It's too bad I'm not getting paid for this

Most of you have already seen this, but in case you haven't, here's a video about the writer's strike from one of the writers of the Daily Show:



What do you think about this? Personally, I think if you write content for a show, you should get paid for that content. If you write content for a website, you should also get paid for that content. However, I'm don't know whether or not they are striking about not getting paid for content they created specifically to be used online or content they created for TV being put online. Does that distinction even matter?

2 Responses to "It's too bad I'm not getting paid for this"

Chaser responded on 11/16/2007 4:31 PM #

I didn't make it through that whole video because my fat cat has decided to sit on my lap, but here's my take on the strike. First off, I've heard it explained that what they're fighting for is residual money from stuff they write for TV (or the movies) that then gets put online. Say an episode of The Office airs, and the writers get paid for it; they also get paid for any reruns that air. But if the company puts the episode online for people to watch, the writers don't get any money from that.

I feel kind of ambivalent about the strike. I do agree that they should get paid for stuff online the same as they would for TV, especially since things are going to be leaning more and more that way in the near future. However, in Jenna Fischer's blog she keeps mentioning how these residuals are how writers get paid between jobs, and I kind of feel like...who pays me between jobs? If I can't find work or don't feel like working, I don't get paid. Of course the nature of a writing job is far different from most jobs, but still. I will continue to be immature on that point. Mostly I just want my damn TV back, and I feel bad for all the movie and TV crew members who are getting screwed out of paychecks while the writers are on strike.

Jared Cherup responded on 11/17/2007 8:00 PM #

I guess my point of view is... anyone part of the creative process of making popular content should be compensated for anytime someone pays/views that content. That would also include editors , key grips, whatever. The writers behind most shows are what make them funny. The talent is just the people that are able to convey that wonderful writing. That's my view.