writers on strike write for free

i've been mildly obsessed with all this writers strike nonsense. and i guess it makes sense. i am a writer, their compatriot. and i watch a lot of tv, which means i am saddened that the brilliant creators and writers of my favorite shows are protesting. i am also sad that pretty soon no new episodes of my favorite shows will be coming back on the air any time soon.

but getting back to the camaraderie i feel with the writers, i read this article on the times' online today, and it spoke to me. the story is about how currently unemployed writers are taking to the internets to write for free about how they don't want to write for free. you just can't stop them from writing! its in their blood.

it made me think of my life and why i do this. most days, i am so sick of writing, reporting and editing that i just want to stare at mindless cooking shows or do sudoku for hours. but i get the urge to write, and i express myself through this blog. and it is comforting, it is a release. and i appreciate it and am thankful for it.

after hours on the picket line, i bet the striking writers need some release, too. so they are also turning to blogs and the new york times and all other manner of outlets. i applaud their efforts to interact with each other and let their voices be heard.

and i think i join with lots of other writers in extending my wishes that this strike has a quick and successful conclusion.