Tori said it in her review. The Office’s Michael Schur and Jen Celotta said it in the chat room. And now I am officially appealing to Tallyheads and Office fans everywhere —
The best thing you can do to support the writers during the WGA strike is to write a letter. Specifically, write a letter to Jeff Zucker, President and CEO of NBC/Universal.
Be articulate. Be polite. Tell Mr. Zucker that you’re an Office fan and you want your show back. That you won’t watch any replacement programming until The Office returns.
Check out various Tallyhead letters in the comments below.
Let’s get the entire Office staff back where they belong, doing what they do best: making our favorite show.
Mail letters to:
Jeff Zucker
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112
P.S. The Office staff has heard every other idea that you guys have had — from boycotting DunderMifflinInfinity.com, to not watching The Office online, to turning off your TV altogether. Again, Michael Schur says “we can’t quite figure out what the right move is with digital media stuff for right now, but we do know that writing letters is good.” As for a DMI boycott, I spoke to another Office writer who says, “DMI has nothing to do with the Writers’ Guild strike. The strike is only about scripted content, so keep on participating in DMI and reading the character blogs. It’s all we’ve got right now!”
Dear Mr. Zucker,
My name is _____ _______ and I am __ years old. I am a huge Office fan, and on behalf of the rest of my fellow fans, I have a message for you: we will not accept any non-WGA television programs. We are prepared to boycott online episodes. We are prepared to boycott television, altogether. We will not, however, watch The Apprentice, America’s Got Talent, or The Singing Bee. Nothing can replace The Office, and we are prepared to do whatever it takes to get our favorite show back. Now, in the words of Michael Scott: “You have one day.”
Thank You,
_____ _______
__ ___ ____ __
___________, __
_____
This isn’t a letter, but here is the West Coast address as well:
Jeff Zucker, President and CEO
NBC Universal
3000 W. Alameda Ave.
Burbank, CA. 91523
Just in case you wanted to post it. I’m sending one to each.
Mr. Zucker,
I am writing on behalf of thousands of troubled fans all over the country. We are extremely disappointed in your choice to withhold reasonable compensation for the writers of shows involved with your network, such as The Office, my personal favorite. In my opinion, the writers of these shows deserve to be fairly reimbursed for all online media such as The Office Webisodes that aired last summer and all Internet downloads, including those from iTunes.
The internet has become the new place to view your favorite television shows and it seems only right to fairly compensate those whose work is being displayed online. I think (and I’m sure I could get more than a few people to agree with me on this), that the writers of these shows, the people who are responsible for making these shows are as good as they are, should be paid for their work.
Take The Office for example; it is an EMMY WINNING comedy series that has accumulated an overwhelming fan base over the past few years. After the strike is resolved, imagine losing an amazing show, possibly even more than one, from your network AND several thousands of viewers in the process.
This is not good for business nor the fans, to say the least.
I think you get my point. All I ask is that you please at least think about what I, a member of the majority, am trying to get across to you. It would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.
Dear Mr. Zucker,
I am writing this letter to ask you to please do whatever it takes to get The Office back on the air. As a viewer from the pilot, I am very upset to see my favorite show go into reruns because of the writer’s strike. Never in my life have I felt more connected to a group of fictional people than I do the Dunder-Mifflin clan. I recently attended The Office Convention in Scranton, PA and found a new appreciation for the writing staff. They are the reason the show is as successful as it is. Their work is invaluable.
As someone who has always considered NBC their television home, it pains me to see my favorite shows stop production. The Office has made NBC cutting edge with their webisodes, DunderMifflinInfinity.com and iTunes episodes. The Office writers deserve to compensation for the extra work they put in.
Until the writer’s are given what they deserve, I will not watch NBC in any form. I cannot support the online episodes or the reruns. I refuse to watch any content of lesser value such as reality television. I have encouraged all of my friends and family to do the same. As a college student, I am in your advertising target demographic. It is my age group that has made The Office, Heroes and other NBC shows as popular as they are.
I strongly encourage you to compensate the writer’s for the hard work that they put in. They are the heart of the industry. Thank you so much for your time.
My letter (email)was to the AMPTP…
I will not be watching any content on studio/network websites until I know that the writers of that content are compensated for it. I will urge any advertisers on those websites to discontinue buying ads there, since their ads will not be seen.
Further, when my favorite shows are in repeats, I will not be watching them. I will not see your advertisers’ commercials.
Feel free to air all the reality TV you wish; I will not be watching that either.
When an episode airs on the web, and advertising is sold and played during it, it’s only fair that the writers be compensated for it. This includes scripted clips like The Office webisodes. The AMPTP can call these ‘promos’ all they want; it doesn’t make it the truth. A ‘promo’ is something one runs to get people to watch a show. A webisode *is* a show.
I’m not in any way related to the television or motion picture industries, nor am I a writer. What I *am* is a consumer who won’t be consuming your products, and one who won’t be tempted by your advertiser’s products. If a product is advertised when no one is watching, does it make a sound?
Be fair. Pay people when their work goes out on ‘new’ media.
Dear Mr. Zucker,
I am writing to show my support of the WGA writer’s strike, and to sincerely request that successful negotiations take place soon so that we can have the return of our beloved show – The Office.
As a 30-year-old, young, business professional, I feel confident in saying that the talent and enthusiasm that goes into writing scripts for The Office is a gift that cannot go unnoticed, rewarded or fairly compensated. The genius that is The Office has become such a priority for me that I not only schedule life events around its airing, but I have also made it my personal goal in life to convert as many co-workers and family members into Office fans. Needless to say, I take every aspect behind this hit show, from writing to producing to acting, seriously. Furthermore, I have the utmost respect for all individuals involved in the creation of this hit show.
Some may say the writers are just being selfish or it’s a matter of the rich wanting to become richer. However, I would suggest that it is human beings willing to stand up for what they believe in and risk their livelihoods to have a voice. In today’s society, that is something I can respect and support. In support of the WGA strike, I will not view non-WGA programming until The Office returns.
I appreciate you taking the time to read my letter and to consider my point of view.
Well mine is addressed to the AMPTP but you can improvise. You’re very witty:
To Whom It May Concern,
I’d like to express to you my concern over the current WGA strike.
I consider myself a fairly informed and eager consumer of television and film, but even more so when it’s easy to see the talented writing that goes into creating a particular show. You might consider that an exaggeration, but it’s true. Since being exposed to programs such as NBC’s The Office, ABC’s Lost and Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, I’ve come to realize just how entertaining and smart television can be.
All three shows I just mentioned have been or have recently begun to take full advantage of the Internet. It’s no surprise. Convergence should happen. Finally, shows like The Office were able to harness the power of an online audience. But it seems studios and organizations such as yours, are doing so while taking advantage of those responsible for the content: the writers.
AMPTP needs to acknowledge the unfair compensation system for online distribution and the severely reduced cost of producing a home DVD. WGA is not trying to take what is not rightfully theirs, but rather what they’ve been entitled to all along. I hope you can see the difference. I hope you’ll make a change for the better.
In support of the Writers Guild of America, I will not view any non-WGA programs until this strike is settled in appreciation and respect for hard-working writers that make entertainment possible.
With regards,
Matt Collins
Dear Mr. Zucker,
I am writing in support of the WGA strike as a dedicated viewer of The Office.
When an incredible show comes along, it creates a different kind of fan base. We emotionally invest in the cast, the crew, and the gifted writers who are the lifeblood of any television show.
This means that we will not watch the gimmicky reality shows filling the time slot of our favorite show. We will not fall for claims that airing ad-filled full episodes on the Internet is a mere promotional tactic. We will fight for the writers’ entitlement to fair residuals from their work. That’s the risk you run when you have the smartest people in Hollywood as writers.
You get the smartest fan base staunchly behind them.
Thank you,
nv
I kind of borrowed from others on this site…
Mr. Zucker,
My name is __________and I am writing this letter to urge you to be the first to put an end to the awful WGA writer’s strike that is currently plaguing the entire entertainment industry.
I am a ____ year old ((college student)), a member of your key demographic , and have always valued the programming on NBC to be the best and responsible for some of the most memorable and valuable moments on television. From the classic sitcoms of Cheers, Seinfeld and Friends and the ground breaking dramas of Law and Order and ER, to the current hits The Office, 30 Rock and Heroes, NBC has always been on the cutting edge in entertainment.
Today however, The Office, which in my opinion is the BEST thing to ever grace the NBC line-up and perhaps all of television, is in jeopardy. It was easy to see from my very first viewing of the pilot that your network had stumbled upon something genius. Finally, we had something to fill the void left by retired sitcoms of old. It is hilarious, edgy, and most of all it has heart. It was the first to produce webisodes, and was the flagship program for iTunes, receiving MILLIONS of downloads with absolutely none of the money going to the creative geniuses you are so lucky to have. Whether your network would like to admit it or not, our little show is what revived your dying line-up and brought NBC back as a contender once again.
I urge you to end this strike now and be like the programming you employ, be the first, and show some heart for the people that give you the ratings and draw the advertisements you so desperately want to keep to yourselves. They are looking to the future of television and their families, and they, just like you, realize it is with the internet and that they are being robbed of their talents by not being compensated.
On behalf of the rest of my fellow fans, I have a message for you: we will not accept any non-WGA television programs. We are prepared to boycott online episodes. We are prepared to boycott television, altogether. We will not watch The Apprentice, America’s Got Talent, or The Singing Bee. Nothing can replace The Office, and we are prepared to do whatever it takes to get our favorite show back. Now, in the words of Michael Scott: “You have one day.”
Sincerely,
_________
Dear Mr. Zucker,
Thank you for your work in creating some of the highest quality television programming available to the viewers of the world. However, many of your hard-earned fans are stunned by the events of the recent WGA strike.
This letter is to plead for a timely and successful negotiation between your company and the members of the WGA. By fairly compensating those who work hard to help create successful shows such as The Office, you have the opportunity to show that you indeed lead a company that is committed to excellence and providing the finest television entertainment to your dedicated fan-base. However, filling the time slots that were originally dedicated to these new shows with repeats, reality shows, and other non-WGA programming is unfortunately proving the opposite. These shows can only be perceived as filler, and will not be supported by the millions of fans across the globe who have faith in a company that truly supports its creative collaborators.
We urge you to consider the requests of all who are involved, and prove your dedication to your fan-base by no longer delaying the shows that hold our enthusiasm and support. The writers and actors in your employ can do nothing but provide you with the superior results you are looking for when they are treated with fairness and integrity. There is plethora of evidence proving the excellent work these writers and actors have done, and why not reward the people who contribute to the success of your company.
Thank you for your open-mindedness and consideration. We look forward to a swift negotiation and your willingness to show your company’s potential for fan dedication. I wish you the best of luck with the negations and thank you for your time and consideration.
Ben Inniger
Dear Mr. Zucker,
I’ve never written to a studio executive before, but then I’ve never loved a TV show as much as I love The Office. Please do whatever you can to reach a fair and equitable compensation agreement with the WGA so the writers, and actors, and crews can go back to work.
As the Regional Manager of Dunder Mifflin Infinity, Reno, I know how important it is to keep customers happy. I don’t have the luxury of telling my customers to just use the other side of the paper, or worse, switch to a cheaper quality because our paper producers are on strike. It would be years
before I could lure them back from Staples, and the cost of the gift baskets alone would break us.
We Dunder Mifflinites are dedicated to The Office and the talented people who write the words, and say the words, hold the cameras, and do all the work required to produce the best show on television. We went to Scranton for heaven’s sake!
Please consider The Office fans, your customers, and resolve this issue quickly and fairly.
Sincerely yours,
To whom it may concern:
I am a viewer of intelligent television only. As long as the writer’s strike persists I will not watch any alternative programing or “reality” television. Replacing creative and well-written shows, such as “The Office”, with sub-par mindless drivel is insulting to the viewers and the creative minds alike. Please give the writers what they deserve for their imagination and artistry.
Respectfully,
xxx
Dear Mr. Zucker,
I am writing in as a dedicated fan of the show The Office and a supporter of the WGA strike. I have been a fan of the show for two years, and I have never seen a show equal to it in quality. It is the smartest comedy on television, and all thanks for that go to the writers. The Office is the only TV show I watch and I am very sad to see it go into reruns. I have never been more emotionally invested in a TV show. I feel like I know and love all the characters in the show. A show as genius as this only comes around once in a lifetime. I know I am not alone in saying this: I will not watch the reruns you put in place of my beloved show. I will not watch the reality TV you use as a filler. In fact, I am completely boycotting my TV until this strike is over.
The Office has taken TV on the internet to the next level. They won an emmy for their webisodes (Which the writers were never paid for, by the way). Thousands of fans joined dundermifflininfinity.com so they could pretend to work for their favorite company. When The Office was sold on itunes, it was almost always the top selling show of the week. Deleted scenes, and now full episodes are shown online. Many of my friends are busy on Thursday nights, and they ONLY watch the show on the internet. It is only fair that the writers get paid every time their work is used.
If The Office is taken off the air, NBC will lose millions of dedicated viewers. The Office has the most dedicated fanbase of any show on TV today. Personally, I will not watch NBC until The Office is back in production. And I don’t think it’s worth it to lose an emmy winning show and thousands of fans over refusing to give talented writers the pay they deserve. So please, give the writers their fair share, and get The Office back on TV.
Thank you for listening,
Dear NETWORK EXECUTIVE:
I don’t watch reality TV. I don’t watch reruns.
I love clever writing, though. I delight in it. For a show that I love, I will become a major fan – the kind that starts a fan site, spends way too much money on merchandise, and tries to get all of her friends to start watching the show as well. I’ve hosted viewing parties for my favorite shows. I’ve made cupcakes decorated in honor of my favorite shows. I have single-handedly turned ten friends and acquaintances from being entirely uninterested in my favorite show, “The Office,” into fans who now consider it appointment television.
Whether an episode is being watched on a television or on a website, it is an episode, and it is being watched. If money is being made from it, then the people who created it deserve a fair portion of it.
I will not watch shows or buy merchandise or tell my friends to watch programs that are not created by smart and talented writers who receive fair compensation for their invaluable creative work. Until the writers get what they deserve, I am on strike, too. I look forward to again celebrating the quality television aired on your network once the minds behind that quality television are paid for all of the formats in which their work appears.
Sincerely,
NAME
Dear Mr. Zucker,
In light of the recent WGA strike, I have decided to write this letter to express my appreciation and support for the hard working writers of television. These writers work day in and day out to deliver quality television programs to our homes every week.
Writers deserve to be compensated for their hard work. It is only fair that they receive some source of revenue (which, for many writers, is used to put food on the table) for their work. I’m not a supporter of greed, and would not be writing you this letter if I truly did not believe that the writers deserve to be listened to and to be remunerated.
I also wanted to express my support for the actors and numerous other crew members of shows such as THE OFFICE, that are shutting down during this time to support the creators of their series. Without the writers of this magnificent, witty, award winning television program, the American Office would be just another sad attempt at adapting a hugely successful comedy program. Instead, the hard working, dedicated, intelligent writers made this Emmy Award winning television show a huge hit. I think it is only fair that they are compensated for their work, regardless of how it is viewed (on the television, through the internet, or on a cell phone.)
The sooner this strike ends, the sooner these television shows can go back to producing large amounts of revenue for your network. Crew members can get their jobs back (to support themselves and their families), and writers can continue to produce hilarious sitcoms. Television fans will be very happy to get our favorite shows back as well. Until then, I will continue to support the writers, producers, and actors who are standing up for themselves and their hard work.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
A word of advice from an assistant. If you send them a long, boring letter, you lose their interest realllllllllly quick. Say what you want to say in the first line. The show I work on was boycotted and it was the people who spoke their mind in the first lines who made a difference over the ones who wrote us a novel. So here is probably the best letter to write: (yes it might be a little negative, but the advice you were given was don’t be nasty, but hit em)
———————
Mr. Zucker,
NBC has long established Thursday night’s as Must-See TV and now more recently Comedy Night Done Right. If The Office is taken off the air in mid season and replaced with some unscripted, lame, time filler reality show, that isn’t must see and it certainly isn’t right. There is only one way to ensure that Comedy Night is Done Right and that is to keep your must see programs on the air and right now the only programs people must see are the ones written by creative geniuses who plan every shot, not editors who are given hours and hours of footage and told to make a show out of that footage, ie reality. Sadly, this letter won’t make difference so it must get pretty bad for you before it gets better, and I can’t say you don’t deserve it. Sometimes it takes a man to make a mistake before he figures out how to prevent that mistake again and I only hope you won’t treat the actors like you do the writers.
Mr. Zucker, I wish you a wonderful time in the upcoming future as I am sure it is going to make your life beyond miserable everytime you run into a fan or a writer asking you why did you do that? Good luck.
—–
I hope this wasn’t too harsh, its hard not to when you know he’s a main reason behind so many unemployments.
thanks,
andrew
Dear AMPTP or whom it may concern,
Be aware, you are going to lose lots of money and lots of viewers if this strike continues. I am a fan who is 100% in support of the writers (and there are thousands just like me), we are outraged at what is taking place, not just for our beloved shows disappearing but for all those concerned who will be losing their jobs, losing money, or losing the wonderful ability to entertain us because of this strike.
I am telling you with absolute certainty that a movement is taking place among the fans to boycott all network television as soon as our shows officially go off the air, our televisions will be off! And we won’t stop there, if need be, we will boycott all online outlets and DVDs that are associated with our shows, no more online web watching, no more downloads, no more DVD purchasing will come from us until this strike is over! We support the writers, we support what they are asking for, and they deserve to get their compensation.
I am an avid watcher of The Office on NBC and I’ve become associated with an online Office community which continues to grow daily, we are strong, we don’t give up, and our voices will be heard. We support our show and writers with such intensity that we are willing to give up what we have to in order to get them back.
Picture this, one (of the many sites dedicated to The Office) had something like 2 million page views in the month of October alone, now let’s imagine that even just 1000 of those visitors read the pleas for help and decide to boycott. If every one of them went on to convince 10 to 15 people to turn off their TVs to network television, and boycott everything online associated with it until the strike ends, you’re looking at something like 10,000 to 15,000 people alone for a loss of viewer ship, and that’s generated from just one site, for just one show! There are hundreds of sites with just as many dedicated fans out there willing to do what they can for the cause.
If you think I’m just one viewer writing in, and how much can I really believe this will happen, or whether I can change anything, hear this; ever heard of a thing called lots and lots of NUTS being delivered to CBS for a little show called Jericho? Yeah, we viewers mean business and we will get out there and fight. We WILL blackout our TVs. That’s how much our shows (writers, actors, directors, and their crews included) mean to us, and how much we want them back.
So let’s look at what you have, you have determined actors and writers no longer producing work out there on the picket lines, you have angry fans who support them who are going to be turning off their TVs (we don’t care WHAT you intend to put temporarily in its place). So essentially you have a whole bunch of people angry at you and not supporting you. So where does that leave you AMPTP, studio execs, and all you other decision makers? Why deny the writers what they are in all fairness due? Why deny the fans our shows? Because without us watching and downloading, you wouldn’t be making any money anyway, and without the writers there would simply be no shows.
Make the right decision, end this strike, bring back our shows, keep the movies from being tainted even more, GIVE THE WRITERS WHAT THEY DESERVE!
Sincerely,
Sarah H.
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to register my complete support of the Writers Guild in their strike. I will not watch any programming that replaces new episodes when they run out. I will not buy any DVDs or view any non-WGA programming until the strike ends.
Unfortunately for you, I am part of your most precious demographic—a college kid with money to burn. I am easily susceptible to your advertising, and frequently buy things for which I have no use just because I see them advertised in the middle of your shows.
Writers deserve to be fairly compensated for their creations, whether they are viewed on TV, online, or in any other form. As a fan of The Office, I was especially outraged to hear that the show’s writers were not fairly compensated for their work on the amazing webisodes produced last year.
Calling a full-length episode or a webisode a “promotion” so that you don’t have to compensate the writers is blatantly deceitful and unfair. Writing is not the most stable career, and residuals are a necessity for any semblance of job security.
I am educating all of my friends about the strike (also college kids, many of whom have more money to burn and spend it more compulsively than I do) and encouraging them to take the same action that I am taking. I’m also spreading the word through the use of this new untested media called “the internets.”
I urge you to do whatever you can to help move negotiations along so that a fair contract can be agreed upon and the writers can come back to work.
Sincerely,
Shannon B.
Dear Mr. Zucker:
I am a loyal fan of two of NBC’s Thursday night comedies – “The Office” and “30 Rock”, both of which distinguish themselves from other network comedies for one primary reason – the writing. Many other shows feature talented actors and flawless production, but I choose to watch shows based on the quality of their writing. Since the writers are the primary reason I tune in to your programming, should they not be compensated for their work when I choose to purchase it on iTunes or Amazon.com or if I watch episodes on NBC.com after viewing the ad spots that precede them?
I’ve heard a figure of between $90,000 and $200,000 tossed around as an average writer’s salary. If this is the median salary, then obviously there are a lot of writers making much less money. Many, if not most, are working-class participants in the production of a successful television program – they don’t enjoy the extravagant salaries that many marquee actors AND producers do. The AMPTP isn’t fooling anyone by portraying the writers as a bunch of picketing millionaires. What is the average salary of an AMPTP member? They don’t seem as quick to point that out. Another argument I have heard from the AMPTP is that producers risk a great deal of capital on new shows and take losses when they are unsuccessful. Is working as a television writer without risk? They face life without an income if their projects fold. Time between projects may be long, and residuals are something that keeps many of their heads above water in the voids between jobs. Compensation from new media and DVDs is something that they clearly deserve. The writers asked for a doubling of their paltry .3% of DVD profit, and even took this modest demand off the table in an effort to encourage a speedy resolution by removing a major point of contention.
On the subject of new media, it’s clear that new media users are becoming a larger segment of your audience; consequently, a larger portion of your revenue stream. NBC.com is full of banner ads and before viewing show episodes or clips on the site, you must sit through advertisements. Obviously you are not placing these on the website without being compensated. Clearly, as was evidenced by your fallout with Apple’s iTunes, you are concerned with the profit margin you enjoy from paid downloads of your programming. You and I both know that new media will grow exponentially in the next few years as the technology used to create, distribute, view, store, and purchase it improves. The writers only seek to have language in their contract that guarantees them a fair portion of the profits that will go hand-in-hand with the inevitable growth of new media. The AMPTP states that six out of last year’s top ten most popular programs were unscripted, reality/game show-type productions. Just how popular are these shows in paid downloads, DVD sales, or streaming content on network websites? I suspect they don’t measure up to quality scripted programming. As of this moment, 90% of the top episode downloads and 100% of the top season downloads on iTunes are scripted programming. Who wants to watch “Deal or No Deal” or “Dancing With The Stars” multiple times on their iPod or DVD player? I wouldn’t wish that upon anyone.
As I am sure you have surmised by now, I am an ardent and vocal supporter of the WGA in their dispute with AMPTP. Both The Office and 30 Rock feature writers who are also producers. In all cases that I’ve seen, these hyphenates have chosen the side of the WGA in this contract dispute. It also appears that the on-screen talent in the SAG union have expressed their support for the WGA in their interviews and on the picket lines. I feel that the right thing to do in this situation is clear, and if this dispute is not resolved in a timely manner, I will not lose any loyalty to the writers involved. I will, however, bear a deep grudge against the producers who have caused the work stoppage with their greed and inflexibility. So, if the writers I admire end up moving to another network once this crisis is over, I will follow them to wherever they are employed. In the meantime, while red-shirted picketers march and production is at a standstill, I will not be watching replacement shows, reruns, reality programming, or any other distractions which are broadcast while the writers are without a fair and just contract for the future of their profession. Please take into consideration that I am not alone in my beliefs and that a protracted rigidity by the AMPTP will be a major blemish on the producers and the networks and studios that employ them.
Please do the right thing
Sincerely,
Dear Mr. Zucker,
My name is Daniel Leissler and I am a big Office fan. I am not one to complain but I have been following the strike. I see what is going on and realize a big company like NBC is trying to make money and compete. That is business. I know, I work for Comcast Cable in West Florida. We compete for customers everyday. But my company takes care of me. I am sick, they pay me with time I earn from them. I sell a service, they pay me time and commission. I also give back. I work overtime when needed. I keep the customers happy by being pleasant and dealing with their issues in a timely manner. I put this analogy to your situation and it doesn’t add up. Your employees are working long days and getting paid for their time but where is there commission. I get commission on everything I sell company never cheats me on that. But you are not paying commission for your workers. If you put something on the internet or sell a DVD pay your workers. You are infringed on their rights as human beings. They work hard to create ideas and storylines for shows you should give them the incentive to better by paying them for it. It is a no brainer. I don’t watch reality shows, and I won’t. I know a lot of people in my place of business and I am not one to be mean but we as viewers will go on strike. After a while you won’t have a choice and you will be left wondering why I just didn’t work with my employees instead of work against them. Please for the sake of being human give your employees a break and give them their commission.
Sincerely,
Mr. Zucker,
I’m 20 years old and have money to spend. I’m your target audience. I’m also a huge fan of The Office on NBC, and I will not accept any non-WGA programming in its place. My fellow devoted fans and I are prepared to boycott online episodes, your idiotic reality television, and anything else you try to put in place of the witty, creative, ground-breaking shows we love. In fact, I will be turning off my TV completely once The Office goes off the air. You would be nowhere without your writers, and they deserve to be compensated for the work that they do. If you lose the intelligent writers, you will lose the intelligent fans. Do the right thing.
In the words of Michael Scott, “You have one day.”
Dear Mr. Zucker,
As a loyal NBC consumer, I am begging you not to insult my intelligence by filling your airwaves with mindless garbage when you have such brilliantly written shows as The Office, Scrubs, and 30 Rock. Please don’t ruin your programming with more reality and game shows– your viewers don’t want to watch them, and we will find other ways to fill our time.
The writers of shows like The Office are the SOLE reason the network is even competitive anymore. The forces working against you when competing with the other networks? The lame reality television that accounts for much of NBC’s current schedule.
I count on internet and new media replays of the shows I love. However, if the writers of these quality shows are not being compensated for their shows watched online, I certainly will not be contributing to the problem. I guess I’ll have to record the shows I love and fast forward through commercials.
Please take these letters seriously and end this strike. Take the opportunity to make NBC the network to watch again.
Thank you,
Karen
Dear Mr. Zucker,
It has felt for a long time that our society is too dependent on this thing called television — this thing you call a paycheck. Now, thanks to your actions, I have a perfect reason to take a break from watching television. I just graduated from college with my first job, cheap rent, no kids and money to burn. But I will not be burning it on anything that has to do with you and your organization until you pay the creative talent what they deserve.
There are many other ways to spend my time than watching television. I could read a book, take a walk, workout in the gym, reconnect with old friends, volunteer at the nursing home down the street, spend time with my extended family members. But one thing is for sure, I will not be watching television, especially once you try and fill it with unintelligent time-wasters, aka reality tv.
I am also a part of your most important demographic and I hope you and your fellow corporate suits pay attention to the smart and informed fans. We are not the same group of fans that were around for past strikes. We will support the writers, actors, directors and producers of our favorite shows.
Hopefully you have figured out by now that we are smart enough to know how incredibly selfish and greedy the corporate suits and networks are. It’s pretty simple, actually: give the writers and creative talent what they deserve or plan to not have any of my money or time watching your network.
Sincerely,
XXXXXX
November 10, 2007
Mr. Zucker,
I’m a fan of The Office and am VERY disappointed in you. You and your AMPTP peers have been disingenuous and deceitful in your treatment of the members of the WGA. Pay them the residuals they deserve for online content. The word is getting out about your attempts to hoard all the money for yourselves. Calling the online webisodes “promotional” and exclaiming that the internet is “too new” to agree to pay residuals are ridiculous statements. I’ve never heard of a work stoppage crisis being spurred on by such ludicrous excuses.
I won’t be watching non-WGA programming. I’m smarter than that. Give me my Office back. I’ll be spreading the word about your greedy practices. I think you’re making a big mistake. I’ve stuck by NBC, watching shows like Heroes, ER, and The Office. You’re going to lose a loyal customer unless you step in and help bring fairness into the negotiations.
Sincerely,
_________
Apex, NC
Jeff Zucker,
We want our scripted shows back, STAT. (Stat means now!)
You best believe that no one is going to enjoy The Singing Bee, or America’s got talent, more than they enjoy the WGA episodes such as The Office.
We are prepared to boycott online episodes and telivision all together.
-__________your name here.
Dear Mr. Zucker
I am writing to you today to let you know (or rather, remind you) that you know have a mutiny on your hands. I am an incredibly insane fan of your hit show “The Office” and I am in complete support of the writers of this show, and every other show, who are on strike. I will not buy any more DVDs or view nay non-WGA programming until the amazing writers, who keep your business running, are fairly compensated for their work.
The actors deliver the hilarious words which we yearn to hear everyday, but the writers are the ones that write the hilarious words. They are the key to winning your audience over, but they are not paid for their work on the award-winning webisodes or the numerous watches the free episodes online are receiving.
There are many morel like me, millions, and we are all taking the same action. We will not watch the crap you put on TV until our writers are paid fairly and fully. Reality TV is not aa substitute for a mocumentary. There is no substitute.
The writers and numerous fans await your decision.
“You have one day.” – Michael Scott
Sincerely,
________________________________
They always give an ultimatum
I sent my letters to Mr. Zucker at both east and west coast NBC addresses, to NBCUNI.com Feedback, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, as well as an email.
Dear Mr. Zucker,
I am writing to show my support of the WGA strike, and to sincerely request that successful negotiations take place soon so that we can have the return of our beloved show – The Office. As a viewer since the pilot episode, I am very disappointed to see my favorite show stop production and go into reruns all because NBC has failed negotiations;
forcing the WGA to strike. The Office is the only show I watch. I do not find any other show on the other networks or cable as appealing. I greatly appreciate the writing staff, and they are the reason the show is as successful as it is. Their work is invaluable, and I am certain you and others at NBC appreciate their talent as well.
We are in a new era of television with the new media formats available on the internet. Therefore, contracts should be negotiate to properly compensate the writers for their work. It’s the same as if an employee gets a cost of living increase in their salary. New media is the driving force for the future of television and the writers deserve their share.
I strongly encourage you and other appropriate persons at NBC to put an end to the strike by agreeing to compensate the writer’s for their hard work. They are the heart of the industry. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Mr. Zucker,
On the whole, I’m not a huge fan of television. I prefer spending my evenings walking my dogs, reading books or doing volunteer work. Then I discovered The Office. I have never seen a more brilliantly written comedy. The writing on this show is so many things. Not only is The Office an uncannily accurate satire of life in an American office, the storylines and arcs of the characters pulls me in. The writing is what allows me to recognize and even appreciate the awkward humor in my own working environment. The writing is why I tune in every week. The writing is why I bought all three seasons on DVD.
Are you recognizing the theme here? What the WGA is asking for is fair and reasonable, and most importantly, deserved. I’m a busy person; I make time for television shows that pull me in, shows like The Office, 30 Rock, and Heroes. I don’t watch reality television. I think it’s vapid and inane and irrelevant. I won’t make time for programming that does nothing for me. I can’t fathom why you won’t make a deal with the very people who have kept your network from sinking.
The internet is the wave of the future and I hope you can look beyond your wallet to see how many families this greediness will affect. The WGA members aren’t looking to buy Mercedes or BMWs or nine-bedroom mansions – they’d like to have health care and maybe, just maybe, be able to afford to send their children to college. Give them what they want. It’s the right thing to do.
I’d also like to remind you that you are the one who is losing out on this deal. I don’t have to watch your network. The only reason I do is to watch the shows I have come to love. I will not watch non-WGA programming. I will not buy any DVDs or watch any media from your website. I like to put my money where my mouth is – and in this case, it’s with the writers.
Sincerely,
Dear NBC Universal,
Congratulations on the success of your Green Week campaign. It was refreshing to see a corporation promote a dire cause. Where as the whole campaign could have turned into a pursuit of a different kind of green, it was instead done with great thought and earnestness of heart. Well done!
What a shame that the whole thing has been all but over-shadowed by the current WGA strike. At the same moment NBC U was set to shine as the network that cares about the future of our environment, it proved itself to be just another conglomerate consumed with greed.
Of course I know that NBC Universal is not solely responsible; it is but one of the many studios more concerned with getting its share than taking care of the people who work so hard to create its products. Those people deserve to be paid for the use of their work, regardless of whether it is viewed on a television set or the internet. At the end of the day, whether or not NBC Universal is the ring leader or the lemming, withholding rightly deserved residuals from its employees turns the Green and the green to red.
Today the internet will not be the thing for which writers do not get paid, but instead their slingshot. Blogs and video clips are aimed between the studios’ eyes; their voices are being heard. This is not fair, and it is not a secret, either.
So make it fair. Speak up for the writers, like you did for the environment. Instead of following the rest of the studios swiftly off the cliff, persuade the AMPTP to compensate the writers fairly so this strike can end. Make green as Universal as Green.
Dear Mr. Zucker:
I am writing to support the fantastic writers of my favorite show, “The Office.” I did not know the meaning of good television until I started watching this show. It is smart, hilarious and heartfelt. The brilliant writing pulled me in two years ago, and I have been an avid fan ever since.
With that being said, I was shocked when I discovered the writers are not getting paid for Internet content. The Internet is the future of television; it is not just a promotional tool. I know countless people who cannot catch the show at its scheduled time, so they depend on the online episodes.
The WGA’s argument is simple: because of writers’ work, education, creativity and humor, you are able to have an online product available to fans. Therefore, they deserve some of that revenue you generate from Internet offerings.
I sincerely hope you take this letter and other fans’ letters into serious consideration. We may not be CEOs or media moguls, and we might not have an MBA. But we are your customers; we are the people you should be working to please. We are the ones watching NBC shows and advertisements. You can thank us for your enormous paychecks.
Until the writers receive fair compensation for their work, however, we will not be supportive of your network. We will not settle for mindless reality shows. We do not care if Susie Jo from Topeka knows all the lyrics to “Man, I Feel Like a Woman.” We will only be satisfied with the best, and the best is “The Office.”
Mr. Zucker,
I’m sure with all this impending strike stuff that’s going on, you’re a busy fellow. Reading thousands of letters from unhappy fans and writers probably is not at the top of your to-do list either but, I’m going to write this letter anyway, as will a boat load of other fans.
First off, with a compliment- I have to say that television programming these days is wonderful. There are so many smart and heartfelt shows out there that have made people schedule time to watch them every week. The truth is, more people make more time for their favorite shows than for a doctor’s appointment. I am one of those people. You have to know that if people are turning off their phones, shutting their doors, and pawning off their kids for an hour or so of television, that it’s good. America has great television programming, there is no doubt about it. And, I believe thanks is due to you for that. Thanks.
So, we know that our shows are pieces of art and are brilliant. The people behind what gets the good ratings and write those brilliant moments of television history are now without jobs, without security, and are standing outside studios right now with signs in their hands. They aren’t making anymore of those wonderful scenes that bring in the big bucks, they are standing up for their rights, instead of creating the art that draws millions of Americans to the television screen every night. Now that’s passion.
What happens when the new episodes run out and millions of fans are left wondering: What happens to Hiro? or Who gets slapped on Grey’s Anatomy next week? Yes, you might see that people still watch all the re-runs or the reality show fillers that you’ll be throwing into the barren timeslots, but it will not give the fans what they want. And, lets face it, isn’t the programming supposed to be what the fans like? Apparently, that’s not the way the big executives see it because the fans wouldn’t want re-runs or mind numbing reality television or programming from another country. But, I can tell you want the fans do want, because I am one of them, that they wouldn’t want to see their show off the air because the writers aren’t be fairly compensated for their work.
If you’ll notice Mr. Zucker, fans are loyal. Just look at Britney Spears loyal fans that still back her, even when the media doesn’t. And I hate to say it, even with our very own president. There are still loyal and faithful followers of his cabinet, even when all the big political gurus are against him. Yes, we are loyal people and we know where our loyalties lie. It’s not with the studio, it’s with the show and it’s heart; the writers.
Therefore, as a fan of one of the wittiest comedies on television today, The Office, I will not be watching the re-runs, or the reality shows put in it’s place. You’re lucky, you’ve already got the money from the season DVD’s that I’ve purchased, and until there is a resolution, I will not purchase anymore. And as many of the other fans of The Office are doing, I will not watch any of the streaming video on NBC.com or on any other website for that matter. To final point, If it’s not WGA written, then my television is off and I can finally make all those doctor’s appointments I’ve been missing.
Respectfully,
Short and simple. It could be a little more polite, but this is a strike!!! =)
Mr. Zucker,
Hi my name is ________ and I want my shows back! This whole strike is pointless. A writer should be allowed residuals on a show that they’ve written, regardless of the medium from which it is distributed. It’s common sense. There is no difference between watching a show on a TV or on a computer, other than the fact that on a computer you can watch it over and over again (THAT INCLUDES THE ADS). A simple solution would be to give them the measly amount that they ask for before this strike costs millions of dollars and the only respectable shows that you produce – not to mention your LOYAL viewers. Reality TV is horrible and will just shoot down the credibility of your company. I WANT MY SHOWS BACK!!!
-______________
To whom it may concern:
I was unhappy to hear that the Writers Guild of America was going on strike this past week. Although there are many sides to the argument, it is quite clear to nearly everyone that you are to blame.
The writers of your television shows are the reason you have most of your money in the first place. Instead of treating them with kindness and respect, as you should, you instead give them miniscule amounts of money (compared to your own earnings) for the amount of work they do. This is not fair by any stretch of the imagination. They should receive decent compensation for all of work that they have done in order to write the shows viewed on television and the internet. Since there is very little difference between watching programs on television versus the internet, why aren’t the writers paid for their work that has been put on the internet? It is simply a matter of common sense.
Although some executives think they will not lose millions of dollars throughout this, it is obvious that you all will. I vehemently refuse to watch any reality television that you attempt to broadcast in lieu of your good shows. I will not give you good ratings or money by watching any of the shows in syndication. Your substitutes for the primetime lineup may attract a few million tasteless viewers here and there, but the ratings will be a paltry sum compared to the 8-9 million viewers that “The Office” pulls in every Thursday night. If you are so desperately concerned about losing money by paying the writers too much, then I implore you to consider this: you will surely lose millions of dollars in this strike. Is it worth it to treat your employees terribly and still end up in the red?
As a teenager, I am exposed to an immense amount of immaturity. However, I have never seen anything as bad as people who will not pay writers, who are the reason they have ANY money, the salary which they deserve.
I hope you will reconsider.
To Whom It May Concern:
The ramifications of the WGA Writer’s Strike will be felt by all who watch or work for television. These will only get worse with time. I, along with a plethora of other fans, have pledged to step away from T.V. once mind-numbing reality shows and old reruns start filling the slots once reserved for intelligent and humorous productions, such as The Office, my favorite program. As a television viewer I ask for new episodes of these shows and that you peacefully negotiate with the WGA to give the viewers what they really want. Thank you for your time.
To Whom It May Concern:
You are going to lose millions of dollars in this strike. I assume you already know that, but since you have yet to compromise with the WGA, I want to you know how much money, loyalty, and appreciation you are going to lose from your fans.
Obviously, one of those loyal fans is going to be me. As a teenager, I watch a lot of TV. But my all-time favorite show is NBC’s The Office. I watch it religiously every Thursday; I have every season on DVD; I watched the episodes, deleted scenes, and webisodes online all the time until the strike. The Office is by far the best television show in my opinion and in many others’, too. The funny thing about being a fan of the show is that you either don’t like it (that being you’re obviously not a fan) or you are completely obsessed with the show. And there are millions of these obsessed fans. There are millions of these fans because The Office is one of the smartest, funniest, wittiest programs on television. The acting on this show is fabulous, but the thing that far surpasses anything acted on this show is the writing. The way the writers portray the characters and create storylines is genius. I can watch an episode over and over again and never get tired of it. And the fact that you are withholding money from residuals of the episodes these writers write makes me sick. I could probably name every writer on the staff and who has ever written their own episode, but I don’t have to waste my paper and ink proving how much I appreciate the writers’ work. The best part is, those millions of fans I mentioned before feel the same way. We love these writers and support them in the strike. We support not only The Office writers, but every other writer who works hard to create amazing television shows, only to be unfairly compensated for their work. I, along with millions of other dedicated fans, refuse to watch the reality garbage and reruns you are planning to play in lieu of our favorite shows.
As stated before, I am a teenager who watches a lot of television. I am also very internet savvy, just like every other person in the 8-45 age bracket. Putting those two things together, I watch a lot of television shows online. When I found out that the writers don’t get residuals when the shows are played online, I was both disgusted and immensely disappointed. That being said, I also refuse to watch anything you show online that the writers should be compensated for. I stand so strongly for the online content because the internet is the future of the entertainment business. When I read the AMPTP’s statement that writers shouldn’t get residuals for their online content because the internet is “too new”, I had to laugh at the stupidity and speciousness of that statement. I think if anyone has ever lived in the modern, civilized world they would know that everything – from match-making to television shows – is becoming internet based. There are two words I could use to sum up that statement that have something to something to do with cow droppings, but I think you already understand how ludicrous it is to say the internet is “too new” to give writers residuals for their work that is put online.
This is obviously a situation that affects many other people than just the writers and the studios. The people who work on the sets, who are dependent on the show’s production, are out of work. Fans are going to be without their beloved shows until you all settle this. But I am willing to give up my shows, my online shows, and television in general if that means the writers will get the money they deserve. There are millions of fans who will go to these same lengths to ensure that the writers they love will be fairly compensated. I hope that you can reach a settlement with the WGA so we can get our brilliant shows back, but I want you to know that the fans are ready to fight right along side with the writers and do whatever we can to get them the money they deserve.
Sincerely,
Sara _______
Dear Mr. Zucker,
I am an avid TV watcher. My favorite show is, by far, The Office, but I have been watching reality TV since it’s premiere a few years ago and can’t seem to let it go. I watch the episodes over and over again online at NBC.com, and I really enjoy being able to analyze the shows and enjoy them even after they hit the air.
However, this all changed when I found out the writers of The Office weren’t being paid when their work was broadcast online.
Putting an entire episode online as a “promotional” without paying the people that created it is NOT fair. It is not just. It is not right. I will not support it.
Until you start paying the writers residuals for online content and come to some sort of negotiation with the WGA, I will not watch any reality TV shows; I will not buy any of your DVDs; I will not download from iTunes; I will not watch any shows online.
I am a realist. I know one person does not make a huge difference in the entertainment industry. However, with a show like The Office, you have millions of “one person’s” watching. I can guarantee you that they will not all be silent on this issue. There is already an outpouring of support for the WGA with the fans—don’t be foolish and think this will stop.
We will not watch crappy television. We will not watch your reality TV shows. I want The Office. I want the writers, actors, crew members, producers, and everyone who is a part of the creative team of making The Office to get paid.
Once they get paid, you’ll win me back. Until then, this viewer is a viewer no longer.
Sincerely,
Grace
Dear Mr. Zucker or whom it may concern,
Watching my favorite shows on your website was a huge convenience for me if I didn’t get to catch one on TV, even with the unentertaining ads that cut through the program. Your website in general was very enjoyable and I spent a lot of time on it, particularly The Office site. But now I regret to inform you that I will no longer be accessing your website to watch videos in support of the WGA writers.
I was shocked to learn that the writers are not compensated for so-called “promotional material” like their amazing webisodes or any videos on your website. I can’t bear to get onto NBC.com and watch videos knowing that the writers that made my favorite shows get nothing from it.
I strongly urge you reconsider this. Without writers, what would we have? Nothing. If this strike continues for as long as it may, your network will perish without a doubt. A network full of news, reality crap and sports is one that I and would never tune into, and most people I know would agree. You will lose countless viewers, but perhaps exceptionally more important to you is the loss of money. I thank you for putting amazing shows like The Office on the air, but I am disappointed that you are also the reason these shows may be over in their prime.
Sincerely,
Dear Mr. Zucker:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Meade
I am writing not only as a fan of quality television written by WGA writers, but as a 25-year-old viewer (one of your key demographics) and more importantly, your customer.
As a customer, I am saying, “No” to the product you are offering. “No” to reality television shows, reruns, and other such filler that is being used to replace The Office, 30 Rock, Scrubs, and all of the other classic NBC shows that I love.
I am also saying “No” to watching any online media offered by NBC Universal, until this strike is over and the writers are paid fairly for their work whether it is aired over the internet, shown on DVD or on television.
Please listen to your customers.
After all, the customer is always right.
Sincerely,
XXX
ok this is the first time i have ever posted on this site.. but heres my letter:
Dear Mr. Zucker,
I am writing to you in regards to the current WGA strike that has occurred in the past week. It is deeply disappointing to see such brilliant shows, such as The Office, shutting down production simply because the AMPTP can not come up with a reasonable solution to this strike. I am sure that you are well aware of the increasing popularity of the internet and it is only fair that these writers get their fair compensations from it. The writers are the reason to why us fans, get so caught up in these shows. They are the reason why we care so much about shows like The Office. Therefore, it does not make sense that the networks are the only ones receiving the profits made from the internet.
It seems like the underlying problem to this strike is greed from the AMPTP, who can credit most of their success to the writers. They are the ones to provide them with brilliant shows, such as The Office, 30 Rock, and ER. I do not think that the writers are asking for much, they are only asking for what they deserve. Right now writers are receiving 0% of any of the profits made from the internet; all they are asking is for a higher percentage than zero. I believe that you will lose many fans to your network if this strike continues, and TV as we know it, will longer be the same without our favorite shows. I hope for a speedy solution to this strike and thank you for taking your time to read this letter.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Here we go…
Dear Mr. Zucker,
As a loyal viewer of NBC programming and a member of your key demographic, I am writing to inform you that the members of the WGA have my full support in their quest for residuals on “new media” content. To deny these talented men and women these residuals is to take away their freedom to write. I fully believe that within the next 10 to 15 years, Americans (particularly those in the 18-34 demographic your network relies on so heavily) will watch the majority of their television on their computer screens. How can I possibly predict that? I’m living proof. This past summer, I developed an interest in “The Office”. From the middle of July until the season premier on September 27, I was able to watch ever single episode that had been produced-without once turning on my television to NBC. I watched every single one of those 51 episodes through “new media”.
The writers’ demands are more than reasonable. These are the people who create your programming. They are the reason that people go to NBC.com and sit through those ads. All they want is for your network to call a spade a spade, or in this case, call an episode an episode. If an episode of a show is syndicated over TV, the writers get residuals for that 22 minutes of content, but putting that same 22 minutes onto a computer screen turns it into a “promo”, for which the writers get nothing. A 22 minute streaming episode, complete with paid commercial breaks, is not a promo. It is an episode, for which the writers, directors, actors, crew members, etc. deserve to be fairly compensated no matter what kind of screen it’s viewed on.
Once new episodes of my favorite shows have run out, I will not watch any re-runs or reality shows put in their place, nor will I watch any streaming video on NBC.com. These things are not why I tune in to NBC. The viewing public are not zombies who will simply watch anything that is put in front of them. Feel free to fill the schedule however you like, but be aware that your advertiser’s messages will most likely be falling on deaf ears unless our favorite scripted shows are on the air. We want “The Office”, “30 Rock”, “My Name is Earl”, and the rest. And we want the writers to be compensated for their amazing work.
Thank you everyone for your inspiring letters! With all these and more letters headed to Mr. Zucker I hope they come to their senses soon and get back to the bargaining table.
Dear Mr. Zucker –
I am writing this letter as I am very dismayed that the studios are not actively engaged in resolving the WGA strike. I urge you to reconsider and go back to the bargaining table. Everyone loses when communication breaks down.
Over the last few years, I have thoroughly enjoyed the Thursday night lineup on NBC. My favorite show is The Office. I feel it is one of the best written, funniest and most entertaining shows I have ever seen. It is an example of the quality and caliber of shows that should be on TV.
I have been a fan of this show since the pilot first aired. The intelligent, clever and amazingly funny dialog has been my salvation from my super busy, incredibly crazy work life. I barely have a life because I work so much. This is one show that actually makes laugh– it is truly funny. It’s not “check your brain at the door” funny. It is not fake funny where you hear a laugh track and you wonder what is so funny – “I guess I should be laughing, but I’m not getting the humor” funny. It is down to the gut “I am laughing because this is really funny” funny. The writers are gifted and all those involved with the show are truly talented.
If this strike continues, I will sorely miss the new episodes and completion of the season. It will be a real loss for me personally because I think of this show as part of my family – it has so touched me and become a part of my life.
Now that I have a better understanding of the system, I see the bigger picture and it screams the need for action to ensure fair compensation. If you were in their shoes, I am sure you would be at the forefront of the strike. Honestly, I am truly shocked that this is even an issue – it is hard for me to understand why the writers would not be compensated for their material that is downloaded, posted on NBC.com for viewing or for the very clever Webisodes. The writers are working hard to protect their rights in regard to their intellectual property and I fully support them in this effort.
Please get back to the bargaining table, reconsider your position and work expeditiously to have an agreement soon!
Dear Mr. Zucker,
I am a huge fan of NBC programming. The Office, Chuck, 30 Rock… of the best shows on television now and probably in recent history.
I am a huge fan of these shows because of the writing. I strongly support the writers in their quest for residuals that are due to them. The Writers Guild of America has my full support in their strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers.
But, aside from those two facts, I am a 28-year old woman. I am a key demographic of NBC and their advertisers … and a frequent customer to your loyal advertisers.
Until now.
I will not support or watch any “fillers” that you put in place of these classic shows that I watch and love. I will not participate in the game that is played to make these hard-working people wait even longer without pay. I will not sit at home to watch television with my husband while reality shows and game shows take over my regularly scheduled programming.
And, you can pass this all along to your advertisers.
It is no secret that the networks stand to lose millions, if not billions, of dollars during this strike. And, it is no secret that television never quite fully recovered after the 1988 strike. But, if this strike continues, please make certain to count my dollars as part of your loss. Also, please add in the dollars that will be lost to your advertisers from my pockets.
Make sure that Nick Counter and the AMPTP know that loyal fans and hefty spenders stand to be lost during this strike. Cut your losses, and the losses of the writers and crew members, and end this strike.
Okay kids, here’s mine:
Mr. Zucker,
I am writing in regards to the WGA strike. As a loyal fan of NBC programming and television in general, I am calling for a resolution. Regardless of where a television show airs, money is still being made. Refusing compensation to the writers is not only absurd, it is criminal. There is no gray area.
I am a 23-year-old graduate student working on my Master’s in English. Without my beloved shows such as The Office, Scrubs, and Heroes, I might actually pick up a book and read. Your viewers are intelligent— they are not going to watch filler shows such as “Dancing with Famous Canines” or “Who Has the Ugliest Grandma.” Without quality programming, we will all turn off our televisions and start reading. Trust me, the worst thing you could do for yourselves is create a culture of readers.
I have never seen television as an idiot box— to me, it is a wonderful forum to achieve story-telling and character development. Show some pride in the fact that you are a part of this amazing art form by supporting the WGA, not by stealing from them.
Here’s mine:
Dear Mr. Zucker:
I am writing today to voice my support for the WGA. I have been an avid fan of THE OFFICE and other NBC shows since their origination. I feel that these writers deserve fair and equal pay for the jobs that they perform. Without the writers, the products you market do not exist. It is my understanding that the WGA lessened their demands in the interest of reaching a settlement. I think it only fair that both sides work together to resolve this issue. I must say, I hate so much about the things you choose to do.
This strike affects much more than just the people involved in the ‘fight’. We, as consumers (FANS), are losing as well. We have invested our time AND MONEY into these shows and characters that are created by the writers. We dedicated our TV viewing habits to shows with the understanding that we would get a continuous story throughout the season. Yet, now we come to find that if this strike isn’t resolved soon, we will not get that. We, as consumers, are losing. The writers who work diligently to produce quality entertainment are losing. The television industry as a whole is losing. It is now a LOSE-LOSE-LOSE situation.
It is up to you, the Studio, to put an end to this strike. The Studio has the power to give us back our entertainment industry. The Studio has the power to turn this situation into a WIN-WIN-WIN.
In the past year alone, I myself have invested close to $1,000 in materials produced and marketed by Universal Studios. However, until this strike is resolved I, as a consumer, refuse to spend my time and money on anything relating to Universal Studios. I will refrain from purchasing DVDs and show related items marketed by Universal and/or The NBC Store. In addition, I will not watch any alternate programming and/or re-runs provided by your networks. I will also abstain from viewing any of your shows on the internet. I plan to stage a complete black-out of all things affiliated with Universal Studios. I plan to express my views to all of my friends and family. We, as fans, deserve more. It is up to the Studio to make that happen now or I swear to God, that every single piece of copier paper in this town is going to have the F-word on it. The F-word. You have one day.
(BTW-just in case you don’t watch the quality programming provided by your writers, my letter contained quotes from NBC’s THE OFFICE.)
Sincerely,
Brandi (last name deleted)
Tuscaloosa, AL
Concerned Television Viewer
P.S. I bet you wear lady clothes.
Here’s mine:
Dear Mr. Zucker:
I am going to keep this very brief. Please bring The Office back. I love this show. I probably love it a little too much, but that’s neither here nor there.
I despise reality TV. Won’t watch it, don’t get the obsession, but I can’t live without The Office.
I understand why the writers are striking and I support them. You seem to be the one who can make it all go away; so please, I am begging you, make it all go away.
That’s all I’m going to say. I don’t want to waste your time when you’ve got a strike to settle. Get to it…. That’s what she said.
Sincerely,
Gail
Dear Mr. Zucker,
The solution to the WGA strike seems quite simple to me. What do televisions, computers and cell phones all have in common? They all have screens. Give the writers the pay they deserve. No matter what type of screen viewers watch their favorite shows on, the writers deserve to be paid for their work. Television viewers tune in each week to watch our favorite storylines unfold; what will Michael say next, will Jim and Pam get together? These characters and these storylines that we tune in to watch every week are the heart and soul of the writers, they are a product of the great minds of the writers of The Office. If the reason for you being so successful and wealthy are the wonderful shows that NBC airs because of all the hard work that writers do to create these wonderful shows, then shouldn’t they get the pay they deserve?
Sincerely,
Kim
Such wonderful letters! I kept mine very brief, but hope it helps:
Dear Mr. Zucker,
I am a 39 year old woman who is a loyal viewer and passionate fan of NBC’s The Office. I am also passionate in my support for the WGA. Their request to be paid for online viewing of programs is completely reasonable. Corporate greed is the only thing standing in the way of ending the strike. While the strike continues, I am boycotting all network websites. I also will not purchase any DVDs or other merchandise.
Do your part to negotiate a fair and honest settlement with the WGA now. The strike is painful for so many — *you* have the power to end it.
Sincerely,
Dear Mr. Zucker:
I’m sure you are sitting in your executive high back chair from Staples all high and mighty thinking that you rule the world. But I have news for you! When you waive your sceptre at your staff they aren’t going to listen to you anymore. Everyone is striking! We are going through the quad, up to the gymnasium and we are going to strike each other’s brains out! You should agree to the terms that the WGA is asking for immediately so that when we are done striking there will be something to watch. Yeah!
Bob Roberts
Here’s mine. It’s kinda spicy, but it gets to the point.
Mr. Zucker,
I’m sure you’ve read thousands of these letters, and if not, you will soon.
I am an enthusiast of The Office. I think it is fair for me to say that it is one of the most well-written shows of modern television. But have you ever sat down and thought to yourself, “Hey! I wonder WHO made the show so brilliant!”
I’ll give you three options:
a) the writers
b) the writers
c) the writers
If you haven’t caught on yet, the correct answer is probably “the writers.” Now, why did I choose “the writers?” Maybe because they are responsible for the show’s being “well-written.” Last time I checked, the term “written” and the term “writers” were very closely related in not just spelling, but meaning. If this is too complex for you to understand, just take a minute to soak it in. I know this is a pretty deep, complicated concept. The english language can be quite confusing sometimes.
So now that we’ve made that clear, I’d like to make my point. I think it is valid for me to say that I speak on behalf of. . .everybody. (I know; that’s a pretty intense subject as well. “Everybody” is an upper level vocab term).
I’ll start off with a simple question. Keep in mind that they are rhetorical. However, when you’re crazed mind finally settles, feel free to answer them, and maybe step up and make a change.
1. What is your position at NBC Universal?
2. How did you manage to make your way to that position?
3. Who is maintaining that position, besides yourself?
(The writers, maybe?)
4. Explain #3.
(Without the writers for your shows, you wouldn’t have shows in the first place.)
5. Why don’t you compensate for those writers?
6. What do you plan to do now that the writers are standing up for themselves?
7. What are you going to do when the entire world refuses to watch stupid game shows and reality tv? And moreso, what will you do when people don’t watch tv at all?
I have a great quote I’d like to share with you, Mr. Zucker. I find it quite compelling how such a simple quote can be so accurate and powerful. Here it goes:
“Karma is a b*tch.”
That’s right, Mr. Zucker. What goes around comes around. You don’t pay the writers–>writers boycott–>people refuse to watch NBC (or tv in general)–>you make less money, and potentially run out of business.
So I hope you take this to heart. In reality, your choices and actions are just hurting yourself. The writers of your shows are like your heart; without supplying them, they won’t supply you. Respect them, recognize them, reward them. Because now that you haven’t your career is dying.
– Dwight K. Schrute
Here’s mine:
Dear Mr. Zucker:
I like “The Office.” I look forward to it every week. Finally, Jim and Pam are together and everything seems right in Scranton. Viewers of this show have sat through three seasons to see what is next for these characters. We wait through the summer. We wait from Friday to Thursday. And now you’re asking us to wait again. This is not the fault of the WGA. This is the fault of a network that is deciding to not listen to what the writers want (residuals) or what the fans want (new shows). How is it that NBC was willing to add 10 minutes the Season 2 finale of “The Office” because of viewer demand, but you are unwilling to negotiate with your own people to pacify the viewers that have stuck by your network and faithfully tuned in every week…and bought your merchandise online. And your shows from iTunes (when available). And watched the episodes online.
As I understand it, writers do get a portion of the profit when shows are purchased online, which is great. Except that there are no NBC shows on iTunes anymore, no legal way to download a permanent copy, and no way to pay the writers under their recently expired contract. It’s time to change. What difference does it make if the profit is directly from the consumer or from advertising? The content of the show is the same as it would be on DVD, VHS, TiVo, or any other media. How can a full-length episode of a TV show, complete with “limited commercial interruption” be promotional? What is it promoting? Is it to make the point that the viewer should be so enticed with the episode that he can watch whenever he wants for at least a week online that he decides to sit down and watch the episode during its regularly scheduled time on TV the next time it’s aired?
There is a solution to this strike and there is a compromise in this whole mess somewhere. Is it really worth all of this commotion, badmouthing, and money loss? There are many people who are not part of the WGA that have now lost, or are going to lose, their jobs. And you are alienating viewers that have loyally stuck by their scripted shows. You can blame the WGA for all of this, or you can take the cut, be the bigger man, and let all of this be behind you. All we’re asking now is that you pay the writers what they deserve and let’s move on. Are you, Mr. Zucker, personally losing a paycheck to this? I understand your job is to keep NBC afloat and profitable, but let’s face it. It’s time to go to the negotiating table and fight for your writers who give you the profitable shows
So, as one television fan to another, please settle with the WGA. It’s really not worth the bad publicity and economic impact to be stubborn just because you can.
Respectfully,
Dear Mr. Zucker,
Hi, my name is _____________ and I writing to you as a supporter of the writers who are getting an unfair advantage in creating and writing for shows in your network. I hope you can take some time and hear my thoughts and opinions in this letter.
First, I want to make a point by using my favorite show, “The Office” as an example. It makes me sad and upset that a show that became popular through the internet is not being given any profits to the people who are behind in the writing and development of the episodes. This show became a popular download on Itunes, which I have to say shame on the network for not making a fair deal with Itunes and leaving us fans nowhere to download episodes of the show and carry it into our Ipods; however, the network made a profit but the writers didn’t get anything and now NBC.com are showing full episodes of “The Office” with advertisements and the writers are not getting profits from it either. NBC may have done a great thing in giving “The Office” a chance to be on the air but it was the fans who REALLY supported the show and even petitioned for the Season 2 finale to be a longer episode. Furthermore, there are countless online fan bases that support the show and fans rely on these fan sites to communicate their enthusiasm about the show. In conclusion to this point I made, the internet has made a huge contribution in the popularity of a show like “The Office” and the writers should deserve a fair profit for the online content. Also, viewers and fans have more control and are mainly responsible for ratings or the number of hits that a website gets.
Second, the effect of the strike is creating an empty void for television and repeats of shows will not fill that void, we’re not going to watch them. Not only that, the strike is causing a chain reaction of losses; actors, crew members, make-up artists, stylists, catering staff even interns are not working because they’re livelihood has been taken away from them. Their working environments which they enjoy more than anything is not there at the moment due to this strike. This strike could have been prevented if all the networks agreed and settled for what the WGA asked for. Just give them an equal share of the profits in DVDs and online distribution. The writers deserve the credibility and respect for their creativity. It seems networks are not appreciating their hard work and they’re making writers look small and worthless. Do you really want to be a network that does that? With this strike they are fighting for their rights because that’s what they have for now besides a pen and paper.
Mr. Zucker, I hope you take this letter and other fans’ letters with major consideration. After all, we are the audience and at the end of the day we are the people you should be thinking about and working to please. But at the moment, we are missing our favorite shows, thinking about the cast and crew of our favorite shows, and waiting and hoping with a broken heart for our shows to come back.
Signed,
Mr. Zucker,
I am proud to declare myself an Office fanatic and this letter is in support of The Office writers, who are amazing at what they do and deserve to be rewarded.
First of all, as an Office fanatic, I watch all of the new episodes on NBC, all of the reruns on NBC, the episodes on TBS, webisodes, the episodes online at nbc.com at least once, and the deleted scenes on nbc.com. I also own every season on DVD and have The Office office supplies. But since the strike began, I have refused to go on your website and watch reruns. I will NOT watch whatever lame reality show or whatever else you put on to cover the primetime slot. And I am positive that other Office fans are doing the same.
The show itself is funny, clever, smart, witty, and genuine. The directing and producing is great, and the acting is superb. But what makes The Office the best show on television is the writing. Without the writers, the show itself would not exist. And without these writers, The Office would not be the best show on television. It is infuriating to discover that the writers are not being compensated for internet media and barely getting paid for DVD sales. To reiterate, without these writers, your network would not be making profit off of the internet and DVDs. Also, the internet is not “new” media in 2007—that is a weak excuse to hoard the profit for yourself. By not offering the writers what they are worthy of, your network is going to continue losing money, so in the long run, it is really not benefiting you. And speaking of the long run, this refusal to cease the strike may discourage future writers, such as I, to pursue the career in writing for television. The Office renewed my love for writing and it is disheartening see that the people who inspired me are not receiving what they deserve.
I also want to mention that I love other NBC shows, such as 30 Rock, SNL, Scrubs, The Tonight Show, and Late Night. I hope you will be the first to take a step to end the strike. It will be beneficial for everyone—you, the writers, the viewers, the actors, and everyone else who works for these shows.
Sincerely,
The Office Fanatic [and hopefully, one day, Successful (and well-compensated) Writer]
To Who it May Concern,
The only show I watch is “The Office” and I am not able to catch it on Thursday nights, so I have been using NBC.com to watch the episodes. Until the writers are compensated appropriately for their work on the show, I am striking. I will not use your website, or watch “The Office” on TV until WGA is happy.
Sincerely,
Melissa
Dear Mr. Zucker,
I would like to express my deep concern about the current state of commercial broadcasting. Basically, tonight is the last new episode of The Office and I’m pissed.
I am appalled at the way this situation between the networks and writers has progressed. Just take a step back and LOOK at the situation for a minute.
QUESTION: Webisodes. Who writes them?
ANSWER: The writers!
QUESTION: Episodes aired online. Who creates them?
ANSWER: The writers do!
QUESTION: What is television without writers?
ANSWER: Chaotic: Britney and Kevin. That’s what.
I am starting to detect a pattern here…
I would like to formally state that after tonight’s episode of The Office, I am boycotting NBC and all of its affiliated networks. I am advising EVERYONE I know to do the same. I will block nbc.com from my computer and discontinue my participation in NBC’s viewer surveys.
So, until the network gets a clue, Your Ex-Viewer, _________
To Jeff Zucker:
You are a busy man, so I’ll be brief.
NBC’s programming, particularly its Thursday night lineup, is some of the best work on television. I have my favorites (‘The Office’ and ‘Scrubs’) and I look forward to the one night a week when I can exchange my reality for theirs. The thought that one of my favorite shows will cease production tonight, and the other might not have the series finale it deserves, is disheartening.
I won’t be one of your viewers who will settle for whatever replacement programming you choose. I watch four shows a week. Once they go dark, I will find something else to do with my time. And it won’t involve television.
While I hope the strike is settles quickly in a manner that is agreeable for all parties, I am ready to lose my shows forever for the sake of the writers. None of NBC’s shows, past and present, would be the success that they are without the writers. Yes, the actors have something to do with it, as do the directors, producers, and crew, but it begins with the writers. They deserve more.
Good luck.
Here’s my contribution:
Mr. Zucker,
My name is Robyn and I am a die-hard Office fan. For three seasons now, I’ve laughed and cried with Michael, Pam, Jim, Dwight, Angela, Toby, Stanley, Phyllis, Kelly, Ryan, Creed, Meredith, Oscar and Kevin. I’ve watched Pam’s beautiful (and brilliant) transformation in season three, Jim pining for Pam (then finally dating her), Dwight and Angela’s not-so-secret romance and Michael’s cute yet sometimes outlandish behavior. It is a much-loved show by me and my friends. Please don’t let this writer’s strike disrupt The Office.
I support all the writers, but particularly the writers of The Office. They consistantly come up with some of the wittiest dialogue on television, and create moving, real situations for their characters. Who can’t relate to one of the characters on the show? I have a guy friend that reminds me of Jim. I’ve been told I look and act like Pam, down the curly hair. I know more than a couple girls who remind me of Kelly. Who doesn’t work with a Battlestar Galactica nerd who worships his boss? The writers have spun these characters and situations and turned them into comedic gold. They deserve to be compensated for their work.
The Office is a show that is truly unique. If the writer’s strike continues, and shows begin to be replaced with reality television, I will not watch any of it. It is not worth my time. It lacks quality and substance, and I find it tactless and annoying. So instead of bringing in reality television, please end the strike. A solution can be found somehow, just be open to possibilities. The writers deserve equal compensation for DVD sales and internet viewings. After all, they are the brilliant minds that came up with the content therein.
As a faithful Office viewer, I ask that you end this strike soon.
Sincerely,
Robyn
Dear Mr. Zucker,
I am sad to say you are making it impossible to continue to enjoy the best show ever created. Give those amazing writers what they deserve and let them do what they love. Give it up!
Sincerely,
One Insanely-Devoted Fan
My letter:
Dear Mr. Zucker,
I am writing to ask that writers be given a more reasonable share of the proceeds from the product that they create. Please negotiate with them and be fair. There are a lot of good reasons to do this.
First, money. I know that entertainment is a business. But in this case, business depends, ultimately, on art. Not all of the viewers care about the art being good, maybe, but a lot of them do. I’m one of them. I promise you, I am perfectly capable of changing the channel. You can put all the promotions and commercials out there you want, but if I’m to see them you gotta get me on the channel first. It’s quality shows that get me there. Nothing else.
Second, it’s the right thing to do. I know that executives are running a business, but this is a special business. I know you wouldn’t be there if you didn’t care about the substance of your work. You have a duty to the people that do good work. You have a duty to make conditions fair for them so they will keep working for you. You have a duty to viewers, who deserve to see quality TV. The business can hobble along for awhile without a good product. But people aren’t stupid. In the end they get tired of splash and want programming that moves them, really moves them, rather than just shutting their minds off for awhile.
Third, it would get new episodes of the best television show ever back on the air. “The Office” is a wonderful show. I love it dearly and admire the talent of the writers. I will miss it as long as it is gone. But I do not resent them for trying to earn a fair amount of money on the work they have done that I enjoy so much. That show has brought a lot of viewers to NBC. If you do not give the writers a fair deal, the “Office” writers won’t come back. If they don’t come back, neither will I. If I don’t come back, you miss the opportunity to make any money from anything I see while I’m on NBC.
I will end by telling you something about TV viewers I learned from attending “The Office” Convention in Scranton, Pennsylvania last month. The town was filled with people who love a TV show so much they traveled miles and miles to see people affiliated with it. Interestingly, though, nobody mentioned television executives. Nobody mentioned networks. We wanted to see the actors and we wanted to see the writers. Savvy we aren’t, but we are able to distinguish between what makes the show so wonderful and the vehicle that gets it on the air. It’s astonishing that people can be so loyal to a TV show, and over years and years. That loyalty is to the show, though, and the people who create the art part of the show. Not to the networks or the executives. If you lose the writers, you lose us.
Please start talking again and be fair. In the end, your money depends on it. In the end, it’s your duty to put quality on the air. In the end, it’s a huge loss to have no new “Office” episodes for the network. In the end, a Hollywood where good writers don’t get a fair shake is a Hollywood that cannot survive.
Sincerely,
Franchesca V. Nestor
Dear Mr. Zucker,
I would like to express my extreme disgust and disappointment regarding your network’s behavior during the WGA strike. It is unconscionable to fire non-writing staff to prove a point, to ruin the
lives of families simply to avoid paying your writing staff their rightful compensation. Your actions, such as firing the non-writing staff of The Office, are those of petulant child who tantrums when asked to share his toys.
Therefore, as of tomorrow, I am boycotting your network, your affiliated networks (CNBC, Bravo, Telemundo, the Arts & Entertainment Network, the History Channel, the Sci-Fi channel, and ShopNBC),
General Electric products and those of its subsidiaries (Universal Studios, October Films, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, and Rogue Pictures) and blocking nbc.com and msnbc.com from my computer.
I will wait till tomorrow to start the boycott, because I will watch NBC tonight to determine who your advertisers are so that I may write them and let them know that I will be boycotting their products as well as long as they support a network as unethical as yours with their advertising dollars. I will also pass the information along to my friends and family, and post it on the internet, so that they may boycott you and your advertisers as well.
Also, since I will not be watching NBC, I will note which advertisers are paying for time on non-NBC networks and will write their advertisers to thank them for advertising on networks that have not taken such ill-advised tactics to, essentially, punish the innocent studio staff for the network’s theft of services from the writers. It would be ironic, would it not, if your reckless, mean-spirited participation in the AMPTP’s policies led to the loss of your own
position?
If you reverse your current reprehensible actions, I will of course begin once again watching your channels, and will discontinue my boycott of your advertiser’s products. Until then, I hope that you and
your colleagues richly reap what you have sown.
Sincerely,
Here’s mine:
Dear Mr. Zucker,
I am a HUGE Office fan and I want my show back.
The creators of this show are truly brilliant and they deserve to be compensated accordingly.
You know it’s true.
And you know it’s fair.
Drop what you’re doing and get them back to work!
Thank you very much for your time,
Amberla Tepe
Tulsa, OK
Dear Mr. Zucker
Please rehire the writers for the Office all know that is one of the greatest shows out there.
I am a HUGE Office fan as most of my friends and we all our show back!
The creators of this show are amazing and deserve to be compensated accordingly.
You know it’s true –and you know it’s only fair.
Thank you very much for your time,
Dear Mr. Zucker,
There are two shows that I look forward to watching every week. Those shows are “The Office” and “My Name is Earl”. Well, last night was the last episode of “The Office”. I find it unfortunate that you could not come to an agreement with the writers. Without the writers, you have nothing. I can’t imagine what the Thursday night line-up will be like without our beloved shows. I know I won’t be watching. I hope that you all see what this is doing to everyone involved. It’s time to start the negotiations again so that the right resolution can be found. I know you have it in you to do the right thing. You just have to take that first step.
Dear Mr. Zucker,
My name is Matt Mabe and I am a huge fan of your network and its programming. Foremost, I am a fan of your network’s hit comedy, The Office.
The recent strike by the Writer’s Guild of America members definitely caught my attention, as I am a recent Radio/TV/Film graduate from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. In my Business of Media class, we learned all about the WGA and other various union organizations in the media.
I would have to say that I agree with the WGA’s stance one hundred percent. They are only asking for their fair share of profits made from DVD sales and Internet content.
The Internet content I think is the bigger issue here. This way of viewing shows is the new wave of television programming. Your network is airing shows like The Office free of charge on NBC.com, and the ads that are run during those online shows are an obvious source of revenue for your company. The writers, who after all are responsible for the content being viewed, just want and rightfully deserve some compensation for their creative work.
DVD sales are also an issue here. As everyone at your company has probably noticed, DVD sales have become a huge profit-making alternative for television shows. People have bought complete seasons of many TV shows in huge numbers over the past few years. At first, when the very low percentage was given to WGA members for home video compensation, that was because nobody knew if home video would have a place in the market, but it obviously has a huge place in the market today.
The Writer’s Guild members are not being greedy here Mr. Zucker. They are asking for a very reasonable portion of the profits gained by DVD sales and Internet content. I also applaud the actors for striking and sticking by their writers in this tough time because without the writers of The Office, the actors wouldn’t be on the show.
Myself and many others won’t want to view whatever reality shows you will air instead of our favorites. It’s just a waste of time and a slap in the face to your network’s fans.
So, I demand as a true fan of NBC and The Office that you do everything in your power to help end this strike Mr. Zucker.
We want our show back.
Thank you for your time,
Matt Mabe
Dear Mr. Zucker,
As you know better than anyone, TV pretty much sucks.
The only time my family watches TV — and thus, the only time we are ever exposed to your advertisers — is during the half hour when The Office is broadcast. It is the only show well-written enough to make me care about watching television. It also happens that many of the actors are writers and production staff. And while I admire the behind-the-scenes work of people who don’t get much credit for their contribution, I watch The Office because of the actors and the writing, period. I would literally watch this show (*including* the commercials you are paid so richly to broadcast on the strength of its time slot) even if it were filmed in grainy video from the interior of a cardboard box.
So I am asking you to give the creators of your hit show an increased percentage of the revenues you get from The Office, including residuals from streaming on the Internet. It is not a high-production value program, and you are getting way more out of it than you are putting in.
I plan to write to your advertisers as well.
Pay up!
Liz Jeffers
Dear Mr. Zucker,
I cannot accurately describe how displeased I have become over the continuing saga of the WGA strike. One of the shows that heretofore regularly aired on your network, The Office, was by far the smartest and most enjoyable show on evening television. Period. The writing, more than anything else is what made that show a success. Generally, the most highly-rated shows are successful in the largest part as a result of the writing. This is why I can’t understand why you won’t give the writers a fair cut of the profits from the forms of media that will soon dominate your industry. With digital formats becoming ever more prolific, it is chicanery of the highest order not to compensate the writers sufficiently for distributing their materials via these venues.
I can only hope that you work to resolve this matter quickly. Until then, I will not be watching any programs on your network.
Most Respectfully Yours,
Dear Mr. Zucker:
I am a 30-year-old attorney living in xxx, North Carolina. I would like inform you of how your refusal to pay your writers for “new media” is affecting me. I have always wanted to cut down on (or eliminate) my television-watching, and the studios’ intransigence is making this goal more attainable than ever. To quote Pam from The Office: “Table-making never seemed so possible.”
The strike provides a wonderful opportunity for me to get un-hooked from the shows I always watch (and then re-watch online): The Office and 30 Rock. Unlike at the end of a season, there is now no cliff-hanger and no countdown date for the next season premiere, so I think I might be able to do it. My God, I was about to start watching Friday Night Lights. Now I can resist.
What will I do instead? Read more books. Included on my to-read list are Their Eyes Were Watching God and Middlemarch. Feel free to share these suggestions with other (soon-to-be-former) viewers of the above-referenced shows because, clearly, these viewers appreciate good writing. I can also now tell my numerous friends, spanning both coasts, most of whom are 18-34, highly-educated, and nearly as good-looking as I am, to read these books instead of bugging them to watch your shows.
Regarding the writers’ eminently reasonable demands, I would like to make a request: Please don’t give in too soon. I need time to be able to forget these shows, the way that time lets you forget even a fantastic lover. If you let fairness and decency triumph too quickly–say, before the end of November, such that there is perhaps enough time for the writing and filming of the Christmas episode of The Office, which is always my favorite–I fear for my willpower. Just to be safe, I may sign up for that Thursday night yoga class. And pay in advance. And start a book club. With your help, I know I can do it. I can kick these shows, permanently. Bless you.
Sincerely yours,
Dear Mr. Zucker,
Please Please allow the writers to have their very reasonable requests. This strike negatively affects so many people, not only the viewers (such as myself) who are saddened by the loss of their favorite telivision shows, but more importantly all of those that work on these shows. The writer’s strike has ceased production on many shows. This is not only a lack of new funds for the writers, but also the actors and crew members. The actors and writers are okay, as Jenna Fischer from “The Office” said in her blog, but the many crew members often live on a pay check to paycheck basis. Without the shows, their income is non-existent. I can only imagine what they must be going through. I can see hungry children, powerless homes, and homeless children in the near future. Please consider someone other than yourself when you deliberate.
Sincerly,
A concerned fanatic
Dear Mr. Zucker,
Typically, viewers of “The Office” are more receptive to dry, smart humor intermingled with low brow “that’s what she said jokes.” It is the balance of these two that make the show as wonderful as it is and it is the writers who create this balance. I’ve heard that NBC plans to replace “The Office” with reality tv and game shows. Please realize the tremendous difference between a Dwight/Jim interaction and Jeopardy (“I don’t think you understand the rules of Jeopardy”). If you think viewership will stay strong on Thursday night, you are mistaken. Office viewers are not the traditional tv population. Most of us might not watch any additional shows other than Thursday night. We listen to NPR. We know what books are. While most tv seems like a compromise, “The Office” is not. The Office is what tv should be. Intelligent. Funny. Dramatic. I will not watch what you put in place of “The Office” and I strongly urge you to reconcile with the WGA. I support them fully and only blame you for their strike.
Mr. Zucker:
I am very faithful to your network. The only TV I watch comes on NBC. The only television advertising that I am exposed to is yours. I wouldn’t do this, however, if you didn’t have incredible programming like “The Office” on your schedule. This show and others are made excellent by the writers that you employ. While I watched the online episodes for several programs, I have immediately stopped upon learning of the mistreatment of the members of the WGA.
My support for the WGA is unflagging. I will not watch any WGA programming while the strike continues. While I will miss the many programs your network offers, most important to me is the fair treatment of those who create them.
Sincerely,
Annelise W, age 13
I am a huge “office” fan and devastated that I will not be able to watch it anymore. Please stop the strike and let the writers get back to what they do best and WRITE.
Dear Mr. Zucker,
Over the last two years this show has been the one thing i’ve always had to look forward to. When I’ve had a bad week, or I just need a good laugh this has been my most powerful source. Please don’t take this from the many people who have invested so much time in supporting.
Chad,
Mr. Zucker,
Without a fair and equitable payment plan for the new digital media for WGA members and writers of the Office we will not have quality writing or shows worth watching. Reality shows just don’t cut it! As a fan of the Office I implore you to seek a solution that will allow the writer’s to continue to earn a living wage in the age of emerging digital technology. Please settle this fairly and soon. Thank you,
Dear Mr. Zucker,
Your Thursday night episodes of the Office followed by Scrubs, was the only moment every week that I would watch TV with all the ads, unmuted, so that I would not miss anything. Actually with such programs, ads become bearable.
Writers striking makes me search for alternative means of entertainment. It is like a product which is going to be discontinued, hence I do not see why I should trust such a company….which programs will go next and why? Are there too little people watching? Then perhaps end the show in style….
Whatever your argument with the writers, they are your laborers, and I am sure you can recover any increase in costs by asking for more in advertising revenue. Or perhaps you could cut costs somewhere else?
Nonetheless, please do agree to the sensible requests of strikers. They make your product- I would like to buy your product….
What are the obstacles?
Trust me, the majority of people will move away from TV in the long-term if reality TV is all we are left with- no matter how intelligent reality TV will become (which I highly doubt).
Sincerely,
Amit
Dear Mr. Zucker,
This is more of an open letter to any one that would be affected by such a letter. Please, for the sake of the show, keep it going while the fan base is still present and strong. Business deals should be done behind closed doors, not demonstrated in the streets. When action is called for, action should be taken, give the writers a fair deal and please just bring back my favorite show.
Dear Mr. Zucker,
I clear my schedule every Thursday and know many who do the same just to watch The Office. Now, however, I do not bother turning on NBC on Thursday. While the other shows are entertaining, they just don’t match up to The Office. My thoughts are; why bother? I no longer follow any of these shows and do not want to waste my time with storylines that I am not unfamiliar with.
However, seeing as how I have cleared my Thursdays for months just to watch your Thursday night lineup, I found something to fill this time; Grey’s Anatomy and Ugly Betty. While it is a poor replacement, I find that I just have to find out what happens next week and so I keep watching.
So thank you Mr. Zucker! Because of your strength in conviction and obviously attachment to the mere 4 cents that the writers are asking for, I have discovered the wonderful shows that ABC has to offer. If I get anymore into these shows over however long you plan to continue the strike, I may not even be able to switch back to The Office.
Sincerely,
Emily
Hey guys, just a gentle (and probably obvious) request — you need to actually mail your letters to Jeff Zucker — I’m pretty sure he doesn’t read OfficeTally. ;)
Dear Mr. Zucker
I just was writing to tell you I’m the biggest fan of the office and I want the writers to come back.
I feel I have supported your company a little bit by buying some of your dvds and stuff.
Let’s get the entire Office staff back where they belong, doing what they do best: making our favorite show.
I look up to you in your success in television, you inspire me. My birthday’s coming up in December
So if “the office” would go on the air this would be a dream come true and certainly the best birthday ever!
Thank you for reading my letter and not throwing it out if your reading this.
Sincerely,
a office fanatic
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Remember, the intent was to share your letters with other Tallyheads so that they could write their own letters.
Get out that pen and paper and mail those letters!
P.S. I mailed my own letter recently. Read it here.