When I'm In Charge, November's Gonna Be Different

When I'm in charge, November is going to be a little different.

I'd never be so crass as to ban early holiday displays, of course. Besides being mean, it would just make people start pitching Christmas trees even earlier in a show of defiance, and that would be plain counterproductive.

However, when I'm in charge, all pre-December Christmas trappings will be strongly discouraged, with the exceptions of the following:

1. Seasonally-flavored coffee drinks, especially Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice concoction. That, right there, is some good stuff. But if you want that egg nog-flavored stuff... have at it. More Pumpkin Spice for me.
   
   
2. A Charlie Brown Christmas. The soundtrack is too smooth (in a jazzy sort of way, not a Muzak-y sort of way) to put anyone on edge. It may be the only in-store music that I ever see anyone grinning about. The actual special is pretty freakin' good, too.
   

Who's with me? Show of lattes!

That Strike Post

When I watch something on a network's web site, I have to sit through what's obviously paid advertising.

If I legally download or stream a movie, I pay for the product.

I've done more than my share of work on network and studio web sites, and I think I'm qualified to make the blisteringly obvious statement that said networks and studios wouldn't be involved in new media distribution if they weren't making money off of it.

And the studios have the chutzpah to tell writers that they're not making anything at all back on new media?

Here are two things about showbiz that many who aren't in the midst of it may not realize: Writers are at the bottom of the Hollywood totem pole, and studio accountants can make numbers say anything they want. They can even try to convince those lowly writers -- you know, the people without whom the studios wouldn't have any product to push -- that there's no money in online sales.

They can try, even if it's in the face of reams of evidence to the contrary.

And we can stand up, hoist a picket sign, look the producers in the collective eye, and say, "We don't believe you." And, "We'd like our share."

(The producers, I'm sure, have a completely different perspective. Unfortunately, they seem to be speaking in an entirely different language, and they don't seem interested in using an interpreter.)

If you're a writer or an actor, this affects you. If you appreciate quality film and television, this affects you. If you work for a studio, agency or production company in any capacity, this affects you. For more in-depth information, opinions and reportage -- and suggestions for what you can do to support the writers, should you be so inclined -- please visit the United Hollywood blog. If you're a fan, you should also check out fans4writers.com. And throw a few bucks in the Food for Thought bucket while you're at it. The pizza delivery people are being hit, too.

A Note To Everyone, Everywhere, About Everything

RTFM. Can't find TFM? Google is your friend. Hang out with it. It will save us both a lot of time. 'Kay? 'Kay. Love you! *totally sincere air smooch*