An open letter on behalf of the WGA

Dear Studio Executive,

I have been having a bit of trouble understanding the position taken by the television and movie studios in their actions against the WGA. If I were to digitally distribute copies of television shows and movies without paying the people who made them, you would call it "theft" or "piracy," and would no doubt bring the coercive power of the state down on me.

But when the studios do this it's supposed to be okay? I seem to recall an advertising campaign which highlighted the negative impact that digital piracy has on the livelihoods of the cast and crew of movies. It pointed out that when people copy films rather than paying for them they aren't just hurting the rich executives, such as yourself, but the little people--such as the writers--who are just getting by and need that income to make ends meet.

Those ads were correct to point this out. I have family who work making movies, so I know how true this is, and make sure to always watch films through legitimate sources.

And yet you, the studios, refuse to follow the rules you promote for other people. You refuse to pay residuals on profit made from work distributed over the internet. There are words for that. Hypocrisy. Piracy. Theft.

The writers are right to resort to a strike over this. It is a basic question of justice and fairness. I have joined them on the picket lines and will do so again. I hope that you soon decide to do what is right and pay your workers for their work.

Thank you.

http://www.americanrightsatwork.org/external/striking-writers-need-your-help.html