A Matter of Opinion: Buying DVDs During the WGA Strike?

Ah, TV – it used to be so simple. But it’s the end of 2007, and TV isn’t so simple anymore. The WGA strike is a huge subject, but ironically – many people don’t know enough about it a good portion of them get their ‘news’ (real news is often delivered, but it is almost always in a joke format, so I felt the need to add the ‘ ‘) from late night TV shows like The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. And that show is on hiatus for the strike. Do you see the irony? Do you feel the irony? Do you taste it? (Wait, stop eating my lemon bars! They aren’t ironic!)

If you, yourself, have stumbled upon this not knowing what the WGA strike is, let me direct you to a previous article I wrote.

Quick fact, coming atcha: the writers of the WGA are getting paid for what’s being shown on screens (big or little – movies or TVs) so it’s fine to watch them without taking a stance on the strike. However, that’s where the simplicity ends. Especially considering that most shows have gone into re-run mode due to the strike. You’ve already watched most all the good stuff.

Some people will tell you to not watch reality TV because they want to show the big companies that reality TV alone isn’t going to cut it, and people want their favorite well-written TV shows back. I don’t see a need to boycott all reality TV (some of it is entertaining, like Project Runway), although I also hope that the American public doesn’t fall victim to nights of endless reality TV marathons when that’s not what they even like (some people do, but not everyone).

What the writer’s are really trying to negotiate about are the residuals they get paid for on DVD sales and for streamed content online. They aren’t getting anything for the streamed content online (like if you purchase an episode on iTunes) so my advice is if you want to support the writers – do not purchase any streamed content. That’s easy enough, right?

So, gentle viewers, (picture my voice rising and falling dramatically) where do you turn?! Where can you find solace?! Perhaps Amazon is having a sale on TV show seasons? Great! Go and snatch them up – you’ve always meant to see Veronica Mars, anyway. (Excellent show!) Except… When it comes to DVDs…Well, that’s maybe the trickiest of all these issues for TV consumers during the strike. The answer is…it’s all a matter of opinion.

I’ve collected quotes from different people to show you small samplings of what people are saying about the WGA strike and how it affects their DVD purchasing. (I tried to get them to talk about Chia pets too, but no one wanted to, I swear!)

Fans are wondering whether or not to boycott DVDs to support the writers. Scott (43, last name initial and state withheld) summed up the crux of the question, “I’ve seen several (Internet postings) suggesting that we boycott DVD’s, but I don’t know what the “official” position is on this. Does anyone know? I definitely want to do my part to support the writers, but I’m not sure it makes sense to take money out of their pockets, which is what this would seem to be doing.”

Amanda E. is 25 and she lives in Utah. She is a fan of shows that include Firefly, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Veronica Mars. When asked about the strike, she said, “Personally, I believe that it’s better to ‘make’ the writers take a bit of a hit right now to prove to the networks/production companies that we find their work to be important. If we continue buying DVDs like nothing has changed, I don’t think it sends a clear message like a boycott does. They don’t see ‘oh, look, the fans are buying to help the writers get what residuals they can”, they see, ‘money! Hooray!’ I also made a point of un-subscribing to the shows that are now in reruns from my Windows Media Center (it’s like Tivo). I want to make sure I send a message that I’m not willing to just watch any show that pops up at 7 p.m. on a Tuesday or whatever. I’m not sure how much they track traffic on WMC, but I figure it can’t hurt.’”

However, right away you’ll notice a difference from what WGA strike supporter Matt M. (25) of Pennsylvania had to say when asked if he was still buying DVDs during the strike. Matt said, “I still buy a lot of DVDs during the strike. All in all, it’s still entertainment. I don’t see why I should have to stop buying DVDs because writer’s want a 5% commission instead of 2.5%. In the end, it doesn’t affect my enjoyment value of the product. Besides, the DVD itself only costs what, like 15 cents to make? What’s the difference between 2.5 and 5% of 15 cents?” Matt is a fan of LOST and Heroes, and I’m guessing he might have bought the recently released season three of LOST. For a lot of fans, their loyalty to certain shows has them buying DVDs even if they support the strike and the boycott.

That might have been the case with Smallville, House and Robot Chicken fan, Madison O. (20) from Nevada, except it wasn’t. Madison told me that she was aware of the strike going on, but that she didn’t support it. The strike isn’t stopping her from buying DVDs. She said she’d bought some DVDs for Christmas. When I asked what she has bought/will buy she replied, “Smallville, and a few animated movies of the same caliber.”

When Dana R. (22) of Wisconsin was asked if she supported the WGA strike, she replied with an emphatic, “Definitely!” I then asked her about her DVD purchasing and she told me, “I haven’t been buying any DVDs during the strike, but that’s honestly more because of my financial status than anything else. But if I was less broke, I still wouldn’t be buying many (or maybe) any at all.”

Kyle (18) from Florida was eager to talk about his disdain for the current state of TV when I contacted him. He said that the WGA strike, “…irks me. Especially since Prison Break is supposed to be back in January. If they screw that up, I’m going insane.” But it’s not the writers he should be mad at. It’s the guys in the suits. Or fedoras. Whatever they’re wearing.

Kyle went on to tell me, “No, I’m not buying DVDs, predominantly because I can’t afford them.” That reminded me of what Dana R. had been saying. However, when I prompted him about if he’d buy DVDs if he could afford them he said he would. He then said, “I empathize with the writers, but it still aggravates me that they can’t reach a suitable decision.” I think many people are feeling that, but no one more than the actual writers on strike.

Some people are not at all aware of the WGA strike, the boycotts, or any of the other things going into the efforts of both sides of the strike. Such was the case for Michael M. (20) of California. When asked if he’d bought any DVDs recently, or had future plans to do so, he told me, “Yeah I bought the seventh season of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. And if a DVD set ever comes out for Last One Standing, I’ll probably check that out too.” Being a fan of a scripted show, and a reality show like Last One Standing he probably won’t be as let down as people who don’t watch any reality TV.

WGA supporters Lisa, DFW (45, from Texas) and Karen (28, from New York – last name initial withheld) both were uncertain about boycotting DVDs. Lisa said, “I have to admit, I’m not entirely sure why we should boycott DVDs. Yes, the writers want more from them (and deserve it) However, the writers do get residuals from them now. Boycott streaming video and downloads, yes. Boycott substitute programming, yes. But why boycott what does put money in their pockets?”

Following that comment, Karen added, “I’m inclined to agree with this. Yes, writers should get more, but if I’m going to be catching up on their work while they’re on strike, I’d much rather buy a DVD (and know they’re getting minor residuals) than buy an iTunes download where they get zilch.”

The last quote I collected seems fitting to end this piece. It is by a fan of LOST, Battlestar Gallactica, Firefly, and The X-files.

“I support the strike but will not support this boycott. The writers rely on these residuals in the absence of other income, we shouldn’t deny them just because the AMPTP make money too (as they always do). Four cents a piece may not seem like a lot but it adds up – we know this since the writers are requesting an increase to a mere eight cents and will likely settle at six. DVD sales are not the big issue at the moment, it is internet revenue. Boycott the media where the writers receive nothing, but continue to buy your DVDs.” – Alison M. (40) Pennsylvania

So, those are their opinions. What’s yours?

Digg the article if you like it!

If you are purchasing DVDs (or other goodies), check out this stuff:

Veronica Mars 2008 Wall Calendar

Lost – The Complete Third Season

Lost – The Complete Third Season [Blu-ray]

Firefly (Original Television Soundtrack)

Robot Chicken: Seasons 1 and 2

Smallville: The Official Companion Season 4

Smallville: The Visual Guide

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