Strike and stuff

We live in the vicinity of Universal Studios, and I've driven by there a couple of times since the writers' strike began. I've seen plenty of "strikes" elsewhere at which there's one or two people holding up a giant sign that says something like, "Shame on Ramses Construction". You see those and don't really think about them. This WGA strike is interesting because it's the first time I've really been up close with a strike that I understand enough to form an opinion. I see the writers' point.

Sometimes people read a few things in the paper and conclude that the strike is all about these filthy rich writers who already make tons of money off their cushy little jobs wanting even more money so they can fuel there coke habits. They're not all filthy rich, and not all have coke habits. I think. My understanding of this particular strike is that it is based on the considerations of "emerging media" or other fancy terms for internet streaming, downloads, etc. More and more entertainment is being offered via the web, and writers feel like now's the time to make sure there's an appropriate compensation structure in place to cover it. I agree with them. It is important. The trend seems to be toward more offerings online, which could conceivably take a huge chunk out of conventional TV/cable or replace it. You snooze you lose in this case. The studios and corporations want to deny or discount the potential of the internet becoming a major profit source for them. Here's where they lose me. If it's not going to be that big a deal, then...umm...what's the big deal? Let the writers have a percentage of $0. But it's not $0. There are ads on the websites. The online episodes may have ads before and/or after the viewing. As promotional material it drives viewers back to the network or particular channel. It would seem to be all tied in together to me. The outcome of this strike will affect the upcoming negotiations for SAG and other unions. So, it affects me. I hope it gets resolved soon.