John F. Kennedy once advised, "Never pick a fight with those who buy ink by the barrel." He meant that you cannot win an argument with people who publish newspapers and have all the ink, paper, and readers to make their case. Today, that might be extended to caution those who pick fights with people who have access to YouTube. Dozens of videos have been uploaded, everything from footage of the picket lines (with guest appearances by supportive stars, who know better than anyone how important writers are) to advocacy pieces. One of the best has old-timer Irv Brecher, screenwriter of classics like Meet Me In St. Louis
The studios may find that viewers have some very appealing alternatives to watching reality shows (which are not covered by the strike) and reruns. A couple of good places to try:
Brave New Films Advocacy and information on a range of political and policy issues
Authors@Google -- fascinating interviews with authors, political figures, and others
Funny or Die Will Ferrell started this website for funny videos. Warning, many are not for sensitive audiences and, in internet slang, NSFW (Not Safe for Work)
TedTalks The smartest, most fascinating people come to the annual TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) conference and it costs $6000 to hear them -- if you can get off the waitlist. But you can watch them online for free. Try a few -- you'll be hooked. You might begin with Mathemagician Arthur Benjamin, deaf musician (really) Evelyn Glennie, Dan Gilbert on "Why Aren't We Happy?", and former "Saturday Night Live" star Julia Sweeney talking about her path from religious belief to "Letting Go of God." You want to hear some Nobel Prize winners? The founders of Google? Bono? They're all there.
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