Media professionals in other fields (news, marketing, PR) are being forced to adapt, learn new skills, take on new responsibilities, etc. Social media, anyone? But they’re sucking it up because they want to continue to put food on the table; but more than that, they know there are ten other guys out there willing to do it for less. That’s the reality. Can you imagine if Tom Cruise was a newcomer and asked for $20 million up front and then “Lions for Lambs” earns $6 like it did? It’s unheard of. You can’t put the cart before the horse. And that’s what the writers want.

I can’t help but wonder what would happen if media professionals went on strike for similar reasons; who would cover the WGA then? If I were a member of the Guild, I would focus on my negotiation skills. It’s hard for a “commoner” to relate to writers and actors from their Hollywood mansions, and “air conditioned rooms.” You’d think the writers could write themselves a better campaign.