It's the quick-witted lines in TV shows such as "Seinfeld" and "Grey's Anatomy" that have made them viewer favorites. And on the big screen, one-liners can sometimes make the whole movie.

But while it's those in front of the camera who get much of the recognition, actors such as Renee Zellweger would have never uttered the words "You had me at hello" without the help of a talented writer.

So it seems reasonable that with the growing popularity of Internet downloading and DVDs, that members of the Writers Guild of America are seeking their fair share of the profitable pie. Among the demands writers are asking for is a greater percentage of revenue from online and DVD viewings of movies and TV shows.

But even after the writers dropped their demand for DVD viewings profits on Sunday, negotiations failed, the writers' contract expired and now they are on strike.

Unfortunately, this isn't an isolated problem in Hollywood. Tune in to late-night TV and viewers will get the immediate effect of the strike. Many shows, including "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "The Late Show with David Letterman," are airing reruns during the strike. Soap operas, and TV series, too, will eventually run out of fresh material and begin airing reruns as well.

During this journey back in time on the silver screen, viewers will no doubt appreciate the true value of writers and the daily entertainment they bring into living rooms around the nation. Hopefully, producers will see this value as well and give them the fair and equitable contract they deserve.