Why? He's not a writer and he's not writing. Lots of people in the biz are working. Should reality contestants get banned if they decide to turn into writers? Should newscasters?

As long as he's not writing, he's fine. Though I'm sure there will be another flurry of bitchslaps in the media over it. (See: Ellen.)

I don't think I understand the reality contestant example.

Newswriters are covered under a different WGA contract and the CBS newswriters have already voted to strike themselves. ABC newswriters could be next. How those strikes would work, I have no idea.

Finally, no one can actually be "banned" from the WGA. They can be prevented from being a "member," which means they pay ~1% less in dues, can't vote in elections or run for office. They can still work for signatory companies and get health and pension benefits.

Though I suspect they also run the risk of being tarred and feathered if their names ever got out.

I don't think I understand the reality contestant example.

I meant that it's not crossing a picket line to work during the strike, even if working means being on television. It's only crossing a line to perform struck work - writing. The reality contestant was a (bad) example of a person who, if the strike continues, would be helping to provide new content to air on the networks. If that person then wanted to be a member of the WGA as a writer, no problem.

Well, you might have to physically cross a picket to get to work but that isn't subject to any disciplinary action. Nor do I think it should be.

Though, admittedly, I have some picket line uneasiness.

Careful. They're listening. And they have thumb screws. And Carlton Cuse.

I think even Carlton Cuse would understand my uneasiness.

Though that could be the allergy meds talking.

I think I saw that Lindelof crossed along with Cuse to do post-production.

Is the last that much of a threat if he doesn't have use of the people-eating black smoke away from the fictional island?

Though I suppose he does still have a cadre of potential drunken drivers to send after people...

I get the impression that Carson Daly would still be a douche whether or not there were a writers' strike.

Seriously.

I think Nilly was the tourist I was with in Rockefeller Center when someone from his show staff came over trying to get us to be audience members.

Anyway, I feel semi-conflicted about watching Ellen, but she is doing stuff like showing old recorded bits and having a zillion little-kid guests.

She is also mentioning the strike and saying she wants the writers to get what they want. I know people are still not happy with her, but I think it is good to get the word out even briefly to thousands and thousands of people who are not that aware.

Well, if he delivers an opening monologue to his show, I think the question becomes who wrote that monologue? It is my (limited) understanding that Leno and Letterman et. al have writer teams that put together opening monologues, skits and so on.

Kristen, I thought for signatory companies, if you are not a WGA member, you can only do X amount of work before being required to become a member. X being dependent on what kind of show you are working on, I think for one hour dramas you have to become a member after your second full hour script.