I think if you signed up for Daytime Dollars and chose to keep getting emails from P&G, you got these messages ... If you didn't see them, they're not just marketing pablum, they actually do shed light on the different focus of each headwriter and each show. Jean P.'s is mostly about her pet characters. Kreizman's is better, and has a little more of a family, community, history, and holidays feel to it. There are some mild spoilers, so don't read until a month or so from now if you want to be spoiler-free.

Apologies if this is already on the board somewhere -- I didn't see it. Also, I apologize if this should be in an existing topic rather than its own topic.

The ATWT one first:

To the Dear Friends of AS THE WORLD TURNS,

Tis the week before Christmas and all through my head, visions of Oakdale keep stirring instead! As I finish wrapping presents, I'm also wrapping up stories so we writers can take a short nap for the holidays. In the midst of all this chaos, I wanted to thank you all for your exceptional loyalty and affection for our show.

It's been a typically eventful year in Oakdale. Emily shot Paul, and Dusty and Craig battled for custody of Johnny. We saw Lucy depart with the baby hoping to stop the madness. But Craig battles on as he provokes Paul's jealousy over Meg, driving Paul to the brink of madness. Paul will receive a gift he doesn't want or understand, and Craig will continue to knock on Meg's door, hoping for an opening… Watch for a surprising new alliance for Dusty… and stay tuned as Emily emerges from her catastrophic year, only to make a shocking choice....

Some of our most beloved couples faced major hurdles this year. Lily and Holden struggled with Luke's revelation of his sexuality and emerged stronger than ever. They will ring in the New Year with a public display of their love. But trouble comes when you least expect it. Watch for dramatic developments among the three female generations in the Walsh/Snyder dynasty.

Simon Frasier's return lit a match under two ATWT's couples: Carly and Jack, and Katie and Mike. Carly and Jack's love for each other was never far from the surface… until Simon turned her head and led her on a dangerous adventure. Carly will face an agonizing decision that has life-changing consequences for Jack and their children.

Katie and Mike's marriage couldn't withstand her one-nighter with Simon. While she attempts to repair the damage, stay tuned for a surprising development in Henry's life, and for Vienna to continue to spice things up.

Will and Gwen battled their families' objections and got married. Then Adam returned, taking Gwen in a new direction that gives Will pause… In 2007 we will see a collision of events involving Will, Gwen, Maddie, Casey, Adam, Jade, Luke, Margo and Tom -- with explosive results. And, while Gwen's music career begins to take off, her portrayer, Jennifer Landon, is rocking off-screen. Jen's new single, SLIDE, is available for download as a ring-tone for your phone at http://www.modtones.com/download/SearchArt...o?artistId=7497

It's impossible to finish this letter without acknowledging the tragic loss of Benjamin Hendrickson, whose multidimensional Hal was a beloved fixture on ATWT for twenty years. Ben could play anything: from the stern police detective, to the tender lover… all the way to the wacky Fred Munster-like character he played so brilliantly in our anniversary spoof. We miss Ben, and we miss Hal.

This is my fifth year with AS THE WORLD TURNS, my second as head writer. It's humbling to be part of this show’s rich history. We owe our longevity to you, our fans, and we promise to keep delivering all the romance, intrigue, surprises, humor, and drama you deserve.

And so, along with the Hugheses and the Snyders and the Munsons and the Ryans and the Montgomerys and the Colemans and everyone else… I wish you the happiest holiday season ever. May 2007 bring peace and joy to us all.

Jean Passanante

Head Writer, AS THE WORLD TURNS

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And the GL one:

Dear Guiding Light Fans,

As I write to you this holiday season 2006, we are just over a month away from celebrating an incredible milestone in Guiding Light history. On January 25, 2007, Guiding Light, the longest running show in broadcast history, will officially be 70 years old. We believe it's an anniversary to be cherished not only by those of us who work on the show, but by you, our loyal and passionate audience.

With the anniversary approaching, we spent a lot of time researching the great and fascinating history of GL. One question kept popping into my head: What is it about Guiding Light that has helped it survive and thrive for so long? The cast, writers and producers have changed many times. Even the show's setting bounced from town to town. Then why, when so many other shows failed, did Guiding Light endure?

For the answer, we went back to the beginning, to 1937, when the legendary Irna Phillips created The Guiding Light for radio. Irna, writing from her own experiences, set out to make a show about community and hope, about the brotherhood of man. And through all these years, underneath all the complications, the infidelities and the betrayals we've come to expect from a soap opera, Irna's message is still the backbone of the show.

We've decided to celebrate our 70th Year by honoring that message both on the air and off. Throughout 2007, Guiding Light will team with Hands On Network as part of the “Find Your Light” campaign, in which our cast and crew will give back to communities all over the country. Our first stop will be the Gulf Coast where the entire GL cast will rebuild homes devastated by Hurricane Katrina. On screen, we'll kick off the year with a Wednesday episode that shows how the people of Springfield can make their lives better with simple acts of kindness. We encourage all of you to get involved in your own communities and to join us as we “share our light” with others.

Not all will be rosy in Springfield in 2007, of course. Alan's battle for Lizzie and Jonathan's baby will intensify with Tammy, Reva, Josh and Cassie caught in the crossfire. Jonathan and Tammy fight to be together - and could a happy ending be in the cards? Josh attempts to make a life with Cassie, but will Reva ever be out of his heart? Harley and Gus's marriage will be tested by the return of her teenage daughter, who's a bit more complicated than the last time we saw her. A reminder of Dinah's past will arrive in Springfield to pose a threat to Mallet -- and to Vanessa and Matt. Coop will struggle to hold onto Ava even as Alan Michael becomes even more Spaulding-like in an attempt to win her. And meanwhile, the tortured connection between Ava's parents, Olivia and Jeffrey, makes life difficult for Buzz.

So that's January.…

I take very seriously the responsibility of writing for a show with the proud history of Guiding Light. GL is still a show about family, about love, about community. You are a part of that family, that community, part of Irna Phillips's “brotherhood of man.” I, along with the rest of my writing team, will continue to deliver you a show with heart and joy and a whole lot of surprises. Thank you for your continued support and dedication. We appreciate it dearly and never take it for granted.

Check out our new website launching 1-3-07 www.findyourlight.net.

Don’t miss the very special January 3 “Find Your Light” episode. Click here http://video.aol.com/video-category/p-and-...ssic-soaps/1744 to see some behind-the-scenes footage from this episode. Tune in January 25 and we'll take you back to the beginning in 1937 when the show went on the air and take you on a journey that brings us back to 2007.

Enjoy your holidays and have a very happy New Year. See you in 2007.

David Kreizman,

Headwriter, GL

Edited December 23, 200619 yr by jfung79

Really great letter by David K.

Um...so Passanante's letter basically fawns over her babies, with no mention of Nancy, Lisa, Bob, Kim, or the anniversary at all. No words about how proud she is of the show (she shouldn't be, but she would) or anything at all. Just throwing out her expansions for the ever-expanded storylines that have been dragging on for the whole entire year. Passanante, [!@#$%^&*] you.

Kriezman's letter is much, much better. I love that he's researched the history of the show. All headwriters should be required to read synopses of each year of their show and should be required to view as many pivotal episodes as possible. It's the only way.

And I'm interested to see what the January 25 episode will be about. I might even tape it.

Interestingly, the 25th is a Thursday, so it won't be some sort of weird "Inside the Light" episode either...I'll definitely be turning in for that!

But a primetime special is more appropriate...

Kreizman's letter was an insult to everyone who actually watches the show. The hack and his boss have done the opposite of everything in this letter. :angry:

OMG, Jean P. is wearing blinders when it comes to what ATWT fans want. My loyalty and affection is dwendling Jean! And she has been HW for too long(2years). You must go!

And I dont see the loyal fans staying. They are leaving in droves! &(&(^%*&%&$&^%*^

Paul will receive a gift he doesn't want or understand, and Craig will continue to knock on Meg's door, hoping for an opening… Watch for a surprising new alliance for Dusty… and stay tuned as Emily emerges from her catastrophic year, only to make a shocking choice....

SNOOOOOOOOOOOOZE!!!

Pissy: 98% of us are SICK AND TIRED of your pets spamming up the show!

Will and Gwen battled their families' objections and got married. Then Adam returned, taking Gwen in a new direction that gives Will pause… In 2007 we will see a collision of events involving Will, Gwen, Maddie, Casey, Adam, Jade, Luke, Margo and Tom -- with explosive results. And, while Gwen's music career begins to take off, her portrayer, Jennifer Landon, is rocking off-screen. Jen's new single, SLIDE, is available for download as a ring-tone for your phone at

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We owe our longevity to you, our fans, and we promise to keep delivering all the romance, intrigue, surprises, humor, and drama you deserve.

She didn't deliver any of that in the last 6 months.

I'm pissed. No mention of Lisa, Bob, Kim, Nancy or Barbara!!!!!!!!!!!!

Both JP and DK are soo blinded by their own egotism, that I don't think they even realize they're giving us the total opposite of what they're promising. They just need to go ASAP. Right now, it's become a chore to watch both ATWT and GL, and I'm sick of it.

Kreizman's letter was an insult to everyone who actually watches the show. The hack and his boss have done the opposite of everything in this letter. :angry:

I think GL is trying. They do have families still being at the forefront (Spauldings, Coopers, Lewises). They also have the Main Street set, which does add a feeling of community. Also the town all taking shifts at Reva's bedside in November was that kind of community spirit that Kreizman is talking about. Also they brought back Matt and Vanessa, and they put Billy back on contract. Also there have been mentions of history like Lillian's confrontation with Alan the other day mentioning how she and Beth had been abused by a lot of men over the years and it was time for her to take a stand.

To me, Kreizman at least knows what he should be doing, but just doesn't quite achieve it. Passanante seems to think her pet characters are what ATWT is all about -- as others pointed out, no mention of most of the vets at all!

Edited December 23, 200619 yr by jfung79

She didn't deliver any of that in the last 6 months.

I'm pissed. No mention of Lisa, Bob, Kim, Nancy or Barbara!!!!!!!!!!!!

I second that! She has no clue!

DK pisses me off so much, because he could be sooo good as HW (like I thought he was from September 2004 - Spring 2005), but for some reason, he chooses not to, like he's slacking off or something.

I think GL is trying. They do have families still being at the forefront (Spauldings, Coopers, Lewises). They also have the Main Street set, which does add a feeling of community. Also the town all taking shifts at Reva's bedside in November was that kind of community spirit that Kreizman is talking about. Also they brought back Matt and Vanessa, and they put Billy back on contract. Also there have been mentions of history like Lillian's confrontation with Alan the other day mentioning how she and Beth had been abused by a lot of men over the years and it was time for her to take a stand.

To me, Kreizman at least knows what he should be doing, but just doesn't quite achieve it. Passanante seems to think her pet characters are what ATWT is all about -- as others pointed out, no mention of the vets at all!

Kreizman loves the Coopers so they will be front and center. He has turned the Spauldings into cartoon villans and psychopaths while his saintly Coopers can do no wrong. The Bauers have been on the show for fifty years and we barely see Rick or get a mention of them. Vanessa and matt are rarely on and the fan outcry after Jordan Clarke won the emmy is the only reason he is on contract. Kreizman has destroyed every single character and the history of the show to fit his crappy storylines. Dk is the one responsible for that horrible comic book tie in.

Kreizman is an idiot that should have never been promoted to headwriter and I hope he gets the boot soon. :angry:

I take very seriously the responsibility of writing for a show with the proud history of Guiding Light. GL is still a show about family, about love, about community. You are a part of that family, that community, part of Irna Phillips's “brotherhood of man.” I, along with the rest of my writing team, will continue to deliver you a show with heart and joy and a whole lot of surprises. Thank you for your continued support and dedication. We appreciate it dearly and never take it for granted.

LMFAO! That's the best fiction that man has ever written!

They do have families still being at the forefront (Spauldings, Coopers, Lewises).

But the only thing wrong with this statement my dear friend is that the Bauer family is not listed and they are the first family of Springfield!