86 Comments
Feb 3, 2023Liked by Marc Guggenheim

I always look forward to your newsletter, for what that's worth. And it's exactly this kind of heart-on-sleeve-even-when-frustrated message that it's helpful to see, everyone now and then. It reminds me that the things a writer goes through are, often, usually, the things that most writers go through. Please keep sharing both the losses and the wins. We'll celebrate the latter and commiserate with you in the former.

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Feb 4, 2023Liked by Marc Guggenheim

Your newsletters are the highlight of my week, truly. I enjoy cozying up and reading each newsletter with a beverage of choice in hand. I respect and understand your decision to change the frequency of each dispatch, and I’m sure many of us would prefer less frequent posts vs. none altogether.

In this current state of over-saturated highlight reels of people’s lives on social media, your work and honest experiences are a cleansing breath of fresh air. Take all the time you need, and rest assured we’ll support you any way you go.

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Hi Marc,

Your newsletter is a bright light for me. I immediately read it when I come upon it in my inbox. I love seeing what you're working on, seeing your excitement, reading about what you're up to. I am interested in the writer's process and you share so much of that. I got excited for Too Dead to Die from what you wrote here. Also Han Solo and Chewbacca. Please don't let Warner douse your spirit. I told my friend Taryn, whom also got laid off by Warner, that they are not worth the grief. And I firmly believe that. It is all a numbers game to these people. And numbers and creativity don't really mix. I just shared this quote to day about Barnes and Noble, but it works here too. Ted Gioia recently wrote: "...Creative fields like music and writing live and die based on creativity, not financial statements and branding deals." Television episodes are experimental--you don't know how it will turn out until months later when the audience gets to see it. You can only hope that it works out. You helped guide a massive creative endeavor for a decade that we have never seen the likes of, and I doubt we will see the likes of again. While I do enjoy the Marvel TV shows, Marvel is still behind DC in terms of television because of the Arrowverse--and Doom Patrol (which hey, that is in part ran by Chris Dingess and has a few other Agent Carter alum on it too!) You are very wise and you are a great storyteller. I will keep coming back to your newsletter as long as you are producing one. :D

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Feb 3, 2023Liked by Marc Guggenheim

I would personally like to thank you for sharing all of this with us. I understand wanting to keep it positive, but I find it also helpful to hear about some of the downs. Not that I wish them upon you or anyone else. It keeps it real and honest to the experiences one has in this industry. As for the DC universe...I’m ridiculously surprised to almost a loss for words that you weren’t included in/on a panel or group discussing the future of DC on screens! Just... WOW!!! If it weren’t for the shows that you were a large part of creating, shaping, and releasing on the CW I wouldn’t be anywhere near as interested in DC as I am. Not because of poor shows, films, or other aspects of the DC community, but because I connected with those shows you were a part of, especially Arrow. I kind of went on a rant here. Sorry about that, but I wanted you to know how valued your contributions to DC are to me and how appreciated your work is. Thank you for sharing the newsletter with us. Now matter how frequently you post them I will look forward to each one. 🙏🏻

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Feb 4, 2023Liked by Marc Guggenheim

Thank you for everything you did for the Arrowverse! Creating, writing, the behind the scenes, and answering questions about the Arrowverse. Arrow came along at the lowest point in my life and gave me a little break from it. (Don’t worry life got a lot better later on). I really enjoy reading your newsletter each week.

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Feb 3, 2023Liked by Marc Guggenheim

Marc, I can't imagine how frustrating this situation must be for you. I do thank you for your candor about it. Too often we see people's wins without seeing the hard work and difficulties that came before. Consequently, I really appreciate you getting real about that and sharing some authentic feelings about it. I think writing is personal, even when it's professional. Writers aren't robots (yet). We put a lot of ourselves into it. And it's legit disheartening when office politics, studio politics and other weirdness make it harder. Your openness about the good moments and the bad are valuable insights. Please keep going with this as long and as often as you feel like doing it. I always learn something or even many somethings with each post. I appreciate you and the newsletter.

(P.S. I came to know about you via Arrow. That show meant a lot to me. I didn't always love every choice in the story, but I never doubted for a minute that you loved it less than I did. I was creatively inspired and I made friends from the fandom of that show that I expect to keep for life. I went to conventions and set up a table to sign people up on the national bone marrow registry. Who knows if maybe one of them has helped another person? There is a ripple effect from the creation of entertainment that isn't always recognized. But we see it, don't we? Thank you. x Lisa)

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I've always enjoyed your newsletter and I hope it keeps going. And I'm sorry the shows didn't get the recognition you hoped in the end but I hope you know what they meant to the legion of us fans.

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I think it's important to share how hard it is, even if it's not positive. We appreciate the vulnerability but obviously I understand if you don't want to go to that place often. That's fair. FWIW, I had a coffee with another showrunner today and though we're at different levels, we commiserated at how much HUSTLE still needs to happen to get work still. As always, hope you're well.

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Mar 6, 2023Liked by Marc Guggenheim

The Arrowverse is the greatest thing DC related that has hit big or small screens. The DCU would be wise to listen to you / incorporate you.

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Mar 6, 2023Liked by Marc Guggenheim

Hi, just wanted to let you know that you didn't waste your time. I prefer marvel movies over DC movies but I LOVE your arrowverse shows. I'm constantly wishing we could see the same style and actors in your shows on the big screen instead. I know you said it meant nothing on a career level but I just wanted to say, as far as fan fulfillment, you totally won. And I'm sure whatever they turn out without you won't hold a candle to what you've done for DC. Thank you for doing it. I'm sorry it hasn't amped up your career like it should have.

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Mar 6, 2023Liked by Marc Guggenheim

It is truly sad when someone gives us their vison and works on it with every fiber of their being only to see it end with what would seem to be no nods from new regimes. I would take this one thing away from your time doing these shows. You gave us a vision of DC that we have not seen in a very long time. I grew up with Super friends. This was the closest thing to waking up every Saturday to watch super friends and the other cartoons. We all looked forward to what you were going to show us next. Thank you for your vison and bless you for sharing it with us.

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Mar 5, 2023Liked by Marc Guggenheim

Mr. Guggenheim, this is my first time reading your newsletter and all I can say is Thank you. In my opinion, Crisis On Infinite Earths was great. It gave me three things I never thought I'd see: Kevin Conroy as Bruce Wayne, Brandon Routh as Kingdom Come Superman, and Tom Welling and Erica Durance on screen together again. If DC can't see what you bring to the table, then that's their dumb luck. I say do your own thing and create your own characters. Comics and TV need people with your type of experience. Again, Thank you Mr. Guggenheim.

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I always dig this newsletter, and I really appreciate the honesty. For newer and smaller minnows in the comic making pond like me, it’s refreshing [and mentally helpful] to see honesty and the reality of these things and feelings.

I’ve been a fan since back in the Resurrection days and I’ll continue to enjoy whatever you put out, mate.

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Feb 4, 2023Liked by Marc Guggenheim

Stolen from Wikipedia: What makes a good (not great) dispatcher? Organized. Focused. Attention to detail. Ability to multitask. Adaptable. High level of confidence. Superior communication. Empathic and compassionate.

Keep sharing with us 'what it takes' to do what you do - positive, negative and neutral. Hungry and well-fed writers need your dispatching.

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I think what I love most about your newsletter is that it feels real. When you are excited about a new project, it leaps off the page. When you are disappointed, I am reminded that I am not alone. Thank you for being honest with us and sharing your frustration. This journey is rarely pleasant and it's only getting rougher lately. I am so sorry that you are dealing with this.

I did want to say that the Arrowverse was in no way a waste. It inspired so many people -- not in the least, me! I wouldn't have written my first TV spec if you hadn't made Arrow. You changed the path of my life and I am not the only one. I hope that gives you some comfort.

And if you want to vent-blog or just be sad for a while, I'll still be here, reading it. :)

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Feb 4, 2023Liked by Marc Guggenheim

I absolutely enjoy your newsletter and hope you come back to it soon

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