Why is that the WGA's problem that these people have not found a job or joined a union? Using this logic, a defender of unions could outrageously refute that this is actually the fault of the network executives who aren't giving out pay and benefits to those people, either.
I mean, do you understand the basic concept of a union? "[U]nions do nothing but keep mediocre hacks in their well paid cushy jobs." Oh, so you do understand!
So, you probably also understand that there are people who are willing to pay to advertise for, who want to watch, who want to buy the advertised products shown, the output of these "mediocre hacks". Why is that the WGA's fault?
The people of the WGA are not working. They're not being paid. So, you and all who "[do] not support unions or the writers" are in luck.
More good luck for unsupportive people's arguments: the writers may indeed need to find another line of work where there aren't so many in it. And if you all continue your lucky streak, these "people out there with better writing skills" who are willing to work for much less will indeed replace the writers of the WGA (though it may not be lucky in the future for such people who break strikes; see "Scabbing Doesn't Pay (For Long)").
People here have advanced plenty of arguments why they think being in a union is a good idea. Have you (and the other anonymous posters who have yet to differentiate yourselves (try "anonymous1", "anonymous4", etc.)) refuted any specific arguments?
Also, they're not simply "crying 'poor me'" as you or some other "anonymous" wrote. Many are claiming that they weren't paid at all for services rendered, which is what the subject of this post, the YouTube video, clearly states numerous times. Do you have a problem in general with the concept of being paid for work?
So, anonymous, November 8, 2007 12:15 PM, do I think you are a person who trolls? I'll be generous and say that you are coming really close.
**I try to use shorthand (writer/person who writes) only when it's meant to be a positive or neutral term that refers to said person or specific group of people. My use of the phrase "troll repellent" was technically an exception, I suppose.
Raymond:
You are getting part of that profit through your salary, and if you aren't quitting then you agree that you are being compensated fairly for the work that you do. You obviously don't get it. And by the way I don't give a shit what you make.
I understand and agree to why the guild is on a strike, but I've got to say that it kind of sucks because the Office is my favorite show. I get together every Thursday with a large group of friends and watch the new episodes. Does anyone know the likelyhood that the Office will never air again? I sure hope so.
i am personally very supportive of the strike. i work for the state (ohio) and we had a similar incident a few months back.... nothing happened but we tried. and it was actualy pretty different. but i signed the petition and i told about 30 other people to as well. So if theres anything else we can do let us know. i watch about an hour of tv a day and i would like that not to be i love new york or some other reality tv show..... GOOD LUCK! let us know how we can help!
also, the office is my favorite show. and now i feel bad for buying the dvd's. little did they know now i can just watch them and strike the network by not watching it and just watching the dvds. anything we can do to help.
I hate unions.
I didn't see Jim and Pam in the video. and they are by far the coolest members of The Office. So maybe there's hope.
Hey, let's cut the studios out of the loop! The internet wants to see the content, and is willing to watch ads to pay for it. Why do we need slimy middlemen?
i sincerely hope your strike is successful. as much as i hate the thought of no Office I don't blame any of you one bit. The Cast and Crew of this show are absolutely brilliant and deserve more credit and compensation. You are the blood, sweat and tears of the entertainment many of us take for granted. Seeing my favorite tv actors out their fighting "the man" is inspiring. Good luck in your fight and remember that your fans are behind YOU - not the networks.
(I now have one more reason to LOVE The Office and all the people who make it what it is! :))
Yea, speaking of the online-streamed-episodes: if the networks are going to make us sit through their commercials, they might as well pay these friggin' writers for the revenue they generate...def not fair...especially these writers, they bring such a breath of fresh air to television...i support them...but i only as one thing: if there are any episodes that do not make it to air this season, somehow, someway, make them available on dvd with the season 4 set...im a proud owner of all three seasons so id def buy in again...good luck
I've just been reading through these comments and I can not believe the amount of cynicism some people have. Just because you didnt achieve all your goals in life and all you wanted to, doesnt mean you have any right to shit on the writers and call them greedy while you sit back and work your awful 9-5.
Get over yourself and realize that some people have the ability to do great things; like write incredible scripts, while others are destined to forever work their meaningless jobs until they die, just because you lost your chance doesnt mean you have to criticize those who are trying to make it happen for themselves!
CHEERS TO THE WGA! CHEERS TO STEVE! LETS GET THESE PEOPLE WHAT THEY DESERVE SO THEY CAN GET BACK TO DOING WHAT THEY DO BEST AND I CAN ENJOY THEIR CREATIVITY AND GENIUS.
i love the office, but it's not worth watching knowing that people are creating something that so many people enjoy and appreciate so much and are not getting paid for it. in a perfect world it wouldn't matter and the writers would write for the joy of writing, but they have families to support. i am just praying that the studios get their heads out from where the sun doesn't shine and work things out so that everyone is happy.
Hmmm... do you have these at you
non-union job???
Eight-Hour Day
Five-Day Workweek
Health Insurance
Good Pensions
Paid Sick Leave
Fair Treatment for Women, People of Color and Workers with Disabilities
Higher Wages
Overtime Pay
Job Safety
Paid Holidays
Job Security
Severance Pay
Paid Vacations
Family and Medical Leave
The preceding benefits were brought to you by the working women and men of America's unions, who won them at the bargaining table and set the standard for all working families.
Instead of bashing Unions why don't you educate yourselves alittle better.
By the way: "YOUR WELCOME!!!"
WGA hang in there your union brothers and sisters support you all the way
STEVE CARROLL RULES!!!!!!!
There is a new site called http://www.synchronicitylive.com that you should check out. They stream music related events live on their site and if you have a band, you can play live on there. They stream in over 100countries and all 50 states.
do you get residuals on torrents? no? oh bummer.
The hollywood moneymaking model is f-d anyway. why don't these writers pool resources (aka get the rich ones to sponsor) and just launch their own sites. It's the 21st century. Viable micropayment systems exist. Of course then the internet would become regulated much faster, and it would be all new shows, no more office...f***, nevermind
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