the organization's existence and activities highlighted one of the main sticking points in the contract negotiations—the significance of the internet and other "new media" distribution channels. the fan involvement in the strike could also be seen as an outgrowth of trends in which the audience had become more vocal as consumers of entertainment. striking writers closed the circle by soliciting fan action on their behalf and specifically referring those upset at the loss of their favorite programs to the fans4writers website, alongside the wga's own strike site, in order to register their sentiments and become involved.