Word Salad II

...I hate the flu. Hate it. I hate this stand-up, whoops, no, fall-right-over thing. Especially when I have work to do. Well, at least I can work on the laptop in bed. I just wish it wouldn't keep overheating and shutting down without warning. (Turns out this is a fault in the Sharp UM32W that can only be solved by getting the motherboard replaced -- to the tune of about $800, since the thing's out of warranty. Gah.)

Anyway: I've had some mails from people over the last few days about the writers' strike, saying they support it and want to know what they can do to help.

For the moment, try signing on to this online petition. Yeah, I know, such things can seem to be of questionable value. But we'll see. Please, spread the link around as widely as you can.

Another thing: those of you who are in LA or NY should feel free to go down and join the picket lines -- they'll be glad to have you. LA folks: the big picket today is at Fox. Thousands of writers and supporters will be there. I wish I could be. (Except I'd just fall down after taking about ten steps, which would dampen the occasion somewhat.)

And again, if you're not sure you understand the issues surrounding this whole fooforaw, try checking out the entries and sidebars at United Hollywood, where the strike captains are running a blog.

(You could also read our old friend Ron Moore's excellent interview on the subject over at IGN.)

(...And here's something worth seeing: past master of our craft, longtime Obi-Wan to my Luke [or Lukette, as the case may be]: Harlan Ellison talks about getting paid for one's work. Inimitably.)