First and foremost, we must state that sure, the writers deserve compensation for their work that ends up being delivered via the Internet. Absolutely. There is no question on that. How the producers could think otherwise is unimaginable. Nonetheless, forcing the cancellation of the awards shows is petty. Waivers could and should be given. Actors should not be made to feel they are crossing a picket line, and, actually, the work up for nominations was written, in most cases, years ago. This cancellation hurts everyone: writers, actors, directors, composers, producers, and absolutely everyone that has anything to do with the making of a movies and television from the musicians to the technicians to the make-up artists to the best boys and dolly grips. It's bad enough that the strike has put hundreds of thousands of people out of work for months but every industry affiliated with either television or movies is suffering. This cannot go on. Still, the central point here is the cancellation of the awards show and substitution of a press conference. Well, it will be quicker and probably less suspenseful. Why not just post a list on the bulletin board outside the theatre? The WGA shows a lack of character and good faith by not issuing waivers for this event. They are cutting off their proverbial nose to spite their face and, perhaps, giving insight into their true colors. Are they or are they not working in good faith in the negotiations? This failure to issue a waiver may provide a glimpse into their thinking and tactics. If they were operating in good faith, they would issue a waiver because the ceremony is to honor their members and the actors/directors that bring their efforts to life for work that was completed long before the strike. Moreover, had they issues waivers, they would have demonstrated that they really do care about the industry and all the lives being negatively impacted by their failure to get this deal done. Instead, they are asserting their authority to bring the industry to a complete halt. Can they afford to dismantle the industry at a time when the Internet is providing so many new and compelling entertainment alternatives? Do they risk alienating their entire fan base? Perhaps.
Ultimately, this situation may get worse before it gets better. As private deals are being struck, eventually the effectiveness of the union will be nullified. Producers may opt to revert to a union-busting mentality with private deals for all. And ultimately as much as the producers may be equally to blame, it is the WGA that comes out looking like the bad guys to the fans.
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