Recently I watched a couple of episodes of a favorite show online, as the network had announced that they would *not* be broadcast. I had to send some fan mail to the original author, who is conveniently on LJ.
She gently pointed out that this was exactly what the writer's strike is about--money is made every time somebody streams a show from a network provider. Feeling chastened, I looked around for someplace to send an offsetting contribution, some kind of penance. Remarkably, did not find anything suitable. There must be sites out on the net where honest people are collecting money to support striking writers and out-of-work production staff, but I couldn't manage to find any.
So, for me, the next-best-thing turned out to be joining the Guild itself. They have an associate membership category for wannabe writers who haven't (yet!) managed to make any real money from their writing. The only qualification necessary for this level is the ability to write a check--or at least charge $75 to a credit card. That's definitely more than I'd had in mind originally. . .but I've got to say, I feel pretty good about it.
And it's occurred to me that a considerable number of the folks on my slender friends list are guilty of fanfic, or even slash. And they link to some very large number of like minds on LJ. So guys, send this notion around. If 100 fic writers join WGA, there's several mortgage payments covered. And I'd be willing to bet there are as many as 10,000 of you out there. Ante up!
She gently pointed out that this was exactly what the writer's strike is about--money is made every time somebody streams a show from a network provider. Feeling chastened, I looked around for someplace to send an offsetting contribution, some kind of penance. Remarkably, did not find anything suitable. There must be sites out on the net where honest people are collecting money to support striking writers and out-of-work production staff, but I couldn't manage to find any.
So, for me, the next-best-thing turned out to be joining the Guild itself. They have an associate membership category for wannabe writers who haven't (yet!) managed to make any real money from their writing. The only qualification necessary for this level is the ability to write a check--or at least charge $75 to a credit card. That's definitely more than I'd had in mind originally. . .but I've got to say, I feel pretty good about it.
And it's occurred to me that a considerable number of the folks on my slender friends list are guilty of fanfic, or even slash. And they link to some very large number of like minds on LJ. So guys, send this notion around. If 100 fic writers join WGA, there's several mortgage payments covered. And I'd be willing to bet there are as many as 10,000 of you out there. Ante up!