# Writers Guild of America goes on strike (5/2/23) tentative deal (9/25/23) Now accepted (10/9/23) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** ai\ **Created:** [May 2, 2023, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448 "2023-05-02T04:36:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 19
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2023, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448/361 "2023-09-20T21:04:18Z")
> [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > This absolutely does sound like someone saying that the writers are in some way owed a living as a writer. You know what? I’ll bite. Writers are owed a living as writers. If you have a job, whether it’s CEO at a Fortune 500 company or second assistant jizz-mopper at a porno theater, and you do it well, then you should be entitled to be able to live off the fruits of your labor. To say otherwise is to declare that some people shouldn’t be able to afford to live. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2023, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448/362 "2023-09-20T21:48:18Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > Writers are owed a living as writers. The problem is that this apparently empathetic position leads to some absurd conclusions. I’ll stress here that there’s an important nuance in what Maher was saying; it’s not that working writers shouldn’t be entitled to a decent living wage, it’s that not everyone is entitled and qualified to be a writer. This is especially true in creative endeavors for which some people have natural talents and others are useless. If one accepts your flawed premise, then it logically follows that a terrible scriptwriter is entitled to be well paid for scripts that no one wants, a terrible novelist is entitled to make a living writing terrible novels, and the clichéd “starving artist” is entitled to make a decent living even if he can’t paint or draw. Who is supposed to pay these people, and for what? It’s an absurd premise. But sure, writers who are good at what they do and have their scripts accepted by studios are entitled to be well paid and to not get screwed by the studios. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2023, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448/363 "2023-09-20T21:53:27Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > Who is supposed to pay these people, and for what? At the risk of going off-topic, I can think of a couple billionaires who aren’t being taxed properly. ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2023, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448/364 "2023-09-20T21:54:33Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > You know what? I’ll bite. Writers are owed a living as writers. Really? I’d like to be a professional footballer, Am I owed a living in that particular career? ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2023, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448/365 "2023-09-20T21:56:02Z")
> [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > I’d like to be a professional footballer, Am I owed a living in that particular career? That depends. Are you good at hitting football? If yes, then you should be able to make a living doing that. If you’re not, then whatever you are good at, you should be able to make a living off of. Noone should be unable to make a living at a job they’re competent at. You will note that it is not AMPTP’s claim that the writers are bad at their jobs. ---
**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2023, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448/366 "2023-09-20T22:02:03Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > What do you imagine creates shareholder value? …I asked ChatGPT on your behalf to provide you with a list: > [@chatgpt](#): > > Here’s an extensive list of ways a company can achieve this: > > 1. Revenue Growth: a. Expanding product or service offerings. b. Entering new markets. c. Increasing market share. d. Enhancing pricing strategies. > 2. Cost Reduction: a. Streamlining operations. b. Implementing efficient supply chain management. c. Reducing overhead costs. d. Optimizing production processes. > 3. Innovation and Research & Development (R&D): a. Developing new products or services. b. Investing in cutting-edge technology. c. Patenting intellectual property. d. Improving existing products or services. > 4. Mergers and Acquisitions: a. Acquiring strategic companies. b. Consolidating industry presence. c. Achieving economies of scale. d. Diversifying into complementary industries. > 5. Strategic Partnerships and Alliances: a. Collaborating with other companies. b. Joint ventures to share resources. c. Leveraging complementary strengths. d. Accessing new markets or technologies. > 6. Capital Allocation: a. Efficiently managing capital investments. b. Dividend payments. c. Share buybacks. d. Debt reduction. > 7. Financial Management: a. Effective working capital management. b. Debt refinancing. c. Investment in high-yield assets. d. Managing foreign exchange risk. > 8. Customer and Brand Building: a. Building strong customer relationships. b. Enhancing brand equity. c. Increasing customer loyalty. d. Improving customer service. > 9. Employee Development: a. Attracting and retaining top talent. b. Employee training and skill development. c. Employee engagement and satisfaction. d. Implementing performance-based incentives. > 10. Corporate Governance: a. Transparent reporting and communication. b. Strong board oversight. c. Ethical business practices. d. Compliance with regulations and corporate responsibility. > 11. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Initiatives: a. Sustainable and responsible business practices. b. Reducing environmental impact. c. Ethical sourcing and labor practices. d. Enhancing corporate social responsibility. > 12. Customer Experience Improvement: a. Personalized marketing and customer engagement. b. Enhancing product/service quality. c. Efficient complaint resolution. d. Customer feedback utilization. > 13. Intellectual Property Management: a. Protecting and monetizing intellectual property. b. Licensing technology or patents. c. Branding and trademark management. d. Intellectual property portfolio expansion. > 14. Geographic Expansion: a. Expanding into new geographic regions. b. Leveraging emerging markets. c. Customizing products/services for local markets. d. International partnerships and alliances. > 15. Technology and Digital Transformation: a. Embracing digitalization. b. Implementing data analytics and AI. c. Enhancing online sales and customer experiences. d. Cybersecurity and data protection. > 16. Risk Management: a. Identifying and mitigating business risks. b. Hedging against market volatility. c. Crisis management and contingency planning. d. Insurance and liability coverage. > 17. Divestitures: a. Selling non-core or underperforming assets. b. Focusing on core competencies. c. Raising funds for strategic investments. d. Reducing debt. > 18. Customer Segmentation: a. Targeting high-value customer segments. b. Customizing products/services for specific groups. c. Personalized marketing and messaging. d. Maximizing customer lifetime value. > 19. Regulatory and Compliance Strategies: a. Staying updated with industry regulations. b. Proactive compliance management. c. Advocating for favorable regulatory changes. d. Avoiding legal disputes. > 20. Cultural Transformation: a. Fostering an innovative and growth-oriented culture. b. Employee empowerment and collaboration. c. Change management strategies. d. Inclusivity and diversity initiatives. > > Remember that the specific strategies a company employs will depend on its industry, competitive landscape, and overall business objectives. Effective shareholder value creation often involves a combination of these approaches tailored to the company’s unique circumstances. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2023, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448/367 "2023-09-20T22:03:24Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > Noone should be unable to make a living at a job they’re competent at. I agree, and I’m sure Bill Maher does, too. That’s not what his comment meant, at all. You’ve moved the goalposts here. My comments stem for what I think is a reasonable interpretation of what Maher meant. If you think he meant something different, then my comments don’t apply, but if he did mean that writers don’t deserve a living wage, then it’s Maher who was being absurd. As someone who himself employs writers I very much doubt he would make such a hostile and unreasonable statement about his own staff. > [@Smapti](#): > > You will note that it is not AMPTP’s claim that the writers are bad at their jobs. I’ll repeat what I said: > writers who are good at what they do and have their scripts accepted by studios are entitled to be well paid and to not get screwed by the studios. There is ample evidence that the AMPTP has been using various tactics to screw the writers, underpay them, and make the terms of their employment less favourable. In all those respects, I’m totally with the WGA. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2023, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448/368 "2023-09-20T22:06:21Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > I agree, and I’m sure Bill Maher does, too. You give him a lot more credit than I do. As far as I’m concerned, he’s a cranky old shithead who’s mad at the world because it isn’t the 90s anymore and the world has changed but he hasn’t, and he’d rather blame millennials and “wokeness” for the world’s problems (and the fact that he can’t use casual racism and homophobia for cheap laughs anymore) than actually consider that maybe he’s out of touch. From most accounts he’s awful to his staff, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he endorses DeSantis by the end of the year. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2023, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448/369 "2023-09-20T22:09:22Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > You give him a lot more credit than I do. You’re evading the issue. Either I’m making the correct reasonable interpretation of what Bill Maher meant, or he was blatantly insulting his own writers. You can believe whichever version you like. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2023, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448/370 "2023-09-20T22:19:08Z")
> [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > I asked ChatGPT on your behalf to provide you with a list: “Seriously?” 😉 But if you look at all those points, most of them are just more detailed expositions of the specific strategies that companies employ to increase profits. Shareholder value ultimately derives from the balance sheet. The points that aren’t directly about profits are concerned with things like customer relations that don’t generally apply to movie studios. Here’s the #1 takeaway about shareholder value **[from Investopedia](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/shareholder-value.asp)**: > Shareholder value is the value given to stockholders in a company based on the firm’s ability to sustain and grow profits over time. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2023, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448/371 "2023-09-20T22:26:28Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > Either I’m making the correct reasonable interpretation of what Bill Maher meant, or he was blatantly insulting his own writers. Maher blatantly insults pretty.much everyone he considers to be his Lesser. You think his writers are an exception? ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2023, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448/372 "2023-09-20T22:28:49Z")
This is getting way off topic, and it also isn’t true. Maher insults people he doesn’t like. You think he hates his own writers? ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2023, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448/373 "2023-09-20T22:35:20Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > You think he hates his own writers? He had to be publicly shamed out of firing them all, didn’t he? ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2023, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448/374 "2023-09-20T22:57:54Z")
No, he didn’t. When did Maher ever threaten to fire his writers? I assume you’re once again misrepresenting facts, and are probably referring to Maher’s aborted attempt to bring back his show despite the strike, which would naturally have been without writers since there was, you know, a writers strike. Incidentally, I also have an issue with the way you misrepresented Maher canceling the proposed comeback: “Translation: Drew chickened out and now I don’t have anyone to blame my assholishness on”. Is it possible that Maher caved to pressure from union supporters? Sure, it’s possible, but Maher has rarely shied away from controversy. If one reviews the sequence of events, Maher announced on September 13 that the show was coming back in a couple of weeks, but without writers, because nearly five months was just too long for the rest of his crew to be out of work. Last Monday September 18 the WGA said they were returning to the negotiating table, and the AMPTP confirmed. Maher immediately canceled the show’s planned return, explaining that the return to negotiations made him hopeful that the strike could be resolved and the show could come back with writers on board. Also, I highly doubt Maher gives a flying fig what Drew Barrymore does. And if he did get union pressure, I doubt he burst into tears over it like Drew did. What went on behind the scenes we have no idea, but I can’t help but notice the tendency of many here to put the worst, most cynical interpretations on the motivations behind actions they happen to dislike. ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2023, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448/375 "2023-09-20T23:04:22Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > What went on behind the scenes we have no idea, but I can’t help but notice the tendency of many here to put the worst, most cynical interpretations on the motivations behind actions they happen to dislike. It’s probably because people here think Bill Maher is an asshole. (And therefore, he did it _because_ he’s an asshole.) And were deeply disappointed with Drew Barrymore. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2023, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448/376 "2023-09-20T23:33:27Z")
I like Maher as a performer, and most of his interviews and panel discussions really are in-depth and informative, though occasionally some of his personal nuttery comes out (like “medical science doesn’t know anything, so think for yourself”). I obviously don’t know him personally, but he seemed fun and congenial on Jerry Seinfeld’s episode with him on _Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee_. But I rather suspect that both were performing for the cameras, and I’ve long harbored the suspicion that Maher and Seinfeld are actually both assholes IRL! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2023, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448/377 "2023-09-20T23:46:57Z")
> [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > You are the one who is treating it as a simple work-rate calculation when it will never be that simple. > [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > If that isn’t treating the process like a production line then I don’t know what is. …I asked chatGPT to tell me about getting up in the morning. > [@chatGPT](#): > > **Step 1: Wake-Up Process** > > - **Station 1:** Open your eyes, signaling the start of the day. > - **Station 2:** Stretch and yawn to prepare your body for the day. > - **Station 3:** Turn off the alarm clock to prevent any disruptions. > - **Station 4:** Sit up in bed and swing your feet to the floor to move to the next station. > > **Step 2: Dressing Procedure** > > - **Station 5:** Enter the bathroom to begin dressing. > - **Station 6:** Select and put on underwear and socks, ensuring proper alignment. > - **Station 7:** Proceed to the closet or dresser and choose an outfit for the day. > - **Station 8:** Dress from top to bottom, buttoning shirts or zipping up pants. > - **Station 9:** Accessorize with belts, ties, or jewelry as needed. > - **Station 10:** Check your appearance in the mirror to ensure a polished look. > > **Step 3: Oral Hygiene Protocol** > > - **Station 11:** Return to the bathroom for oral hygiene. > - **Station 12:** Squeeze toothpaste onto your toothbrush. > - **Station 13:** Brush your teeth thoroughly, including the gums and tongue. > - **Station 14:** Rinse your mouth and toothbrush. > - **Station 15:** Gargle with mouthwash, if desired. > - **Station 16:** Wipe your face clean, ensuring no toothpaste residue remains. > > **Step 4: Breakfast** > > - **Station 17:** Proceed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. > - **Station 18:** Gather ingredients and utensils for your meal. > - **Station 19:** Prepare your choice of breakfast food, whether it’s cereal, eggs, toast, or other options. > - **Station 20:** Pour a beverage, such as coffee, tea, or juice. > - **Station 21:** Set the table with utensils, plates, and napkins. > - **Station 22:** Enjoy your breakfast and nourish your body for the day ahead. > > **Step 5: Final Check and Exit** > > - **Station 23:** Clear your breakfast dishes and place them in the sink or dishwasher. > - **Station 24:** Quickly tidy up any clutter or mess in the kitchen. > - **Station 25:** Double-check that you have everything you need for the day, such as keys, wallet, and phone. > - **Station 26:** Exit your home and lock the door behind you, signaling the completion of your morning routine. Gosh! It sounds like a production line! > [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > No, I didn’t. I said. LOL. Yes. You said: “I look back at some of the great TV produced and see no correlation between a mandated minimum numbers of writers and how good or popular something is.” I’ll ask you the question again: when you looked back, what shows were you thinking about that had mandated minimum number of writers? > [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > The point being that, to the best of my knowledge, it was never a thing and yet great TV was produced. You didn’t say “to the best of my knowledge, it was never a thing.” I quoted what you said. I stand by my response. > [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > So if the cost-benefits analysis is that stark, the studios will hire the extra resources anyway. But the studios aren’t hiring the extra resources! That’s the entire point! For decades, writers rooms were staffed in the same way. Then the studios started to slash the numbers in the room. This impacted both the writing process and the writers in a number of different ways that I’ve patiently explained to you over and over again. The WGA thinks that the way to address this is to mandate the process that used to be standard-operating-procedure. So the minimums are on the table. They are up for negotiation. Its now in the AMPTP’s court. > [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > You don’t need to mandate it from the off. Well you _do_ if the studios aren’t giving you enough staff in order to be able to do the job. > [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > I fail to see the benefit of mandating minimum numbers of writers. :: surprised face :: > [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > If you do manadate minimums rather than putting in place working practice guidelines then you will still come up against deadline pushes and there is nothing to prevent those writers being exploited/overworked etc. This isn’t an argument against anything I said. The WGA are well aware of the existence of this thing called a “deadline.” It’s a basic part of doing the job. Its the showrunners responsibility to manage the room, to prevent their writers from being exploited or being overworked. And that _starts_ with having enough writers in the room to cope with the workload. You can’t do the job if you don’t have the staff. > [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > However, if you focus instead on putting in place the working guidelines then in the face of a deadline push the studio will hire the numbers they need in order to avoid the budget increase and also to remain within the scope of the working practice protections What guidelines do you suggest? And why wouldn’t you both have these guidelines _and_ have mandatory minimum staffing? Because, as I’ve told you over and over and over again, there are _multiple_ reasons why minimums are on the table. Addressing just one of those reasons doesn’t mean the others top magically existing. ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2023, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448/378 "2023-09-20T23:48:22Z")
> [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > …I asked chatGPT to tell me about getting up in the morning. That _does_ sound like an android trying very hard, and very badly, to pretend that it’s human. ---
**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2023, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448/379 "2023-09-20T23:57:05Z")
> [@ekedolphin](#): > > That _does_ sound like an android trying very hard, and very badly, to pretend that it’s human. …I implement the **Oral Hygiene Protocol** at least twice a day. Now I’m planning on engaging my **Lunch Subroutines** before my **Final Check and Exit**. I am a human. I promise. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2023, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448/380 "2023-09-21T01:13:40Z")
> [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > …I implement the **Oral Hygiene Protocol** at least twice a day. Now I’m planning on engaging my **Lunch Subroutines** before my **Final Check and Exit**. Very good, Senator Cruz. Would you like your tungsten supplements now or after your bowl of live cockroaches? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448.md?page=18) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writers-guild-of-america-goes-on-strike-5-2-23-tentative-deal-9-25-23-now-accepted-10-9-23/983448.md?page=20)