Reply #94: I've talked to several TV writers [View All]

during my years in science fiction fandom. I've met a couple in person, and been in contact with others on-line. The writers are often treated worse than the person who gets the director his or her coffee in the morning. These folks work 14-15 hour days to get a script out. Then they have to revise it as it's being filmed. And they don't get paid well. Believe me. I've talked to one guy who worked as a Government contractor for many years before he saved up enough money to become a writer. Those residuals will often keep folks going for several years. Besides that, in today's industry, you're often considered too old at age 30, especially for "younger-skewing" shows like "Smallville" or (name anything on the CW).

Not only that, a lot of "reality" TV shows are non-union productions. They pay less, but demand more. So it's quite insulting that you call these folks "flaming retards". Is Aaron Sorkin a "flaming retard"? (Well, he IS a drug addict...) Is Joss Whedon, who donates a lot of his time and money to liberal causes? It is you, sir, who are a flaming retard.