This image was lost some time after publication.

What is online video worth in the age of YouTube? $1,200, according to the Writers' Guild of America. That's the amount the group of television and movie writers agreed to accept for work streamed over the Internet. An odd amount, and like all fixed pay for the hit-and-miss, easily measured world of the Web, almost always the wrong one. Also easily measured: The relentless slide of television audiences. Here are the key dozen words from the Guild's 643-word letter to members:

To Our Fellow Members,

We have a tentative deal. "When they get paid, we get paid."

Best,

Patric M. Verrone

President, WGAW

Michael Winship

President, WGAE

Perhaps the strikers should have been exploring what happens if they don't get paid. Details!