Okay, it's no secret that I've been a great proponent of organizing reality television writers, but today a discussion with a dear friend and reality producer drove me over the edge. 

Once again, I was offered the argument that reality television shows can't afford to go union (you know, like Gary Benz's wonderful INTERVENTION, which is WGA signatory, and DANCING WITH THE STARS, which is WGA signatory if only to the benefit of the wunnerful Mr. Dave Boone) because reality television shows can't be reaired. There's just no shelf-life, my friend argues.

In the past few months alone, I've watched the same episodes of many shows multiple times on cable networks like HGTV and others, and have seen my own work on THE BACHELOR, FLIPPING OUT and THE SURREAL LIFE reaired on networks other than those they originated on.

I'm passionate about organizing, but have always considered myself a pretty civil guy about it. The "there's no money in the aftermarket" argument for ever-decreasing non-union story rates, though, is really getting under my skin.

By the way, I've heard of some younger story producers taking jobs at 1000-1200 a week, and just wanted to let you know that most of the folks I know that are worth their salt are commanding two thousand to twenty eight hundred a week. Taking low-paying jobs, in the absence of minimums being set by a collective bargaining agreement, only serves to lower the bar and reduce your future earnings. You've getting your foot in the door to a business you're simultaneously hurting your earning potential in... so get the rate you deserve, and remember --- if you turn one down, there's always another job.