It's always good to read a blog post that just seems to cross a job off my own to do list.

I've been thinking for a while that I ought to write something more about the rank and file screenwriters' use of online video in their dispute with the studios, and maybe draw some conclusions about what is possible for UK unions. But then it turns out that John has already written it. I can do nothing other than quite his concluding paragraphs. For the videos themselves, and the exposition, you need to read the whole thing [1]:

What can unions be doing to engage with those of their activists that are ready, able and willing to be putting digital creativity out there?

Is it a training issue for unions to be engaging in social media, encouraging those who are starting to show an interest in digital creativity around an issue (the long game)? Or should unions be setting challenges to their members to come up with something? Should they be running competitions and handing out affordable kit to promising activists, or should they be offering snips, photos and idents to budding filmmakers to get on with it?

Unions may be scared by the potential results of letting 1,000 loose cannons off in a campaign, but consider, if your could temporarily point 1,000 loose cannons in half-way the right direction, I’d rather not be in the opposition.

I think a YouTube channel for the unions would be great. But it only works if it's a grassroots channel. More videos of leaders in suits is really not what we're talking about here.