Whedonesque : Comments on 14772 : Arise and Seize the Pencils...

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November 17 2007

Arise and Seize the Pencils... Our Evil(it's not evil) Master(we're not masters) Plan is ready to unleash(it's not a dog).(!)

Well, United Hollywood has fine-tuned the pencil concept into an organized and potentially awesomely visual penstravaganza! Witness the electronic mail messed forth to showrunner types:

Pencils2MediaMoguls

This week, United Hollywood (the blog) met with a group of showrunners who have particularly vocal fan bases. We discussed the fans’ eagerness to put their energy to use in a unified campaign, and this is what we came up with:

Several fan sites have suggested sending pencils into the networks and studios, and some of them are already doing it. It’s a great idea, and we’d like to take it a step further – get everyone buying pencils at the same time, from the same vendor, to be delivered in masses (like the peanuts were for Jericho.) All the fandoms working together, in concert. It seems that the conglomerates take it for granted that the fans will always be there to purchase content, that their concerns about the strike don’t matter. This is a chance for the fans to show that they do matter.

The campaign itself is fairly simple. We’d like to start it right away, and it goes like this:

Point the fans to http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/, where there will be a banner or button allowing them to click through to buy boxes of pencils. The pencils are plain wooden #2’s, and the company uses sustainable farming for the wood (seriously. They do.) The pricing will be “a buck a box.” (Sustainably harvested wood pencils + PayPal cost per transaction puts us a little higher than the cost of a box if you buy at Office Depot, sorry.) If there’s any money left over, it will be donated to the Union Solidarity Fund, which is a nonprofit for non-WGA members affected by the strike.

When fans click to buy the pencils, they can choose to identify the show they are supporting if they want. (This will generate a database of fans by show – among other things, allowing showrunners to thank fans by group if they want to.)

The pencils will be delivered in bulk, by trucks, like the peanuts were. The deliveries will be to the 6 CEOs of the 6 congloms (Disney, News Corp, Viacom, Time Warner, CBS, GE) one by one – we’ll probably start with GE. If we get enough to pencils to do all 6, then we will. If we don’t, we’ll concentrate on one or two.

If the logistics can be worked out, showrunners who choose to can take part in a “load the pencils” photo op – unpacking the boxes of pencils and shoveling them into bins or boxes for transport to the CEO’s. The visual has the potential to be worth a thousand words – for the fans as well as the general public.

We will suggest that the fans send a message similar to this: “We’re all on the same page. Make a fair deal.”

This has the potential to be a historic moment in fan history – the first time that all fandoms band together to show that they are a force to be reckoned with to the corporate world. Given the passion and commitment the fans are already showing, this seems a good way to both show our appreciation and respect, as well as giving them the direction they’ve been requesting.

We hope you’ll be willing to join us in this effort. It won’t be our last.

Carol Barbee Jericho
John Aboud
United Hollywood

Jane Espenson
Buffy, Battlestar Galactica
Jeffrey Berman
United Hollywood

Rob McElhenney
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Laeta Kalogridis
United Hollywood

Ron Moore
Battlestar Galactica

Marti Noxon
Buffy, Private Practice

Jaime Paglia
Eureka

Bill Prady
Two and a Half Men

Shonda Rhimes
Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice

Stephanie Savage
Gossip Girl

Joss Whedon
Buffy, Angel, Firefly, Dollhouse

Pretty offical sounding, huh? Like grown-ups would do. Well, I, as a showrunner... (but with no show... If I have no show, am I a showrunner? What would Jubal Early say?) Anyhoo I'm a tirribly impahtant Hollyville muckity so my opinion counts oodles. And I think this will be very cool. Let's make our (unsharpened) point. I seriously want to spend a day wading in actual pencils with a big ol' snowshovel. And I want the Execs to understand that forcing one show off the air can rouse the public to make themselves heard in a fairly dramatic fashion, but forcing ALL of them off the air... well, might just be a tetch more dramatical-er. Now you all kinda got your own Union. And it's time to strike.

"CBS and Fox, they think were nothin'!
Are we nothin'? NO!
CBS and Fox they think they got us,
Do they got us? NO!
Even though we all wear scarves and glasses,
We're a union, just by sayin' so...
And the world will know!"

So here goes.

Yours ever, -j.

joss | Purple prose | 19:36 CET | 294 comments total | tags: strike, grand symbolic gestures, #2, joss post

Best. Demonstration of the power of the people. Ever. This is why you're my master now, Joss. :D

swanland | November 17, 19:45 CET

I still say we make pencils that taste like bacon.

But I s'pose this makes a bit more sense.

Good lookin' out sir.(!)

(did nobody but me watch Pinky and the Brain? C'mon!)

[ edited by bobw1o on 2007-11-17 19:47 ]

bobw1o | November 17, 19:46 CET

At only a buck a pop, I think I'm gonna have some fun with the show name field. Or will that just confuse their database?

dreamlogic | November 17, 19:48 CET

Woohoo! Sounds like a plan! :D

Trek_Girl42 | November 17, 19:49 CET

Pssst. What show do we want to support?

Simon | November 17, 19:50 CET

Thanks, Joss!

I'm off to buy a bunch of pencils, and I've never been more excited to buy a bunch of pencils.

Dizzy | November 17, 19:53 CET

Joss, will you wear glasses and a fancy scarf on Mutant Enemy Day?

The Pencil Campaign rocks. I like that they are from the same vendor and environmentally friendly.

electricspacegirl | November 17, 19:54 CET

A call to arms! I have never underestimated the power of a pencil since I saw Willow take out a vamp with a floaty one.

Ooh a Joss post only eight comments old.... I was going for 'Dollhouse' Simon, but I could always do a few more :)

The Do That Girl | November 17, 19:56 CET

I woulda thought that individual mailings would have been more, uh, striking; and I thought putting dot 5 % after the 2 (making it read 2.5%) was big with the coolage. But I get the logic of this (especially sustainability).

Uh, Joss?

Should this happen, given that the pencils might arrive after the strike is settled?

Have you any words of whatever regarding the news that the Senior Partners are coming back to the table? Like hope-age, maybe? Dollhouse ... possible coming somewhat soonly?

tehabwa | November 17, 19:56 CET

Can't believe I got in early on a Joss post, and resisted the temptation to plug my blog, all at the same time. Anyhow, got some for "Firefly" ("lost causes are the only ones worth fighting for", quoth Robert Riskin) and some for "The Daily Show."

I hope Joss forgives me if I thought of switching one or two of his pencils over to "Mad Men" (which is a precise rip-off of "Firefly" if Saffron were an uber-secretary and "Angel" if Connor got all screwed up again, only this time in a more Matthew Broderick kind of a way).

Oh, and speaking of the "The Daily Show"....

[ edited by bobster on 2007-11-17 20:20 ]

bobster | November 17, 19:56 CET

Pssst. What show do we want to support?

Dollhouse.
Angel. Firefly. Drive.
Dance, Rummy, Dance! Former Media Moguls Special (2010)

No, it's a serious question. I say Dollhouse.

dreamlogic | November 17, 19:58 CET

Dollhouse is the show we're supporting, right, Simon? Look to the future, yo! This just so ROCKS! ;-)

billz | November 17, 19:58 CET

Dollhouse.

ChosenOne5376 | November 17, 20:00 CET

I was wondering the same thing, Simon. We could all united under the Joss banner, support the runner whose responsible for some of our favoritest shows (not to mention the one yet to come).

Love's Bitch | November 17, 20:00 CET

I'm sending a box for Buffy. Because I love Buffy. :)

kerfuffle | November 17, 20:04 CET

Good question. Would it be worthwhile to say "Dollhouse"? Should we stick to shows that are currently on the air?

I'm planning to put a few dollars' worth of pencils toward each of my several favorites. Pushing Daisies, Heroes, How I Met Your Mother. And I'll happily add Dollhouse if it makes a difference.

In the Latin | November 17, 20:04 CET

One more vote for Dollhouse. That's the show that Joss would be working on if he could cross the picket line, which he can't because he has principles (a reference to a showrunner who rhymes with Shmarlton Shmuse).

swanland | November 17, 20:05 CET

There's a blank field to type the show in, not a drop-down selection, so it's easy enough to make one purchase with multiple shows.

Also, should fans4writers perhaps make a large purchase of pencils for all shows? Dunno how much is in that fund to spare for such a thing, but wouldn't be sweet if, say, a whole truck showed up with one purchase?

Maybe half a truck...

On second thought, maybe I'll take this question over to Fans4writers forums.

[ edited by bobw1o on 2007-11-17 20:07 ]

bobw1o | November 17, 20:06 CET

I think they should have a way for fans who support specific writers rather than just the shows. This IS about supporting writers, after all. I know the writers still don't get that it could be that way, but if fans could have the choice to sign up in support of specific writers and that could be passed on to the moguls, it seems like it would make the point that we are also fans of the specific people striking not just fans of the finished products that they and the gazillion people who put the shows together make.

To be honest I am not watching many shows regularly, but I want these talented people to get a fair shake. I could put Dollhouse in, mostly to make a point...since it is not even in production, I must really be a fan of either Joss or ED. But I have not seen Battlestar Galactica, (I will. I will.) so though I support JE it does not make sense for me to identify myself as a fan of that show.

Bottom line: The writers need to have more faith in the fan's growing recognition of the writers themselves. Give fans the ability to be fans of the writers rather than the TV shows.

newcj | November 17, 20:11 CET

I'm using Avenging Benji.

Kidding. Dollhouse.

Dizzy | November 17, 20:14 CET

I just boughts me 10 boxes of pencils! Like...for the first time ever! Supporting the Joss from the good old U of K!

Question is...what will they do with them all?

bubblecat | November 17, 20:20 CET

Great idea! Happy to help in any way I can!

Shelly | November 17, 20:22 CET

Dollhouse is good (so is the exchange rate at the moment).

Simon | November 17, 20:23 CET

Time to address a timely question. Tehabwa asks if this is still worth doing, given that the AMPTP has unexpectedly agreed to return to the table for further negotiations after Thanksgiving. It's a very good question. The answers is: Absolutely.

It's exciting as hell that the AMPTP has made a move toward an agreement. But it's no guarantee that the strike will end, or that the AMPTP will feel real pressure to make an acceptable offer. This fight is not over until it's over. The Pencil Drive is a statement that the studios need to understand EVEN IF THERE HADN'T BEEN A STRIKE. This is about keeping the pressure on, the spirits high, the voices loud and damn well clear. We're not going to the table with animosity -- we want to work WITH the studios -- but we're not going back as anything other than a powerful union -- a union of unions: the WGA, all the unions affected by the strike, the unions like SAG and the DGA that will be affected by whatever precedent the WGA deal sets... and now the Fan Union. That's the union they'll be hearing from -- one they don't even know exists.

joss | November 17, 20:25 CET

newjc, you can support a specific writer! (how about "any wearing fancy scarves and artsy glasses!" Will that fit?) They give you a blank field, plus you can type a specific message before you purchase, so you could list lots and lots of writers.

And yeah, Dollhouse is what any Whedon fan should be putting for a specific show, no question.

Though i may go back and put a few more for Avenging Benji...

[ edited by bobw1o on 2007-11-17 20:31 ]

bobw1o | November 17, 20:27 CET

I bought ten boxes, one for each show I watch now and one for Dollhouse.
Great idea and I love that the pencils are environmentally friendly, too.

Syren | November 17, 20:28 CET

What would Jubal Early say?

"Does the show think you're running it ?".

Up for this, I feel better not shafting the US Postal service too, especially with Christmas on the horizon (or the poor schlubs in the studio mail-rooms).

(i'm gonna spread the love around between "Dollhouse", "The Joss Whedon Experience" and a few others)

Saje | November 17, 20:30 CET

>Should we stick to shows that are currently on the air?

I wouldn't be here if not for Firefly. It may be gone, but it is not forgotten. It gets first billing from me.

leiasky | November 17, 20:30 CET

What about by showrunner? I like the idea of playful competition..."In honor of Joss Whedon" or "In honor of Ron Moore" or Tim Minear or Bryan Fuller or JJ Abrams. The showrunner with the most fans has to upload a YouTube of him/herself dancing to the Time Warp.

Or something. Because I'm all about making showrunners dance.

Allyson | November 17, 20:32 CET

I was thinking Dollhouse, too, although newcj has a point about supporting individual writers. I think though that there may be fans who are supporting the writers in this strike who would still not be all that familiar with the names of specific writers. Not on this board, obviously, and probably not on F4W, but other fans who might take part in this form of protest.

Joss, I hope you are past the worst of your cold - and definitely look into getting (and using) a neti pot, as was suggested on a previous thread! You won't regret it.

[ edited by samatwitch on 2007-11-17 20:37 ]

samatwitch | November 17, 20:33 CET

newcj, I put "Unnamed X Project" in where I wanted to support writer X (because i'm not sure what Ron Moore's doing after BSG to name one). And I actually did put "The Joss Whedon Experience", wasn't kidding about that ;).

And like Joss says, you have to play to the whistle everyone, it's no good slacking off before the end because that way Italy might score a late goal and crush your hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008. Err, just to pick an example at random.

Saje | November 17, 20:37 CET

Are we out Sage?

bubblecat | November 17, 20:40 CET

The wrath of fans brings a rain of writing implements. Awesome. Pencil me in.

Lady Brick | November 17, 20:40 CET

My life is complete. HE (cue music: "A Summer Place") used my (fake) name. (Time to go rob a bank to prove my love; and get some much-needed cash!)

[sigh]

I'll never wash my computer monitor again....

Showrunners dancing to the "Time Warp"? Joss could shut his fans up permanently on one sore point by doing The Dance of Gratitude and popping it on YouTube.

tehabwa | November 17, 20:41 CET

Excellent, something I can contribute! :D

Please keep blogging here Joss, it always makes my day to read a post written by you!

Vortigun | November 17, 20:41 CET

Great plan. Easy to do. And, thanks to the Joss, I will now have a song from Newsies in my head all day.

serenity_gail | November 17, 20:46 CET

I realize that you can put anything you want in the box, and for anarchists such as the people on this board, the option of using writer's names would be a no brainer. I guess my point is that if you label something "TV show" many or most people will not think they have an option, and will write in a TV show. If they were to label it as "writer or TV show" it would encourage people to let their love for the writers show.

I can't help it, this is just how my mind works.

Oh, and Saje, sounds like a good plan.

I have to go and buy pencils and pizza now.

newcj | November 17, 20:48 CET

I sent in my boxes for all my current favorite shows (one box for each channel I watch, including Battlestar Galactica and Jon Stewart's The Daily Show), but now that Joss has posted and asked so nicely, I'll have to send a ton more for Dollhouse! Because it is all about the future!

And just because they are going back to the bargaining table doesn't mean that we let up! The President of the WGA just wrote:

"For 12 days I have repeated that a powerful strike means a short strike. In that time we have proven that bad news won't slow us down. Now it is equally important that we now prove that good news won't slow us down, either. We must remember that returning to the bargaining table is only a start. Our work is not done until we achieve a good contract and that is by no means assured. Accordingly, what we achieve in negotiations will be a direct result of how successfully we can keep up our determination and resolve."

SOLIDARITY!

embers | November 17, 20:50 CET

I ordered five boxes earlier today, supporting Dollhouse. My personal contribution.

I'll send 50 boxes out of the Whedonesque.com kitty, also in support of Dollhouse.

The idea of pencils paid for by some random Dutch woman landing on a mogul's desk is kind of cool.

Caroline | November 17, 20:54 CET

Dollhouse-y pencils on their way from another member of the fan union. And Joss, your sexy-brain posts always make my day. Thanks for . . . well, everything!

beck | November 17, 20:55 CET

Does anyone have a link to the WGA Solidarity Fund to help crew affected by the strike? Buffistas.org has an overage from the Strike Survival Kits funds, and we'd like to donate it there...but I know not the way....

Allyson | November 17, 20:55 CET

Can I just say how much I *adore* the 'Newsies' shout-outs? Fabulous. I'm honored to help carry the banner here-- or is that *not* carry the banner? Either way, I'm there. Thanks, Joss.

Spikesgurl | November 17, 20:55 CET

Done and done!

kishi | November 17, 20:59 CET

Saje:And I actually did put "The Joss Whedon Experience", wasn't kidding about that ;).

I like that one! Jumping on your bandwagon, using it on my pencils.

Love's Bitch | November 17, 21:02 CET

$5 - Dollhouse
$5 - Lost
$5 - House

Boy, that was so easy it was kinda scary.

melanie | November 17, 21:03 CET

I've sent ten boxes supporting "everything Joss Whedon writes". Because it's all about the writers.

Gill | November 17, 21:09 CET

Power to the Pencil People!

Write On!

Pointy | November 17, 21:09 CET

My pencils are Dollhouse pencils.

I've paid my dues to the Fan Member Union! Does anyone know why they asked if I wanted "check cashing?" Wait a minute, I sent pencils to the Fan Member Credit Union. Damn.

We're all with you Joss!

alexreager | November 17, 21:10 CET

Have sent in peanuts,pizza and pencils- any other p-things need sending?

mifeng | November 17, 21:14 CET

pie?

lexigeek | November 17, 21:19 CET

"Have sent in peanuts,pizza and pencils- any other p-things need sending?
mifeng | November 17, 21:14 CET

pie?
lexigeek | November 17, 21:19 CET"

That could get messy.

On the other hand is it already covered by pizza...pie?

I'm trying to send mine, but I am having Paypal problems. (Yep, it is all about the p-things.)

newcj | November 17, 21:22 CET

I'm going to pretend one of someone else's pencils came from me, since I can't afford to send any pencils.

theonetruebix | November 17, 21:25 CET

And, a pencil shopping I will go. *nods*

ctofine | November 17, 21:25 CET

Are we out Sage?

That depends bubblecat, my "we" might be further North than your "we" ;).

Italy put Scotland out depriving us of even the distant outside chance a draw would have given us by nicking a goal in injury time (ah well, c'est la vie, by which I mean "Bastards" ;) but the Israel/Russia result means England stand a decent chance of going through - they just need a draw against Croatia at home, not guaranteed but very doable. If they're your "we" then you're still in it ;).

Saje | November 17, 21:26 CET

Ordered 15 boxes. :) 2 Dollhouse, 2 Firefly, 1 "Anything by Joss Whedon" (similarly for Ron Moore and Tim Minear), and then singles for a bunch of shows.

sj | November 17, 21:34 CET

I just bought 10 for Dollhouse and 10 spread amongst my other favorite current shows. Two thoughts, though. 1) I hope United Hollywood will give us updates on the progress of the pencil fund. The fun part of the "nuts for Jericho" campaign was going on the website and see the amount (whether in dollars or pounds of nuts) amassed by the fans. I think that kind of feedback would encourage other fans to contribute.

2) I just did a random search for Grey's Anatomy fansites (as an example of a popular show with lots of online fans, even though I don't watch it) and I didn't see anything on there about this campaign and hardly any mention of the strike. I guess I should be patient (it was only announced last night) but I hope this effort is not limited to us "radical" fans who tend to get more involved in this sort of stuff anyway, and really does spread all across all fandoms of all shows. I'm all for a United Fan Union -- I'm just not seeing it yet. How can we help reach the more "mainstream" fans of mainstream shows?

JudyKay7 | November 17, 21:40 CET

10 boxes bought for Joss. Will send more once I get paid!

sorchasilver | November 17, 21:42 CET

I ordered five boxes, and, well, it's on behalf of "Pushing Daisies".
Hey, if you've ever seen this show, you'll know why.
Anyway, I am hoping once both sides are stuffed with turkey, stuffing and I'm Sick of This Strike and I Want More Heroes, House and Dollhouse Like Now Pie (in honor of Keri Russell and Nathan Fillion), they will a deal done and give us fans the bestest Christmas ever...which, in turn will eventually be just as good for them, too. Honest, producers, if we can buy the writers pizza, and pencils for you, we'll pay the extra dime for DVD's or downloads to give the writers the royalty they deserve.
Now, off to see Southland Tales.

impalergeneral | November 17, 21:44 CET

Since there was no guerilla-friendly graphic for this besides the pencil, I created one to use on the fans4writers site. Feel free to use it, and link to UnitedHollywood.

Icon: http://www.fans4writers.com/images/pencils-200x120.jpg
Link: http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/2007/11/pencils2mediamoguls.html

lexigeek | November 17, 21:44 CET

Pie is a very Goners appropriate thing to send! Good idea!

mifeng | November 17, 21:48 CET

b!x, no worries, in light of your financial issues, I'll donate 5 boxes to you to disperse however you wish. Conveniently I sent mine in support of "Anything Whedon, Anything written" (that should cover you) and ordered too many anyway...

Anyone else need a box, I have a few to spare!

I agree about helping get the word out, for the time-being I've been assuming F4W has been doing that, but I do not know to what success, haven't been able to keep up. Anyone can let us know? Otherwise I'll be happy to look around as well.

bobw1o | November 17, 21:48 CET

Instead of wasting pencils, I wish we were all bragging about how much money we donated directly to the WGA Solidarity Fund.

Still, I ordered 5 boxes. I'm in.

Edit: By 'wasting' I mean, will the pencils just be thrown away? Given to schools? Are we just stuffing the supply closets of every studio office for the next five years?

[ edited by Succatash on 2007-11-17 22:04 ]

Succatash | November 17, 21:49 CET

Boy, that was so easy it was kinda scary.

So easy and fun it could become ruinously addictive. I'm fighting the urge to go back and send pencils for Max Headroom, Cupid - basically anything that pops into my addled pate.

dreamlogic | November 17, 21:51 CET

2) I just did a random search for Grey's Anatomy fansites (as an example of a popular show with lots of online fans, even though I don't watch it) and I didn't see anything on there about this campaign and hardly any mention of the strike. I guess I should be patient (it was only announced last night) but I hope this effort is not limited to us "radical" fans who tend to get more involved in this sort of stuff anyway, and really does spread all across all fandoms of all shows. I'm all for a United Fan Union -- I'm just not seeing it yet. How can we help reach the more "mainstream" fans of mainstream shows?

We have some templates available on fans4writers.com to help you approach a fandom and invite them to get involved. (link) Unforutnately, there just aren't enough of us to reach out to every fandom, which is why we're trying to empower others to spread the word.

lexigeek | November 17, 21:53 CET

I did this early this morning when Harmalicious posted this link in the ME day thread. Sent mine for "Joss Whedon."

where did that parenthesis come from?

[ edited by jcs on 2007-11-17 22:00 ]

jcs | November 17, 21:59 CET

I'm fighting the urge to go back and send pencils for Max Headroom

Oh, good. This is an opening to storytime.

During the last writers strike in 1988, ABC decided to reach back to unaired episodes of series it had cancelled. One of them was Max Headroom. The two unaired episodes that finally saw the light of day? One on manipulative advertising, and one on the importance of education and free speech -- two of the most blunt episodes they had made.

Gee, I wonder why they didn't air them the first time around.

theonetruebix | November 17, 22:06 CET

Joss, the way you inhabit both worlds is a wonder to behold... both "Hollyville muckity" taking power meetings, and a writer guy taking arms (or pencils) against the power elite with the passion to fight the good fight. You are a Browncoat to your core.

Well, I'm all stirred up to buy pencils in a way I'd never thought would happen. So off to purchase boxes of environmentally sensitive pencils, and show these high falutin' middle men that it's the writers and fans that make the executives' jobs possible.

Think I'll be buying several boxes too, and spread the love among all these amazing showrunners and series.

11thHour | November 17, 22:19 CET

I've already added links to the Pencils campaign to my website and MySpace (along with changing videos to make it more Christmas-y). I wonder if this will lead to a pile of pencils bigger than the Jericho Nuts Shipment.

impalergeneral | November 17, 22:22 CET

Oh you made me long for Max Headroom (why is that not out on DVD?)! So I'm good for some extra boxes in honor of b!x, what shall I say: for Dollhouse?

embers | November 17, 22:27 CET

I've purchased for Dollhouse. I'm glad I got to show support in a non break-a-da-bank kinda way.

cheesefan | November 17, 22:31 CET

Just saw the UnitedHollywood blog, sent pencils, and posted the link on our website....and then dropped by to see what was happening here and found another awesome post from Joss. :D

Am supporting Dollhouse, of course! What a brilliant idea this is.

sandyg | November 17, 22:35 CET

I tried to spread my pencil boxes around several networks/conglomerates, 3 bought for each program: Dollhouse/Fox, Battlestar Galactica+30 Rock+The Office/NBC Universal, Pushing Daisies/ABC Disney, How I Met Your Mother+Daily Show+Colbert Report/CBS Viacom. Actually, NBC is a division of Sheinhardt Wigs, but that's another story (and T-shirt) altogether. ;)

And, all these posts are just making me itch to say...15 minutes into the future...

Joss is absolutely right about the announcement that negotiations will re-start: the issues are complex and very important to both sides, so the new contract will not be resolved quickly at all. To have any hope that they will negotiate in good faith, the AMPTP has to be reminded constantly that they can't get away with it anymore; the entire creative community realizes that they have been ridiculously unfair for decades, but now the public is on to them as well.

Saje, I know that what you're saying has something to do with sports, probably World Cup, but beyond that...I think I'm hearing what my cat hears when I tell him to stop walking across the computer keyboard when I'm trying to work.

Lastly, vaguely related to this thread (related to the strike, actually), people in New York City can enjoy a live performance of Saturday Night Live tonight at the UCB Theatre, and (not sure when) 30 Rock at the same venue, by most of the actual network casts. Live and off-Broadway, no picket lines to cross (there's a strike of stagehands on Broadway at the moment, too, although I think they're closer to resolving that).

swanland | November 17, 22:35 CET

"If they're your "we" then you're still in it ;)".

Sorry Sage, I'm easily confused. I'm the other "we", the down-south soft type. Bliming football.

Erm.....back to the pencils everyone!

bubblecat | November 17, 22:37 CET

Thanks, Lexigeek, for the link to the promo template. I'm not involved in any fandom other than the Whedon-verse (used to be involved in some fandoms for British shows), but I guess it wouldn't hurt to just find the contact email on some of these fansites for the more popular shows (Grey's Anatomy, Two and a half Men, CSI, etc.) and send them the promo. Although, I think some mention of this new Pencils2MediaMoguls campaign should be made in addition to promoting the fans4writers website. BTW, last weekend I wrote a little blog/essay about the strike on my personal website (although NOBODY ever visits it!). I'm in the process of updating it (with lots of your artwork!) to include the pencils campaign.

JudyKay7 | November 17, 22:41 CET

I love when Joss starts singing songs from"Newsies!"

I'm broke, but I ordered $10 worth of pencils in the names of Joss and Dollhouse.

Nebula1400 | November 17, 22:41 CET

Just sent 100 boxes in support of "The Office and another 100 in support of "Pushing Daisies." It's my entire last paycheck from one of my jobs, but what the heck. :-)

OzLady | November 17, 22:57 CET

My boxes went in support of Dollhouse.

karosurly | November 17, 23:02 CET

The pencil is mightier than the sword (someone had to say it). I bought my boxes of pencils today-in support of Dollhouse of course!

Livewire | November 17, 23:06 CET

Dollhouse it is. And a couple of boxes for Daisies.

toast | November 17, 23:10 CET

I just sent 10 boxes for Bunny the Vampire Slayer, Angelus, Firebird, and Barbie's Dream House... or whatever those shows that John Whiden created.

Big Damn Flan | November 17, 23:22 CET

I'm in for $20.00. I've been following United Hollywood daily, but hadn't seen that link yet.

My only fear is that they refuse delivery of the truckloads of pencils. Obviously they don't HAVE to let the trucks unload at their facilities, and these could wind up going to the suggested charities and/or landfill without the Moguls ever even knowing that they arrived...

TV Show You're Supporting: Firefly
TV Show You're Supporting: Anything by Joss Whedon
TV Show You're Supporting: Anything by Tim Minear
TV Show You're Supporting: Anything by Jane Espenson
TV Show You're Supporting: Life
TV Show You're Supporting: Pushing Daisies
TV Show You're Supporting: Chuck
TV Show You're Supporting: House

-Mike
Another Browncoat Cruise guest pondering changing his return flight for Mutant Enemy Day.

MikeTMC | November 17, 23:23 CET

My only fear is that they refuse delivery of the truckloads of pencils.

If they did that in front of all the media attention, they'll look pretty darn silly.

Simon | November 17, 23:31 CET

With a sudden urge to watch Newsies (never seen it), I just put it at the top of my Netflix queue.

I'm going to pretend one of someone else's pencils came from me, since I can't afford to send any pencils.

Ditto.

electricspacegirl | November 17, 23:38 CET

And I meant to add, yes, of course, and thanks for making that explicit, Joss (and others). Talking isn't resolving. I truly can't afford even a buck, so won't be sending any myself.

But for me, this isn't just about entertainment -- even entertainment that does more than just that. It's part of the bigger picture. More and more, the people who do all the actual work get less and less, so the people who already have most of the money rake in huge profits.

We're moving toward a Feudal-type society in which a very, very few own almost everything, and all the rest of us are their serfs. This is just one type of example, where the people who make TV something more than a bunch of lush sets on film (who'd want to look at sets wherein nothing happens?) don't get any profit made from their sweat or their brilliance.

The more that ALL of us are there for ALL of us, the more chance we have of reversing this trend of the last several decades. "... for the unions made us strong" (for a brief while).

Now, would someone please HIRE me so I can be one of the oppressed workers?

;-)

tehabwa | November 17, 23:49 CET

Just sent $5 for Pushing Daisies. Will send more for Dollhouse, Battlestar Galactica and It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia when I get paid.

death is my gift | November 17, 23:53 CET

Five boxes supporting Dollhouse!

That was rather easy. And rather fun. I may have to try it several more times :)

In addition, serendipity might allow me to do some promotion for this cause soon.

Mycroft | November 17, 23:55 CET

I'd heard about this campaign but wasn't sure if it was legit. If Joss says it is, I trust him. Count me in.

Meltha | November 17, 23:56 CET

20 smackers for Dollhouse...I know I feel better.

Charmuse | November 17, 23:58 CET

We're moving toward a Feudal-type society in which a very, very few own almost everything

It's always been like that, ain't going to change. So might as well have some fun and throw a few ~~spanners~~ pencils in the works just so they notice us. It's like Angel and co versus the Senior Partners at the end of Not Fade Away. Except we might actually have a chance of winning.

Simon | November 18, 00:00 CET

Well concidering the strike is not just for TV writers can we buy boxes of pencils for Goners - The Movie, Serenity or Serenity 2 - The Movie, Cabin Fever - The Movie, stuff like that.

RavenU | November 18, 00:07 CET

I will definitely help out with the pencils. Love the Newsies.

nothingtofear79 | November 18, 00:07 CET

It's like Angel and co versus the Senior Partners at the end of Not Fade Away. Except we might actually have a chance of winning.

There's a dragon?

electricspacegirl | November 18, 00:17 CET

Yay! I was hoping Joss would post about this. I found this earlier today, and bought 10 boxes for Dollhouse. I'll post about this on my LJ and Myspace accounts :) Spread the word, people!!!

Harmalicious | November 18, 00:37 CET

I'm in. :)

-----------------

Posted on the two major LJ communities, _thefirefly_ and fireflyfans:

http://www.fans4writers.com/images/pencils-200x120.jpg
(Except, of course, the actual image is there and is linked to http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/2007/11/pencils2mediamoguls.html)

In support of the writers strike! Joss speaks about Pencils2MediaMoguls at Whedonesque.

If the strike is still going on after the Browncoat Cruise, you might very well see pics of me on the picket lines on December 7th, which has been designated as Mutant Enemy Day.

Julesong | November 18, 00:37 CET

I sent 5 packs for Dollhouse and 5 for current shows I watch.

Bobbi | November 18, 00:40 CET

My pencils have also been purchased, in the name of Dollhouse of course.

Cider | November 18, 00:43 CET

There's a dragon?

That would be Variety.

Simon | November 18, 00:47 CET

Finally! Something I can do from Faraway Australia. Pencils sent, in the names of Dollhouse and Battlestar Galactica.

ozjenny | November 18, 00:54 CET

Buffy, Angel, Firefly, Dollhouse, Pushing Daisies, Battlestar Galactica, The Office, Freaks and Geeks, My So-called Life, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, Drive, Dead Like Me, Wonderfalls, Southpark, The Simpsons, Robot Chicken, Mad Men, 30 Rock, West Wing, Studio 60 on Sunset Boulevard, Veronica Mars, Tru Calling, The Inside, Miracle Man, The Wire, Marti Noxon: Untitled New Show, Joss Whedon: Untitled New Show, Drew Goddard: Untitled New Show, Jane Espenson: Untitled New Show, Tim Minear: Untitled New Show, David Fury: Untitled New Show, Ron Moore: Untitled New Show.

That's probably enough to be going on with for now. It's just amazing how many of the shows I still love are of the cancelled variety.

And come ME Day, I can't help but wear my none-too-arty glaases, but I'll also have popinjay scarves to hand out to the masses. I'm nothing if not effete.

QuoterGal | November 18, 00:57 CET

I believe that Brian Lynch also has an Unititled New Show somewhere in the works (you could ask him at his signing for Angel: After the Fall, next Wednesday).
Not that I'm pimping Brian Lynch or anything.

embers | November 18, 01:14 CET

You guys watch too much tv.

;)

Litwal | November 18, 01:24 CET

Ooh and John "Kung-Fu Monkey" Rogers who, when he's not writing blistering analyses of the strike, posts about his new heist show "Leverage" that they're currently filming the pilot for (Timothy Hutton, Saul Rubinek, heist series - how canz hate ?).

(he's not scabbing BTW because they're not making it for a studio - so if it becomes a success, it could signal something of a sea change)

Saje | November 18, 01:37 CET

10 Boxes for the Dollhouse. And they're action figures, not dolls!!!

kmb99 | November 18, 01:38 CET

30 boxes for Dollhouse on there way.

gossi | November 18, 01:49 CET

I didn't specify a show since I want it to be clear that I'm doing this to support the writers not just get my favorite shows back on. I also added this to the message: "In support of the writers , I will not buy any DVDs, watch any reruns or internet programming until the strike is over. Please, be fair!" to hit the suits where it hurts.

Writers get paid residuals for reruns whether anyone watches or not. However, advertisers -not so fond of people not seeing their big expensive commercials. The internet? Well writers aren't getting paid for that anyway and same thing re: advertisers. Now, I know not buying DVDs will also screw writers out of their 4cents, but I don't think the studios will be too thrilled at the prospect of not selling as many DVDs during the x-mas holidays seeing as they make a lot more than 4 cents per DVD.

So, far the public opinion has been overwhelmingly in favor of the writers... Now, we just need to keep encouraging people to take action. The corporate swine may pay the writers' salaries but it's the consumers, the FANS, that pay theirs. Kick them MFs where it hurts. Once they have to start drinking Foldgers instead of $5 lattes, they'll be crying like babies and begging the writers to come back. HA!

Fight the power!

TommytheZombieSlayer | November 18, 01:59 CET

10 boxes for Dollhouse here. And possibly more to come after I balance the checkbook!

swanjun | November 18, 02:11 CET

The Pencil Company is probably in extreme bliss right now.

Litwal | November 18, 02:30 CET

$1 Joss Whedon projects.
$1 Jane Espenson projects.
$1 Marti Noxon projects.
$1 Tim Minear projects.
$1 Bryan Fuller projects.

And that's all my lunch money for today. Five dollars well spent.

P.S. I like the part that says "send the moguls a message."

JCapra | November 18, 02:38 CET

Done and Dollhoused.

Am I the only one who was thinking the description line should actually read "Our Evil(it's not evil) Master(bater) Plan".

I think you're drawing a lot of crazy conclusions about the Unholy Mighty Moguls... bater.

Mort | November 18, 02:53 CET

Started humming along when I read the title of this post! My kids adore musicals (Newsies is their fave, even over the Buffy ep) and thanks to a wreck on the highway today, we had time for an extra-long "why our favorite show won't be on in a few weeks" discussion.
They'd donate their allowances to the big pencil-push if I'd let them, but I think I'll cover this one.

meredith | November 18, 03:24 CET

Oh, dear gods! Joss and the other master writers have banded together to form the Writers Legion of Doom! Corporate Studios beware! You still need to recruit Bryan Fuller though. Get him to join your ranks and not even Superman could stop you from taking over the world!

SpikeBad | November 18, 03:26 CET

tehabwa...i can cover you for 5 boxes. just tell me who to send 'em in honor of.

And just in case my comment gets lost among the shuffle, i just went ahead and sent 5 more on your behalf for "all things Whedon".

[ edited by skeezycheeses on 2007-11-18 03:40 ]

skeezycheeses | November 18, 03:31 CET

10 boxes for Bones ... Thought David's show needed a little love too ...

resa | November 18, 03:41 CET

I'm buying pencils, too. By the way, I saw Jamie Bamber at the Vancouver airport this morning around 6:30. (I'm posting this because I'm guessing his departure was strike-related.) Even at that hour, he was gorgeous - and polite.
Me, doing a double take: "Jamie?"
Him, in that weary voice that comes from getting up in the middle of the night to catch a flight and then wondering if there's any possibility that this strange woman actually knows you: "Yes."
Me: "I love your show!!"
Him, with wan smile: "Thanks."

Suzie | November 18, 04:15 CET

Dollhouse
Battlestar Galactica
Chuck
Pushing Daisies
Friday Night Lights

"That'll put marzipan in [their] pie plate, bingo!"

narnia | November 18, 04:22 CET

Saje and others: If you're looking for alternative programming methods, everyone should check out quarterlife.com , it's an online show that's released twice a week in 9-10 minute segments. The best part is that it's by Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick, the ones who did My So-Called Life.

The first 3 parts of Episode 1 are up right now and it's pretty good, it has the same naturalistic dialogue that made MSCL so good.

Kokomo | November 18, 04:25 CET

Purchased a few in the name of Dollhouse, Bones, and Battlestar Galactica. :)

Lunakitty | November 18, 04:30 CET

You guys watch too much tv.

LMAO!!!

I sent 5 more boxes in the names of 5 more shows. I'm completely broke now!

Nebula1400 | November 18, 05:00 CET

Pencils aren't nearly as yummy and filling as pizza. Plus there are splinters. Who wants splinters in their sphincter? Oh, these are to be sent to the people making money off the backs of the writers?

I'm in. ($20.00.)

Although I'm even more sure there will be "ss," since they're probably so unfamiliar with writing implements that they'll mistake them for suppositories. "This isn't a Blackberry! What am I supposed to do with it? Help!"

Chelleatrix | November 18, 05:42 CET

Whoa! This is quite a scene to awaken to, what I miss? Abbreviated and the high notes please, I spent last night studying a "Heineken" beer can. Hmm, nothing new to report there, so lets hear it!

Madhatter | November 18, 05:45 CET

The whole thing is just awesome.

If anyone's got an address, I offer my Newsies soundtrack for the picket line. (Yes, I own the special edition DVD AND the cd.) :)

Hex | November 18, 05:47 CET

Firefly!

(duh!)

petranef | November 18, 05:56 CET

A few more boxes from "Australian Supporters of Joss Whedon" on their way!

Milligan | November 18, 05:58 CET

Back to point. Take it we're buying pencils to support our writers? Right?

Madhatter | November 18, 06:07 CET

Yes, indeed Maddy! The Purple One's entry pretty much sums it up.

Harmalicious | November 18, 06:35 CET

Well, friends, you've already made me proud. I saw one of my brothers in the EVIL LEGION of EVIL... or, a writer... guy... and he said you 'Esquers were topping the charts in our bid to DESTROY ALL HUMAN LI... yeeh, buy pencils. There was much joy in the orbiting headquar... normal building. But the question remains: how do we get the word out? How do we get people who love their shows but aren't web savvy to hear about this and sign up to BECOME MY MINDLESS SLA --God! It's like tourettes! You know what I'm trying to say. You guys are better at this than me. I've wracked my enhanced, glowing brain (winner 'most sexy 2007', still waiting for that plaque, people!) and consulted my normal, certainly-not-evil writer friends and here's our ideas so far.

1) Create Pencil-Buying Ray
2) Float Akron, Ohio several miles above the Earth, threaten to drop it if people don't buy pencils.
3) Ask Satan for help (AGAIN).
4) Call everyone in the world simultaneously after inventing a really complicated machine (that one was mine!)
5) Bring pencils to life.
6) Beat the s#%& out of a penguin. (That was Humunculo, and, yeah, we're probably kicking him out.)
7) Kidnap Lois Lane.

I know. It's not perfect. And I'm really sorry about Humunculo -- we don't even know where he's going with half this stuff. Anyhoo, if any of you comes up with a good idea (or a really complicated machine allowing me to call every living being on the planet simultaneously) (I'm looking at YOU, Gossi...), then please speak up. Type up. Whatever. In the meanwhile, thanks again for impressing the E.L.E., and I look forward to the day when we will feast on the blood of our... internet residuals.

Best, Dr Horri -- a man.

joss | November 18, 07:06 CET

Ahh, thanks Harm! Next question, these funds are going where?

Madhatter | November 18, 07:07 CET

I'm in. 20 boxes for "All of them!" Because, I do support all the writers. Even the shows I don't like. Because everyone deserves to be paid what they're worth. Even me. I also used the "pencils down" line in the "send a message to the moguls" box.

This was fun. I like fun.

I might send more later!!

XanFan32 | November 18, 07:07 CET

(I'm looking at YOU, Gossi...)

Better drop that plan for pencilfans.org, gossi. Apparently Joss wants something NON-webby.

(I suppose that the networks wouldn't let us get away with standing outside the window of The Today Show with pencil propaganda signs.)

[ edited by theonetruebix on 2007-11-18 07:12 ]

theonetruebix | November 18, 07:10 CET

Joss, I'll put together some flyers that people can print up and hand out to the norms in the real world, briefly explaining the campaign and telling them they must donate to the cause, because the fate of Metropolis rests in the balance! (Or because it's just a really good idea. I haven't decided yet.) I'll post 'em on F4W and let y'all know when they're ready.

lexigeek | November 18, 07:15 CET

Hi, Joss. That "Brings pencils to life" still giving me a spin, but I'm just that way.

Looking forward to "Dollhouse". Can't wait!

Madhatter | November 18, 07:16 CET

Ideas:
- Some writer-type person (like yourself, Joss) can write a column for a newspaper like the Times or WSJ and mention the pencils thing
- People can go hang out outside the Today Show with signs that say "Al Rocker's mom buys pencils." (is that not how that pun works?)
- Subliminal messages
- The original instant message: Giant baskets of food (I've gotten off track, haven't I)
- Ads taped to pizza boxes
- Send emails to blog writers writing about the writer's strike (Like LateShowWritersOnStrike.com: a lifesaver if you're me)

There are ways, Joss. There are ways.

Arabchick | November 18, 07:16 CET

- Find fans inside the cable news channels willing to risk losing their jobs by slipping the pencil message into the closed captioning

- Dress like Charlton Heston kneeling down in front of a statute of the AMPTP and start yelling, "You did it, you finally did it, damn you all to hell!"

[ edited by theonetruebix on 2007-11-18 07:21 ]

theonetruebix | November 18, 07:19 CET

Heh,heh. 'bix, I don't think any of us could pass as Charlton Heston, however I have a sister who...nevermind.

Back to this pencil thing, is there an address to send said funds?

About to ask Simon.

Madhatter | November 18, 07:37 CET

It wont work. No one will even miss Akron.

kazzmere | November 18, 07:51 CET

The flyer is ready, here. Sorry it took me so long. ;) Print and distribute to your heart's content.

Madhatter, there's a paypal donation form here.

[ edited by lexigeek on 2007-11-18 07:53 ]

lexigeek | November 18, 07:53 CET

Dear Joss,

When we do fan campaigns, our goal is print. So I leave messages on reporters' voicemail, we take out Variety ads, we send letters to the editors of our local papers and to the entertainment reporters.

There's a weird issue with this.

I say this with all the love in the world, as someone who has run campaigns for your shows since I fell in love with BtVS many moons ago; it's sort a sticky situation when you have very, very wealthy showrunners asking fans to spend their money, asking fans to campaign on their behalf for the sake of you all making more money.

I just got a big fat royalty check, so I absolutely understand the issues, and I'm on your side. I went out to Fox to support the strike. I'm not coming from an ugly place on this, I swear.

It pains me to know that so many non-WGA workers are affected by the strike, and ultimately, I absolutely know it pains you as well.

So, I think that it is really important that you all put your money into it as well, and suggest that for every dollar the fans spend, the showrunners will donate a dollar to the Solidarity Fund for the crew folk.

Holidays are coming, you know?

I've always felt a sense of honor in this fandom, in your fandom, due to the charitable nature of, well, all of us. Your work has always inspired us to take care of our fellow humans.

So what say you? How about a dollar for dollar match? I know that it will encourage far more people to buy boxes of pencils. Right?

With love and respect,

Allyson

Allyson | November 18, 07:56 CET

Madhatter, seriously, just click on the link...(above). If you cannot do pay pal then I think you could mail in a couple of bucks to the WGA West. The money will buy pencils (made of environmentally friendly sustainable wood), to dump upon the networks as a promotion about how much the fans support the writers. Extra funds will be donated to organization which helps non-union staff who get laid off during the strike. It is ALL written out right there in the original link.

Actually I think Arabchick is on the right track: getting the pencil thing mentioned in the newspaper, through ads or just through a sympathetic reporter (is there such a thing?).

embers | November 18, 07:58 CET

Well the Akron plan wont work, it's the rubber capital - if you drop it it will just bounce.

Although we could put up flyers on community bulliten boards like at local libraries and stores.

RavenU | November 18, 08:06 CET

3) Ask Satan for help (AGAIN).

Only if he's played by Ray Wise (if you don't know what I'm talking about, watch Reaper).

electricspacegirl | November 18, 08:08 CET

I agree with Allyson, as I already said above. This is a ton of money being spent on...what? People in need are affected by this strike and they don't want pencils.

Succatash | November 18, 08:11 CET

So what say you? How about a dollar for dollar match? I know that it will encourage far more people to buy boxes of pencils. Right?

It would certainly make me far more willing to send pencils if I knew my dollar was doing double-duty.

Double-Duty Dollars...is not a cool band name. But a cool concept!

Polter-Cow | November 18, 08:12 CET

Joss, my evil mast... cool writer guy colleague...
I've done the following (in addition to buying some pencils myself):

1. Prayed to Satan (again). Starting to think he doesn't really exist. I told Him the plan was "totally evil" and nothin'!
2. Prayed to Jesus. Told him the Satan thing was just a little joke. Either He didn't buy that or he doesn't exist either.
3. Sent out a mass e-mail to friends and family and told them to buy pencils or the AMPTP would continue to exploit writers... and kill puppies and kittens. Hey, I have no proof they DON'T!
4. Tried to make a pencil buying ray out of an old TV remote. Don't think it worked but I think I need some fresh aaa batteries to be sure.
5. Made sweet love to myself. That didn't really help with the pencil thing but it made this writer pretty happy for about 8 minutes.

Then I came up with an awesome plan! Get our pal James Gunn to pledge to buy a box of pencils everytime he curses or makes reference to raping or being raped by Nathan Fillion. Surely, we'd have a few billion pencils by the end of the month....
but then I realized the flaw... we'd have to clear-cut the planet to make that many pencils and poor James would be broke and in debt for the rest of his life.

I still think #3 might help -especially if people buy the whole killing helpless baby animals and, really, who'd put that past Rupert Murdoch?

(DISCLAIMER: the above is a joke and I have no proof that Rupert Murdoch or anyone else kills puppies and kittens and therefore am not liable for slander.)

TommytheZombieSlayer | November 18, 08:13 CET

That would be a bold and decidedly non-evil act.

ETA: I mean the matching thing.

[ edited by dreamlogic on 2007-11-18 08:24 ]

dreamlogic | November 18, 08:21 CET

I'm agreeing with Allyson as well.

Buffysmglover | November 18, 08:22 CET

- Get a network to air the reality show "Ew! Picket Up!", which inevitably would include striking writers talking about the pencil campaign

theonetruebix | November 18, 08:23 CET

I vote yes on Allyson's idea. We'll promote the hell out of it, too.

lexigeek | November 18, 08:28 CET

I also support Allyson's idea.

Katiger | November 18, 08:30 CET

Get a network to air the reality show "Ew! Picket Up!", which inevitably would include striking writers talking about the pencil campaign

LMAO. Everyone has such great ideas.I'd be willing to take part as a cameraman on "Eew, Picket Up" if someone could pay to get me to LA for ME Strike Day! LOL

Buffysmglover | November 18, 08:31 CET

Also, I hope fans of The Office have seen this, where you can directly support the recently laid-off crew of The Office. They can't buy Christmas gifts with pencils, after all.

Polter-Cow | November 18, 08:37 CET

Yes to Allyson's idea.

electricspacegirl | November 18, 08:38 CET

Awesome. I wasn't sure if I'd be banned from fandom.

If the showrunners agree, we could even come up with a goal, like $50,000 by December 21st. With ten showrunners agreeing, it'd be like 5K each for them, and we could have one of those thermometer thingies at unitedhollywood.

I bet the actors would help out with promotion as well, if, you know, Joss et al called some of them up.

Allyson | November 18, 08:42 CET

The match idea is good. And/or if half of the money raised by the pencil funds is given to the solidarity fund. It would mean less pencils but the ability for the WGA/unitedhollywood to say "We're looking out for those affected by the strike while the studios are just laying them off."

Perhaps even a seperate campaign to donate to them and the striking writers with a message to the studios from the fans saying something along the lines of: "Rather than buy any DVDs this holiday season, of which you'll get almost all the profit, we're giving our money directly to writers and the crew members affected by your refusal to give the writer a fair deal."

Yeah? Anyone?! I'd muck in for that.

[ edited by TommytheZombieSlayer on 2007-11-18 09:01 ]

TommytheZombieSlayer | November 18, 08:42 CET

TommytheZombieSlayer, it doesn't mean half the pencils. It means that ONLY fans, the audience, should be buying pencils.

It means a greater thing if we're the ones sending stuff, each represented by a box of pencils, saying we support the writers. Keeps the campaign pure, because otherwise, if Joss sends a truck of pencils, it's a cheap stunt.

The writers would be responsible for matching us, dollar to dollar, to the Solidarity Fund.

There'd be no dilution of effort...but there would be an added measure of pure gratitude to those crew members who are totally fucked by the strike.

By doing this, we're actively supporting all the fine folks who have been entertaining the shit out of us all these years.

Also, in my plan, we are beltless.

[ edited by Allyson on 2007-11-18 08:53 ]

Allyson | November 18, 08:51 CET

It means a greater thing is we're the ones sending stuff, each represented by a box of pencils, saying we support the writers. Keeps the campaign pure, because otherwise, if Joss sends a truck of pencils, it's a cheap stunt.

Yeah, I've seen some pushback in various places because this is coming out of the UH camp, rather than directly from the fans. A matching campaign could reframe the conversation and get some positive media to boot, which in turn would increase awareness of the pencil campaign to the offline world.

lexigeek | November 18, 08:57 CET

Already spent $10 bucks on pencils before running out this morning and it was so easy, I forgot to put in any mention of any show or writer!

Allyson's idea is great -- it'll be a pretty irresistable hook for the press types, too...unless they are utterly controlled by Evil Media Moguls :(

Uh, Joss, does the WGA have any PR person/firm in its corner or on staff, retainer, whatever you call it?

punkinpuss | November 18, 08:59 CET

What Allyson said.

The most successful Whedon inspired efforts have had a charity aspect attached. It even provides added incentive to fans--I wonder if it becomes tax deductible?

IMMORTAL | November 18, 09:00 CET

Wow, Allyson. Bravo for a terrific idea and for your courage in posing it. I hope it receives a warm response. Very well thought out, sensible, and impact multiplying :)

SaltyGoodness | November 18, 09:04 CET

Thank you. Now let us all look Jossward with puppy eyes and wait for a response, now that we've pinned him to a wall.

heh.

Allyson | November 18, 09:06 CET

Also, in my plan, we are beltless.

Gotta love those Andrew stories!

I just want to say, and no offense at all Allyson, how weird would it be if when Joss finally recognizes you and everything you've done for the fandom, its online at his weblog and not one of the times you've met him face-to-face?

You could write a sequel and call it "Will the Vampire People Please Purchase Pencils?"

Buffysmglover | November 18, 09:08 CET

The check's already in the mail. I just so enjoy watching you guys!

Madhatter | November 18, 09:12 CET

Yes, Allyson, very good idea!

It makes me feel bad about my intention to only give you 3 stars on Amazon... some day... when I got around to it. Also, the comments I made to one of my co-workers about it while reading it instead of working. (Actually, it would be 3 and 1/2 if they allowed halfs.)

The book may still only be 3 (and 1/2) stars, but this idea is stellar! (Star... stellar ::ahem:: Yeah, I suck.)

Chelleatrix | November 18, 09:15 CET

If the showrunners agree, we could even come up with a goal, like $50,000 by December 21st.

The petition has over 55,000 signatures. If each one of those people gave ONE DOLLAR, we'd be set. You had to put in an e-mail address for that, didn't you? I wonder if the petition starter would be able to send an e-mail to everyone who signed asking them to put a teeny bit of money where their mouths are. I've always wanted that "If we all just gave a dollar" thing to work, but it generally requires 100% participation.

Polter-Cow | November 18, 09:16 CET

I have no idea how to respond to that.

Um, I guess it's better than two stars? So thanks?

Does that work?

Allyson | November 18, 09:20 CET

I also think dollar matching would be menschy.

At the same time, remember this isn't really writers asking fans to spend their money. It was the fans' idea and initiative. United Hollywood found a way to streamline the process that I think makes it more powerful and probably more cost-effective (as well as environmentally friendly) than it would have been to do it the way we planned, by sending individual pencils through the mail (which we're still free to do).

lexigeek and other F4W folk, would it be feasible for F4W to take over the running of Pencils2MediaMoguls from UH? I know it's asking a lot, but it could appease the concerns about where this is coming from. (But would it dilute the awareness, even if UH linked to it?...)

p.s. Dude, Joss, drop Akron. Really not a big deal. It'll be missed about as much as Stamford, CT.
p.p.s. Just kidding, Akron and Stamford. Keep it classy!

jam2 | November 18, 09:24 CET

Allyson, I was just throwing ideas out there. I deinitely see your point and concur completely. I was just thinking I'd like to help the cause beyond the publicity and statement. I'm all about making a point to the studios with the pencil campaign and did buy a couple boxes but I'd rather buy a couple of symbolic boxes of pencils and donate the rest directly to the striking writers and layed-off crew. That's kinda why I suggested a seperate campaign... I'd rather spend a couple bucks on pencils and donate more bucks directly to the fund.

I mean I totally get the perspective but who's going to match? All the showrunners? That's a big commitment. Hopefully it would be a lot of money and it could possibly backfire if it turns into more money than those commited to matching can reasonably afford.
In other words, I'm down with the idea in spirit but there's a lot of logistics in getting enough successful writers on board to make it reasonable and then where do you draw the line of what's reasonable to match? I think just setting up something to help donate money to non-WGA members affected by the strike is a pretty noble, compassionate thing... and if some writers want to come in and say, I'll match every dollar up to X amount or start the fund off with a big donation, that still accomplishes the goal of helping and showing that the writers are trying to help the non-writers affected -unlike the studios. Win-win.

Again, not trying to contradict you because I think you're right. Just trying to bounce the logistics of it all off all y'all.

Although... BELTLESS?! You're insane! My pantaloons'll fall down and I'll trip and hurt myself!

TommytheZombieSlayer | November 18, 09:25 CET

Just tie 'em on with your fancy scarf.

Polter-Cow | November 18, 09:27 CET

I think the proper response is, "You bought it, right? You didn't borrow it from a friend, or get it from the library? I win!"

Chelleatrix | November 18, 09:29 CET

Oh, Ally, I loved your book. Thank you!

Madhatter | November 18, 09:32 CET

lexigeek and other F4W folk, would it be feasible for F4W to take over the running of Pencils2MediaMoguls from UH? I know it's asking a lot, but it could appease the concerns about where this is coming from. (But would it dilute the awareness, even if UH linked to it?...)

I don't think it would, for a couple of reasons. First, UH were the ones that struck the deal with the pencil company, and migrating that to us would be a logistical nightmare. Second, we don't have the infrastructure or manpower to take the orders and fill the trucks. Finally, and probably most importantly, the campaign is already out there. Moving it now would make it look like we're trying to cover up UH's involvement, which wouldn't look good for anyone involved.

I think