In support of writers.
theleast on Nov. 8, 2007
On several occasions I have mentioned how proud I am that I have not missed a single update for Crimson Dark since it began in June last year, so please understand that I haven't made this decision lightly. The issue at stake is that writers for TV and Film in America are not receiving a fair share of residual income (ie: royalties) from distribution of their work in new, digital formats (especially the internet). Most of these writers are earning far less than the studio executives they work for, even though their work is the foundation of the studios' profits. Thus writers have come out on strike, including the irrepressible Joss Whedon and the magnificent Jane Espenson - two people who have been huge influences in my own writing.
To learn more, visit the Writers Guild of America, or watch the announcement of the strike on YouTube.
As an Australian who has neither written for TV nor Film, I am not directly affected by the strike. But I think it is time for an economic model which places as much value on creative output as it does on business savvy, so I fully support the writers in their strike and hope that a favourable solution can be negotiated.
The comic will resume regular updates on Monday, I apologise for this brief interruption.
garfalk at 8:38PM, Nov. 11, 2007
i salute the writers, and you for bringing this to more people's attention. i will gladly miss episodes of shows, and days of this, until they get what they deserve.
thip at 10:39AM, Nov. 10, 2007
Every storyteller is affected by this - it concerns making every story seller and consumer aware of where those stories come from.
kenm at 8:56PM, Nov. 9, 2007
Here, here. No apology necessary. If more people would stand up for or just find something to truly believe in, we would have a much finer world to live in.
Shady One at 6:48PM, Nov. 9, 2007
Couldn't agree more. I think that entertainment companies are about to learn that you can't simply replace great writers with hacks when they strike. As much as it pains me that I may miss some Heros episodes they can't step on the writers. They need them. Everyone who has ever written anything knows the pain when you are not recognized for something you put blood sweat and tears into.
LIZARD_B1TE at 1:35PM, Nov. 9, 2007
woah. I can't believe this is the first time I've heard of this.
nerdsareinvading at 8:11AM, Nov. 9, 2007
...quite...
DAJB at 5:50AM, Nov. 9, 2007
Not directly affected? Don't forget that the rather unethical "work-for-hire" contracts so popular with the mainstream comics companies are based on the Hollywood film industry's practices. If the TV and film writers can get a better deal, maybe it will pave the way for comic writers and artists to be given more equitable contracts too. you know - just maybe!
psychob_ch at 5:10AM, Nov. 9, 2007
kudos