2007-2008 Writers Guild of America strike


2007 Hollywood Strike  

282 members have voted

  1. 1. Who do you support in the strike?

    • The AMPTP
      35
    • The WGA
      140
    • Undecided/Don't Care
      107


Recommended Posts

You do realize that the majority of the 10,500 writers, the majority of them don't make $30-40K a year, right?

You people need to get the facts before you start forming opinions it seems.

Yeah, apparently all these writers in Hollywood are rich. I never knew about that :rolleyes:

The funniest thing is that all these people opposed to the strike believe so because they don't have their facts straight. When you sit down, read a little, and really get a sense of what is happening it is pretty easy to support the writers.

When you sit down, read a little, and really get a sense of what is happening it is pretty easy to support the writers.

I disagree. I understand the facts and still can't be bothered with unions and strikers. It's hard to support a group of people who spend their time writing mindless entertainment.

I disagree. I understand the facts and still can't be bothered with unions and strikers. It's hard to support a group of people who spend their time writing mindless entertainment.

So you don't want any films, tv, etc.? So you don't think they should be payed for creating excellent work such as Pan's Labyrinth, Children of Men, Saving Private Ryan, A Beautiful Mind, etc.? Just because you don't watch this stuff doesn't mean that they shouldn't get paid for the work they do.

So you don't want any films, tv, etc.? So you don't think they should be payed for creating excellent work such as Pan's Labyrinth, Children of Men, Saving Private Ryan, A Beautiful Mind, etc.? Just because you don't watch this stuff doesn't mean that they shouldn't get paid for the work they do.

Sure I want them, but I don't need them. My life isn't going to feel empty because CSI or House stops airing. Yes, excellent work deserves higher pay.... but they are not being asked to be paid on the quality of their work. If they write crap, (i.e. CSI for example), expect to get paid crap. I understand they're just trying to make a living, and it's hard work writing for shows like CSI that put out 20 some odd episodes a season. But we would all like a little more money on a paychecks, that shouldn't be justification for them to strike... IMO.

Edited by OPaul
Sure I want them, but I don't need them. My life isn't going to feel empty because CSI or House stops airing. Yes, excellent work deserves higher pay.... but they are not being asked to be paid on the quality of their work. If they write crap, (i.e. CSI for example), expect to get paid crap. I understand they're just trying to make a living, and it's hard work writing for shows like CSI that put out 20 some odd episodes a season. But we would all like a little more money on a paychecks, that should be justification for them to strike... IMO.

You could say that about a lot of things though. We don't need cars, or the internet, or fast food. So let's stop paying them too.

Again most writers don't make over $30 to 40K a year. I may do a crappy job on a project, but that doesn't mean my boss is going to lower my pay for it. That doesn't happen in the real world. If I continue to do a bad job, then I get fired. The same thing happens with writers. They are released from their contracts or their contract isn't renewed when the project is over. If they did a crappy job, most likely they won't continue in the business. Or if they did do a crappy job, but the ratings were high and the money continues to flow in, then it isn't the writers fault, it is ours as a consumer to continue watching the stuff. I don't see how that's the writers' fault.

Sure I want them, but I don't need them. My life isn't going to feel empty because CSI or House stops airing. Yes, excellent work deserves higher pay.... but they are not being asked to be paid on the quality of their work. If they write crap, (i.e. CSI for example), expect to get paid crap. I understand they're just trying to make a living, and it's hard work writing for shows like CSI that put out 20 some odd episodes a season. But we would all like a little more money on a paychecks, that should be justification for them to strike... IMO.

In regards to compensation, there are two viable options:

1. Pay the writers at a much higher rate than they are paid now so that residuals are not factored. The pay would be significantly higher because there would be no income from DVD sales, online streaming, etc.

2. Pay them lower fees and then pay them a percentage of sales of their works. Studios make money in TV and online advertisements, box office sales, DVD sales, etc. They get residual income from those works, and the writers want this as well.

There really is no other option without going outside of having a union. Studios wouldn't like #1 because as you and others have noted, there is some bad crap out there, so why pay so much money for crap? If something that doesn't appear to be a big deal becomes one (Matrix comes to mind here because I'm sure they didn't expect it to become such a cult hit, as well with Heroes), then they have future money coming in based on sales, not just advertising. Studios would come out further ahead if they paid big bucks for something that is hugely successfull, but hits are few and far between each of the mediocre content that is usually dished out. For this reason, #2 is done. Lower initial investment, if it's a hit, it generates more money in future sales. Bleh, enough business talk, I'm starting to feel tainted.

So you don't want any films, tv, etc.? So you don't think they should be payed for creating excellent work such as Pan's Labyrinth, Children of Men, Saving Private Ryan, A Beautiful Mind, etc.? Just because you don't watch this stuff doesn't mean that they shouldn't get paid for the work they do.

They do get paid, plenty enough. YOU need to get the facts straight. You seem to love making comparisons so let me give you a few so that you know how silly you sound.

If I buy a TV from Best Buy, should I send a check to the manufacturer everytime I turn it on?

If I hire an employee with a salary rate, should I pay him individually for every task he completes?

If I get my brakes done on my car, should I tip the mechanic everytime they stop me at a stopsign?

If I order a steak at a restaurant, should I give an additonal dollar for every bite I take?

I can go on and on, these writers are trying to make themselves look like something they are NOT.

Writing is the same as any other job, you get paid a said rate for a service, if you don't like it, find another profession. GET OVER IT!

They do get paid, plenty enough. YOU need to get the facts straight. You seem to love making comparisons so let me give you a few so that you know how silly you sound.

If I buy a TV from Best Buy, should I send a check to the manufacturer everytime I turn it on?

If I hire an employee with a salary rate, should I pay him individually for every task he completes?

If I get my brakes done on my car, should I tip the mechanic everytime they stop me at a stopsign?

If I order a steak at a restaurant, should I give an additonal dollar for every bite I take?

So who should get the money every time you buy a DVD? Just the studios? No one else should?

Your examples don't work in the film industry at all. Again this is a union thing, something you obviously aren't going to get.

The writers get only $.04 per $20 DVD sale. That's not a lot of money there.

Consider this, the recently retired CEO of Viacom (parent company of CBS) got a $60,000,000 severance package while the writers, the guys and gals who do the real work creating the content we see on CBS may only make $30 to 40K a year. Some how that doesn't make sense.

Yet you couldn't care less.

Check these videos out:

&
Edited by Hurmoth
Consider this, the recently retired CEO of Viacom (parent company of CBS) got a $60,000,000 severance package while the writers, the guys and gals who do the real work creating the content we see on CBS may only make $30 to 40K a year. Some how that doesn't make sense.

Of course it doesn't make any sense. But it is no different then any other large organization. The guy on top is always going to make more money then the guys holding everything together at the bottom.

Of course it doesn't make any sense. But it is no different then any other large organization. The guy on top is always going to make more money then the guys holding everything together at the bottom.

Then if it isn't right for a CEO, who didn't create the content to begin with, to get that kind of money, then what's wrong with giving the writers a piece of the pie?

That's what I don't get about some of your positions (maybe not you specifically OPaul), but the writers are asking for something that will only cost the studios roughly $153 million over the next three years (that's 5 or 6 major studios). Why is that such a big deal?

They created the content and some barely make ends meat vs the cost of living in Hollywood and NY City. So one writer may go from $30 to 40K a year to $35 to 45K a year (obviously that depends on the writer, the content, how popular the show is, etc.).

All of these figures are based on a percent to begin with, but what the WGA is asking for is pennies to the producers.

Here's an interesting question for those who say that the writers don't deserve residuals.

Do you think authors of novels should continue to get residuals for their novels that they write after it is published? Or just a one time fee and everything else goes to the publisher?

This is essentially the same thing.

Or how about this. Musicians get money for every CD that's sold and because of iTunes they get money for legal purchases online. Now they're setup differently (non-union) because there's so many different distributors in that business as opposed to the film/tv industry where there's only 5 or 6 major studios.

Anyone see Letterman and Conan last night? So hilarious. Haven't seen Conan that funny in a while. (Y)

The strike beards are the best.

I saw some clips, they were funny, how long can they keep that up tho! (the beards also :laugh: )

Anyone see Letterman and Conan last night? So hilarious. Haven't seen Conan that funny in a while. (Y)

The strike beards are the best.

I recorded Conan but haven't watched it yet. Letterman was pretty good, but Craig Ferguson was a riot :laugh:

To those not supporting the writers, I don't get you. The writers make their money off residuals for everytime their episode it aired on TV, so why should it be any different everytime the episode is aired online?

Unless you think they shouldn't get residuals for TV airings either, in which case they aren't making much at all.

-Spenser

Oh God, what has the Writers Strike done?! :p

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVxbAvD1onc

If this strike drags on for long enough he will probably eventually do that show he's always talking about where he dances for the whole hour.

If this strike drags on for long enough he will probably eventually do that show he's always talking about where he dances for the whole hour.

Question is tho is it gonna be as "good" as American Gladiators

These are the dates of the Finales...

BY DATE:

Women?s Murder Club (ABC) Jan. 4

Desperate Housewives (ABC) Jan. 6

Gossip Girl (CW) Jan. 9

CSI (CBS) Jan. 10

Grey?s Anatomy (ABC) Jan. 10

My Name Is Earl (NBC) Jan. 10

30 Rock (NBC) Jan. 10

Family Guy (Fox) Jan. 13

CSI Miami (CBS) Jan. 14

NCIS (CBS) Jan. 15

ER (NBC) Jan. 17

Without A Trace (CBS) Jan. 17

Moonlight (CBS) Jan. 18

Life Is Wild (CW) Jan. 20

Law & Order: SVU (NBC) Jan. 22

Ugly Betty (NBC) Jan. 24

Brothers & Sisters (ABC) Jan. 27

Boston Legal (ABC) Jan. 29

Friday Night Lights (NBC) Feb. 8

Cashmere Mafia (ABC) Feb. 13

Scrubs (NBC) Feb. 14

Psych (USA) Feb. 15

Prison Break (Fox) Feb. 18

Samantha Who? (ABC) Feb. 18

Nip/Tuck (FX) Feb. 19

Las Vegas (NBC) Feb. 22

Monk (USA) Feb. 22

Medium (NBC) March 3

Terminator (Fox) March 3

Stargate Atlantis (SciFi) March 7

The Wire (HBO) March 9

Breaking Bad (AMC) March 16

Kyle XY (ABC Family) March 17

Lost (ABC) March 20

L Word (Showtime) March 23

Quarterlife (NBC) March 24

Jericho (CBS) March 25

In Treatment (HBO) March 25

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • US citizens are paying to their government, who could use that to fund healthcare and tuition and relieve the costs of these for citizens instead of making tax breaks that overwhelmingly favor the rich. I'm not saying that tariffs are the correct solution, but what else would they be used for? What else could Trump have in mind for wanting them, if he hasn't figured out that labor costs are higher in the US?
    • I’m in need of a new chair and it sounds like the backrest cannot be locked? I also sat on a Herman miller and was devastated that it couldn’t be locked also, what is going on with chairs. I want to be able to lock the backrest into any position but not even the Herman’s do that
    • Sihoo Doro C300 Pro V2 Ergonomic Office Chair review: The Ikea of chairs by Steven Parker I've reviewed a few gaming chairs over the past three years or so and generally found them to score well in our reviews. SIHOO reached out asking if I was interested in taking a look at their flagship chair, the Doro C300 Pro V2. I never got the chance to check out its predecessor, but the V2 is described as an "Adaptive Ergonomic Chair." It became available to buy in April of this year. Let's get things rolling with a closer look at the specifications and features. Specifications Doro C300 Pro V2 Model Ergonomic Materials Mesh Back and Seat; Soft PU Coated Armrests Height adjustability 45.5 - 53 cm / 17.5" - 20.9" Seat (w+d) 52 x 43 - 47 cm / 20.5" x 16.9" - 18.5" (adjustable) Backrest 52 – 60 cm / 20.5" - 23.6" (adjustable) Lumbar support Mesh built-in (adjustable) Armrest adjustability 8D Bionic Armrests Rocking angle 105°, 120°, 135° (fixed) Neck support Mesh built-in (adjustable) Net weight 27.3 kg / 59.64 lbs Weight support 150 kg / 330 lbs Colors Black, White Warranty 5 years (upon registering) Price $499.99, $539.99 Introduction At first glance, it looks like a chair that in another life wants to be a Herman Miller; It certainly looks like my Aeron Remastered, but the Doro C300 Pro V2 has quite a few more features and costs quite a bit less. SIHOO says that it is made up of a "DynaCore" system that tracks your movement and synchronizes the headrest, backrest, lumbar support, and armrests as you shift, twist, or recline. They also say that the "SyncroFlex Backrest" molds to your spine, which kind of describes how the mesh fabric works in most ergonomic chairs, but anyway. Below are the meat and potatoes measurements for the chair. Here is the same tech sheet, but in inches. Durability I would be remiss to not talk about the various durability testing this chair underwent before coming to market, as this is claimed on the product page. First of all, the chair is BIFMA-, SGS-, and TÜV-certified. As for durability, the tests undergone were: 100,000 Castor cycles tested 120,000 Armrest cycles tested 120,000 Recline cycles tested 120,000 Gas lift cycles tested 60,000 Armrest durability cycles tested 120,000 Rotation cycles tested Nothing about weights testing, though. Now that's all disclosed, now onto my own personal findings. Assembly The Doro C300 Pro V2 came in two large boxes (1) (2), and everything was packed very well, protecting the different parts of the chair. In the box, there is a folded sheet that explains the 12 steps to assemble it; they are: Remove the bottom cover on the aluminum base; Insert the five legs into the aluminum base and use ten screws to fasten them; Insert the castors into the legs; Replace the bottom cover on the bottom of the aluminum base; Place the Class 4 Hydraulics gas cylinder into the aluminum base; Screw the bottom part of the arm rests, taking care of the orientation using two screws on each side; Use three torx screws to fasten the footrest to the bottom of the seat; Fasten the backrest to the seat using four torx bolts; Fasten the armrests to the backrest using four Torx bolts (two on each side), taking care to note the orientation; Place the chair onto the Class 4 Hydraulics gas cylinder; Insert the headrest into the top of the backrest; Use two torx screws to fasten the headrest to the backrest. There's also an online guide you can refer to. Carefully unpacking the two boxes took around 15 minutes because almost everything is wrapped in plastic and protective foam; the chair assembly itself took around an hour. I say in the above assembly steps to take note of the orientation, because it's not obvious which way around the bottom portion of the armrests go, and although there is an L and R on the bottom of the armrests, it also wasn't clear from the instructions which was actually left or right, facing the chair, or in the seated down orientation? Anyway, I ended up putting the bottom portions on the wrong sides, and after securing one of the armrests, I discovered that although it was on the correct side, the armrest base could rotate a full 360°, but not when bolted to the chair, so I had to remove it, rotate it, and then bolt it back on. Truly an Ikea experience! Also, to complicate things further, although all the parts are labeled from A to X (yes, that's 24 parts) unhelpfully, these letters do not appear on the parts themselves or the package with the bolts, screws, and washers. There's also a pair of protective gloves in the box, but I think they were made for much smaller hands than I have. Even my friend, who is 5.1, had difficulty putting them on. Once assembled, I needed to sit down. Anyway, as I said, it looks quite similar to my Herman Miller. And here is the back of it. If you look at the product page and on Amazon, it seems like a lot of thought has gone into the chair itself and what it's capable of, but there is no mention at all about the castors, and this is an area where I think the chair trips up quite quickly. I found it difficult to move the chair in any direction. I asked a friend who came to visit me earlier this week to test my findings, and she said that the wheels were "no good," so it definitely isn't just me. I am 6'2 myself and a big guy, I work from home and gained a few pounds from mostly staying in and the hell away from other people. However, the Doro C300 Pro V2 is rated for up to 150kg (330lbs), which in my case is used well within its max rating. Ergonomics The number of adjustments you can make, right up to setting it in nap mode — which I haven't fully tested yet — is what you'd expect from a premium chair. Yes, you can go up and down (max 7.5 cm adjustment), rock back and forth (with tilt adjustment), and lock the chair between three stages of 105°, 120°, 135°, which is not quite as flat as the AndaSeat I tested at 160°. Some thought has also gone into the "8D" armrests, too, which are cushioned but quite firm; you'll only know it if you press hard into the PU-covered tops, which give about half a centimeter, but it's enough to ensure your skin won't get awkwardly stuck to it in warmer (or sweatier) conditions. It almost feels like plastic and is very easy to keep clean. However, the armrest positions move far too easily, and I am not sure what that "elbow" function is. Maybe it is good for a short person with short arms, anyway, I never used it and kept it flat at all times. There are eight levels of adjustment for the armrests, they are: backwards, forwards, swing left/right, height up and down, tilt, and 360° rotation, which can be handy for desk clearance. As I said, the armrest pads shift far too easily, which could give off an ergonomic vibe, but who wants the armrest sliding when you are shifting weight? The height adjustability does lock into place when lifting and adjusting. Comfort This is ultimately what it boils down to at the end of the day, right? Quite a lot of reviews praise the comfort of this chair, and I don't disagree that the mesh seating is quite comfortable. I am used to the material from my daily Herman Miller. However, the backrest cannot be locked into place, and this is actually a feature; as you shift or recline yourself on the chair, the backrest moves with your body. It took some getting used to. The lumbar gives ample support, but I would have preferred an adjustable one built into the seat base, as this causes the backrest to move up and down at will. Again, as with my previous chair review, this chair is also rated for tall people, but nowhere in the product documentation does it say how tall. Being 6'2 myself, I'm happy to say that the backrest is tall and wide enough, and thought has been given to being able to adjust the neck rest, but as others have mentioned in their reviews, people as tall as 6.2ft is about the limit for the neckrest. Conclusion What I didn't like The footrest is rated for 15kg (33 lbs), which to me seems a bit light, and after looking online, it seems like a chair footrest for adults must be at least twice that rating. In all honesty, they are just hollow metal tubes, so it is not recommended to let a kid sit on them. I also feel like it doesn't really go out far enough for my height, so that kind of puts the dampener on me being able to use it regularly. I'll just have to continue to use my subwoofer as a footrest! I do not like the armrests being able to shift around as easily as they can, and they are a little too forward-positioned in the chair to comfortably sit close to my desk, because even in the lowest height position, they don't allow me to go under the desk like is possible with my Herman Miller. I also feel like this chair could have been delivered partially constructed, especially the armrests on the seat, and why the aluminum base wasn't already pre-constructed (without the castors) is baffling, considering it would have fit in one of the two boxes that way. The instructions also need to be clearer. On the pamphlet, there's an A to X listing (which is also used in the steps), but none of the physical parts use this lettering system! What I did like I'll be honest, I haven't used it for very long, just one week, and seating comfort is subjective after all! Any spills wiped straight off it, the stitching, and the lines look great, not a fray to be seen or stitch out of place. It looks kind of cool, too. My favorite feature of these seats is the nap mode. While you're not lying completely flat, it leans far back enough to make you easily doze off after a heavy gaming or working session. Overall, this chair offers plenty of comfort features. The MSRP does vary quite a bit depending on the region, at £549.99 in the UK, and €580 in Europe, and $599 before tax in the U.S. However, shipping is free, which is a bonus for such a heavy item. Is it worth it, though? At three years' warranty, I think it's a decent deal. Another firm out of Germany sent me a free replacement hydraulic gas spring for a chair that failed after almost four years, so it was well outside its two-year warranty. My advice is to always try, as you might have the same luck I did. If I could fault it at all, it would be the constant shifting of the armrests and backrest. Where to buy Although the footrest variant normally costs $539.99, it has been discounted to $469.99 on the official website in Black or White. In fact, the non-footrest variant is only $40 cheaper. On Amazon, it currently costs more at $499.99 links below. Sihoo Doro C300 Pro V2 for $469.99 (official website) Sihoo Doro C300 Pro V2 for $499.99 at Amazon US SIHOO provided a free sample without any review or pre-approval. Good to know This Amazon link is U.S. specific, and not available in other regions unless specified. We only use first-party seller links (at the time of article publishing); ensure that you purchase from a first-party seller link only. Check out Today's Deals on Amazon | or our recent tech deals. Become a Prime member (for Students or SNAP) via Neowin Get Prime Access - Prime for half price (for qualifying Medicaid, EBT, SNAP) Subscribe to Prime Video, Audible Plus, Music Unlimited or Kindle Unlimited via Neowin As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • Making US citizens pay is a prominent tool? Joke of the week…
  • Recent Achievements

    • Conversation Starter
      jessse3334 earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • Reacting Well
      JuvenileDelinquent earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • One Month Later
      Excellence2025 earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      Excellence2025 earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Week One Done
      flexorcist earned a badge
      Week One Done
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      506
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      206
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      151
    4. 4
      Steven P.
      73
    5. 5
      macoman
      62
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!