Consumers Support the WGA

Back from the knife alive and well :o)

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 02:57:07 GMT

Seems really crazy to post here again but since a good number of people I met through this effort - all of them , YOU, always so kind and concerned - wanted to know I was okay I thought I'd drop a quick note to let you guys know I'm back home and recovering nicely.

If that's confusing it goes back to me saying often, as I kept getting sick over and over during the strike months, I was gonna celebrate the end of the strike with some surgery.

I was just joking at the time but as it turned out it was, althought not dangerous or anything to worry about... just old age my friends, something that required the knife so I really did get myself surgery to celebrate the strikes end.

All done now... and on the road to a new and improved Pamala.
Thanks for all your thoughts when I was ill.

You're the best!

The Final Post! - Please take a moment to read.

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 01:55:18 GMT

As the writers return to work - pound those keyboards proud and true my friends - I offer one last post.

For SEVENTY FOUR days I offered one advertiser after another for you to send letters of consumer concern to each night.

For SEVENTY FOUR DAYS we wrote lettter, after letter... after LETTER!

So many of you stepped up, helped out and worked so very hard helping to make our voice or support heard.

I'm touched and awed by what we did together.

While we'll never know what impact it really had we can all take comfort and pride in knowing - a valuable lesson I taught my lovely children through this project - we did our very best for the right reasons.

You guys are my heroes and I want to personally
THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!

My affection -- seriously I will never forget you guys and what we did together -- and gratitude aside I wanted to let you know I have decided to send that one last letter of thanks to each company myself.

You guys have worked so hard so long... I'll wrap it all up myself

In closing...
While I was never in this for anything but helping out in any way that I could I have been convinced by pals who know me *very well* that this is a very unique opportunity for me to make an appeal to folks I love and admire.

I've been collecting writers' autographs for just over 10 years.
YES! I said writers', always the writers, not actors! :o)

I've filled several boxes full of them down through the years and count them as some of my most treasured possessions.

While I can go on sending letters, something I surely will keep doing, to a lot of wonderful writers bit by bit I've decided to take this opportunity to make a mass appeal.

If you are a writer or know a writer I'd be thrilled to add another autograph to my precious collection through your generosity.

Any show, movie, anything at all because my love of writing and the talented writers who bring it to us knows no limitations.

While most of my collection at the moment is made up of scripts I'm equally giddy with a autographed single page or even a piece of signed logo letterhead.

Because I never want anyone to question my motives, be concerned I want them for any other purpose, I always suggest putting my name right across the front - I have a lot of scripts with a great big PAMALA across the front - to insure its for me and me alone.

I'm putting my mailing address (I'm way to mundane and everyday to bother with stalking so I have no fear there) under the cut.

Pamala Stevens
625 N. Dorchester Ave
Royal Oak, Mi 48067

If you are a writer.
If you know a writer you'd like to pass this on to...
Please know I'd be thrilled beyond words and oh so grateful to recieve a kind and thoughtful autograph to add my collection.

Thanks for everything...

And for the first time in a very long time...

I won't see you again here tomorrow night.

Day #80 - Vote tomorrow

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 03:51:04 GMT

Hi guys,
I'm still out here waiting for the end.

I'm told there will be a vote tomorrow to see if the strike will be suspended prior to full membership ratification.

If the majority say yes the writers could be back to work Wed.

Please do not abandon me here as yet.
When they return to work I will be posting info over a couple last days that will make it possible for you to thanks these fine companies we sent letters too daily over the 77 days.

While we'll never know what impact our words had we need to be grateful they took the time to hear us and believe it mattered and helped.

With some luck this comm with close for good the end of the week.

Until then meet me back here each night.

Not over until its over - Day #79

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 18:54:56 GMT

WGAE is holding a general membership meeting in NYC at 2pm EST today

WGAW is holding one at 7pm Pacific.

From what I'm hearing the strike captian meeting Friday was split just about down the middle, 50/50 at best, when it comes to support.

This thing ain't over until the majority of the members say its over so cross your fingers and hold off on popping any champagne corks just yet.

Day #78

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 04:30:13 GMT

As we wait and hope for a fair and speedy end to this stike this week let me take this night to say thank you.

From me to all of you...

Thank you, each and every one of you, so very much for everything you've done to help me with this project over the last 78 days.

It mattered.

It helped.

It would be have been nothing without all of of you!

THANKS!

Day #77

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 03:59:02 GMT

Hi guys!
Forgive me for being MIA. I got quite sick again. While I'm sure its nothing more epic that old age catching up with me it has had me flat on my back when not off doing annoying medical tests.

While its been a pain quite literally I have to say I'm relieved at the timing falling now as things are teetering on a possible end to this long painful strike.

I hate to drop the ball but at least I dropped it at a time when its been picked up and run with by the people who can end this thing NOW.

All that aside because of the potential for an end to this strike very soon I am not going to be giving you any companies at the moment.

Its not a done deal yet by any shot but for now we'll wait quietly to see what comes from these negotiatons and move forward here only when there is official word one way or another.

There is hope but we are not done just yet my friends.

If there is a deal I will be here asking you to take the time to send notes of thanks to all these fine companies kind enough to hear our pleas for the last 77 days.

If there is no deal... a deal that doesn't make the grade ... we will go right back to doing what we've done for the last 77 days night after night until its done and done right.

For now we wait and hope together.
Relax, watch for that official word and please keep coming back here night after night until its done.

Thank you!

Day #76

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 04:08:52 GMT

There are a lot of *this stike is just about over* rumors flying around right now.

So far these are ONLY rumors so lets all stay calm, keep our feet on the ground and cross our fingers that a good and fair deal is one the way for the WGA very soon.

Things being what they are at the moment lets take the next day to catch up on any letters we've missed and come back fresh Sunday night.

Night all

Day #75

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 03:55:44 GMT

My darling son was kind enough to share his virus with his loving mother.

Snow day with sick kid and sick Mom means I got nothing done today.

Take the night off.

Put your feet up, rest, and then meet me back here tommorow night for more letter writing.

Have a nice night.

Day #74

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 03:44:55 GMT

Sometimes I pick these companies for the oddest reasons.

Tonight's offering is prompted by my sick little boys request for a burger and fries for dinner when he felt well enough to eat tonight.

Hey McDonalds,
Strike Ends + People Watching TV =
Lil boys asking Mom to go get them a burger and fries when they're sick.

Which is EXACTLY the kind of consumer loyalty you know you want from your advertising.

McDonald’s Corporation

McDonald’s Corporation
Mary Dillon, Executive Vice President - Global Chief Marketing Officer
2111 McDonald's Dr
Oak Brook, IL 60523

(p) 630-623-3000
(f) 630-623-5004

McDonald’s USA

McDonald’s USA
William Lamar, Senior Vice President - Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald’s USA
1 Mcdonalds Plz
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523-1911

Customer Care: 1-800-244-6227
Customer Feedback Form - Marketing/Advertising

Tonight's Writer Salute
From here on out I will offer up a writer to salute on each nights post. I'll post a short biography and a link to a given writers IMDB credit page each night in hopes we can share our love of quality writing together as we work towards an ending this strike.

I'll offer one, gotten some great suggestions and ask all of you to give me the names for all the rest in the comments.

The writing staff of your favorite TV show ... the writer of a beloved film ... you give me the name(s) and we'll salute their work.

Tonight's offering ....

Jonathan Glassner

Jonathan Glassner is a television writer, director, and producer. He is known for his involvement with Stargate SG-1 and The Outer Limits. Glassner was initially noticed as a writer for his work on Alfred Hitchcock Presents. After writing for several television series, including 21 Jump Street, Glassner moved on to The Outer Limits, which naturally segued into his involvement with Stargate SG-1 as a staff writer and executive producer. His most recent work is as a writer and director for CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, and other shows. He was also a Co-Executive Producer on the NBC show Heist and the FOX show Standoff, as well as for Sci-Fi Channel's The Invisible Man.

The work of Mr. Jonathan Glassner

Give me more writers names and meet me back here tomorrow night.

Day #73

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 03:46:48 GMT

Recap and catch up night.
Here is a list of the links from the last weeks posts.

Go back, take a look, and email any company you may have missed over the last week.

Oscars Advertisers

JC Penny
http://community.livejournal.com/consumers4wga/18625.html

Mastercard
http://community.livejournal.com/consumers4wga/18904.html

Coca-Cola
http://community.livejournal.com/consumers4wga/19115.html

Procter & Gamble
http://community.livejournal.com/consumers4wga/19596.html

General Motors
http://community.livejournal.com/consumers4wga/20390.html

We also did some praising of ads and advertisers connected to WGA supportive programing.
Sending positive letters feels really good so don't miss this opportunity.

Advertisers who ran ads during the SAG awards.
Unilever- Slimfast & L Oreal
http://community.livejournal.com/consumers4wga/20129.html

Advertisers running ads in clips from The Late Show with David Lettermans currently available on line.
Kmart & Mastercard
http://community.livejournal.com/consumers4wga/20628.html

Because I'm getting lonely out here I've come up with a lil something I hope will get visitors to this project talking more frequently. TALK TO ME!

I'd like to offer a writer salute on each nights post.

I'll post a short biography and a link to a given writers IMDB credit page each night in hopes we can share our love of quality writing together as we work towards an ending this strike.

I'll offer up the first here and ask all of you to give me the names for all the rest. The writing staff of your favorite TV show ... the writer of a beloved film ... you give me the name(s) and we'll salute their work.

My love of gifted scribes and top notch writing began with the great Billy Wilder. He is at the root of my love of writing and the start of a path that brought me here to you night after night.

Billy Wilder (June 22, 1906 – March 27, 2002) was an Austrian-born, Jewish-American journalist, screenwriter, film director, and producer whose career spanned more than 50 years and 60 films. He is regarded as one of the most brilliant and versatile filmmakers of Hollywood's golden age. Many of Wilder's films achieved both critical and public acclaim.

The work of Mr. Billy Wilder

Off to watch The Apartment, again!

Day #72

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 03:39:27 GMT

TIME FOR MORE PRAISE

During the last 71 days we have written to both of these companies telling them just how displeased we were seeing their ads on our TV's during this strike.

Let us now take the time to tell them just HOW GOOD IT FEELS to watch those same ads as we watch clips from The Late Show with David Letterman available for viewing online.

These companies NEED TO KNOW that it matters and there is a BIG DIFFERENCE to us as consumers when it comes seeing their ads connected to a show that understands and supports the WGA's quest for a good and fair contract.

Tell them you look forward to a day, when this strike is over, you can feel that good about every single one of their ads.

Kmart

Email: help@customerservice.kmart.com

Kmart
Sears Holdings Corporation
3333 Beverly Road
Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
(847) 286-2500

Mastercard
Mastercard Customer Feedback Form

Mastercard Worldwide Advertising
2000 Purchase St.
Purchase, NY 10577

Have a wonderful night!

Day #71

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 03:45:53 GMT

Offering a little praise felt really good!

I think I'm gonna watch some Letterman this week and see if we can do some more of that this week.

For now lets get back to Oscar advertsisers.
I'm no expert but I'm pretty sure this strike has to end VERY SOON if the Oscars are going to go off as planned.

These fine companies with Oscar ad money riding on a speedy strike resolution need to hear that we as consumers stand behind them as they demand that those with the power to end this strike do everything possible to see its done BEFORE the Oscars go down in flames like the Golden Globes.

Thanks to this portion of a recent AdAge article we have a good list of advertisers to start with.

We do have contingency plans in place in the event that the show does not air," said chief marketing officer of JC Penney, in a statement. MasterCard planned to advertise in the Oscars, but a spokesman said the spots could run in other venues without trouble. Procter & Gamble and General Motors are both running Oscar ads; spokeswomen for the two said each would work with ABC to determine the best option possible in case the strike affects the program. A spokeswoman for Coca-Cola, also advertising in the Oscars, said the beverage giant is "monitoring the situation."

When it comes to the Oscars these companies are already very anxious so PLEASE, as always, be polite and respectful.

Next Oscar advertiser up...

General Motors Corporation
Customer Feedback Form
** Cadillac which was listed as a brought to you by sponsor at the start of the show so please use the Cadillac name and feedback form. **

General Motors Corporation
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170

Have a great night!

Day #70 - Time for some praise

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 04:03:40 GMT

SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT

During the last 69 days we have written to both of these companies telling them just how displeased we were seeing their ads on our TV's during this strike.

We've said things like:
"It is currently very difficult for me to see your ads in a positive light when you are paying a great deal of money for ad time into an industry that refuses to pay others fairly."

Now comes the time to tell them HOW GOOD IT FELT to watch those same ads running during the SAG Awards Broadcasted on TNT Jan 27th, 2008.

These companies NEED TO KNOW that it matters and there is a BIG DIFFERENCE to us as consumers when it comes seeing their ads run during a show that understands and supports the WGA's quest for a good and fair contract.

Tell them you look forward to a day, when this strike is over, you can feel that good about every single one of their ads.

Unilever - Slim-Fast

Unilever US, Inc
700 Sylvan Avenue
Englewood Cliffs NJ 07632

Customer service phone - 877-995-4483

Email Feedback Form
http://unilever.com/resources/contact-form.asp

L'Oreal

They had customer feedback forms done by brand name so I'm giving you Garnier to use.
Garnier by L'Oreal Customer Feedback Form

L'Oreal USA
575 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10017
1-212-818-1500

Day #69

Sun, 27 Jan 2008 14:05:55 GMT

Oooops!
I fell asleep before I got to post last night.

Sorry, in my forties now, I tend to fall asleep early on a Sat night rather than live the wild life.

I was out cold before 10pm ;o(

Needless to say, with half the day gone already, we'll leave day 69 as a catch up day.

Write to anyone you missed today and meet me back here after the SAG awards tonight.

Day #68

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 04:07:41 GMT

Tonight's Oscar advertiser

Procter & Gamble

While we have written to them several times before I think another letter is fitting as Procter and Gamble is surely none to happy with their ad investment when the Oscars remain in doubt.

From my trust AdAge artricle
Procter & Gamble and General Motors are both running Oscar ads; spokeswomen for the two said each would work with ABC to determine the best option possible in case the strike affects the program.

This is a good and respectable company, one who's listened to what we've had to say several times on the last 68 days, so be nice!

Procter & Gamble

Procter & Gamble Co.
Jim Stengel, global marketing officer
Robert A. McDonald chief operating officer
1 Procter & Gamble Plaza
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Phone: (513) 983-1100
Fax: 513-983-9369

http://pg.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/pg.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php

Have a great night!

Day #67

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:06:14 GMT

Time for a well deserved day off.

Take the next day to catch up on any companies you may have missed and then meet me back here for more Oscar advertisers on Friday night.

Other than that, keep your fingers crossed, remain hopeful and stay optimistic as the parties sit down and talk their way toward a fair contract for the WGA.

Thanks for all you help.

See you tomorrow night.

Day #66

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 03:44:41 GMT

Tonight's Oscar advertiser

Coca-Cola

Here is a very specific mention of Coke and the Oscars from the AdAge article I've been quoting:
A spokeswoman for Coca-Cola, also advertising in the Oscars, said the beverage giant is "monitoring the situation."

As always be polite, respectful and supportive as you know just how tense that *monitoring* has to be for Coke.

The Coca-Cola Company
Customer Feedback Form

The Coca-Cola Company
P.O. Box 1734
Atlanta, GA 30301
USA

Have a great night!

Day #65

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 03:42:40 GMT

Time for more Oscars advertisers.

If the show doesn't go on as planned -- don't forget how the Golden Globes went -- a lot of fine companies are going to be paying a fortune for worthless ad time.

They are very concerned about the fate of the Oscars so please take the time to let them know that you, as their valued customer, stand behind them as they demand this strike end now so the show, and all those glorious and pricey Oscar ads that go with the big show, can go on as planned.

Thanks to this portion of a recent AdAge article we have a good list of advertisers to start with.

We do have contingency plans in place in the event that the show does not air," said chief marketing officer of JC Penney, in a statement. MasterCard planned to advertise in the Oscars, but a spokesman said the spots could run in other venues without trouble. Procter & Gamble and General Motors are both running Oscar ads; spokeswomen for the two said each would work with ABC to determine the best option possible in case the strike affects the program. A spokeswoman for Coca-Cola, also advertising in the Oscars, said the beverage giant is "monitoring the situation."

I have to say that last line needs to be changed to *applying pressure* -- there is no substitute for the Oscars ad ... they want THOSE ads and THAT audience -- not *monitoring* when it comes to this difficult situation.

When it comes to the Oscars these companies are already very anxious so PLEASE, as always, be polite and respectful.

Next up...

Mastercard
Mastercard Customer Feedback Form

Mastercard Worldwide Advertising
2000 Purchase St.
Purchase, NY 10577

See you back here tomorrow night.

Day #64

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 03:53:55 GMT

Let's get to work on the Oscars.

If the show doesn't go on as planned -- don't forget how the Golden Globes went -- a lot of fine companies are going to be paying a fortune for worthless ad time.

You know that is not acceptable to them ... to ANYONE!

They are very concerned about the fate of the Oscars so please take the time to let them know that you, as their valued customer, stand behind them as they demand this strike end now so the show, and all those glorious and pricey Oscar ads that go with the big show, can go on as planned.

Thanks to this portion of a recent AdAge article we have a good list of advertisers to start with.

We do have contingency plans in place in the event that the show does not air," said chief marketing officer of JC Penney, in a statement. MasterCard planned to advertise in the Oscars, but a spokesman said the spots could run in other venues without trouble. Procter & Gamble and General Motors are both running Oscar ads; spokeswomen for the two said each would work with ABC to determine the best option possible in case the strike affects the program. A spokeswoman for Coca-Cola, also advertising in the Oscars, said the beverage giant is "monitoring the situation."

I have to say that last line needs to be changed to *applying pressure* -- there is no substitute for the Oscars ad ... they want THOSE ads and THAT audience -- not *monitoring* when it comes to this difficult situation.

When it comes to the Oscars these companies are already very anxious so PLEASE, as always, be polite and respectful.

First up...

JC Penny Company
Customer Feedback Form

JC Penney Corp.
P.O. Box 10001,
Dallas, TX 75301-7311
ATTN: Corporate Customer Relations

See you back here tomorrow night.

Day #63 - Good Morning!

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:09:46 GMT

So, did you think I'd suddenly simply disappeared or done the unthinkable and actually given up?

NAH! You knew better!

I had computer issues last night.
* It was sure to happen once in 63 days.*

While it was clearly a connectivity issue - I was there and yet NOT there - I can't help wondering if my lil Dell laptop got in a snit over posting Dell Sat night and simply refused to do the job.

Either way its back ... and so am I!

Since we've already lost a lot of day #63 lets take today to rest up and start fresh on Oscar advertisers tonight.

Have a good day.

Day #62

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 03:49:54 GMT

Still working up the Oscar ad info.

Nearly ready to go but I need one more day.

Tomorrow we start in with - there is no subsitute for an Oscar ad! - the Oscars.

For tonight...

HP Computers
Customer Feedback Form

Hewlett-Packard Company
3000 Hanover Street
Palo Alto, CA 94304-1185

Dell Computers
Customer Feedback Form

Dell Computer Corporation
One Dell Way
Round Rock, Texas 78682

See you tomorrow.

Day #61

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 03:55:28 GMT

While I remain hopeful the DGA deal will be a good starting point for real negotiation that will lead to a fair deal for the WGA, one night of catch up, rest and wishful thinking is all we can afford.

We don't stop until the writers have a fair deal so its back to work.

While I work on lining up all the info needed to reach out to Oscar advertisers lets go back to a couple early companies we haven't done in a good long while.

After seeing ads for both on TV this evening, remarkable since I'm hardly watching any TV anymore, I give you Best Buy and Toyota.

Best Buy Co., Inc.
Customer Feedback Form

Best Buy
Corporate Customer Care
P.O. Box 949
Minneapolis, MN 55440
-or-
Best Buy Co., Inc.
Corporate Headquarters
P.O. Box 9312
Minneapolis, MN 55440-9312

Toyota
Customer Feedback Form

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
19001 South Western Ave.
Dept. WC11
Torrance, CA 90501

Thanks for all your work!
See you back here tomorrow night.

Day #60

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 03:57:16 GMT

The DGA and AMPTP have a deal.

A decent DGA deal could serve as a great starting place for a good WGA one.

The AMPTP issued an offer to restart talks with the WGA.

Everything is in wait and see mode right now so lets make tonight a catch up night.

Catch up on anything you may have missed and...
KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED
THINGS KEEP MOVING FORWARD!

Think positive thoughts my friends.

Day #59

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 03:49:43 GMT

Like Coke from last night, Ford, is not exactly hurting for reaching consumers with American Idol ads. Approaching them about how they're wasting their ad dollars is fairly useless in this case as well.

Idol advertisers require a different angle.

Feel free to using a variation on this part of my own personal form letter to make you point if you like
"It is currently very difficult for me to see your ads in a positive light when you are paying a great deal of money for ad time into an industry that refuses to pay others fairly.

On top of that I also ask you to be exceptionally polite as Ford is a union company.

Ford Motor Company
Customer Feedback Form

Ford Motor Company
Customer Relationship Center
P.O. Box 6248
Dearborn, MI 48126

Have a nice night.

Day #58

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 03:34:29 GMT

American Idol premiered tonight.

American Idol = Coca-Cola

Coke is doing just dandy riding the Idol wave so approaching them about how they're wasting their ad dollars is fairly useless in this case.

Instead of that angle try using some varation on this part of my own personal form letter.
"It is currently very difficult for me to see your ads in a positive light when you are paying a great deal of money for ad time into an industry that refuses to pay others fairly.

It's fair and it's true.

While my family has enjoyed every other season of American Idol I, knowing just how much ad money is being pumped into a system that refuses to pay people for their work from just this one show, was unable to tune in tonight.

The Coca-Cola Company
Customer Feedback Form

The Coca-Cola Company
P.O. Box 1734
Atlanta, GA 30301
USA

Have a great night!