Summary: <br> Pip and Tee host <a href="https://michaelaventrella.com">Michael Ventrella</a> to talk about publishing, writing, and the 1st Amendment.<br> <br> <br> <br> The Shared Desk has tried to remain politics free, but then politics collided with writing and publishing.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> * 8:46 : Michael has been involved in the Tales from the Archives, but he is currently a practicing defense lawyer, and has taught the Constition. He is the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Argue-Constitution-Conservative-Michael-Ventrella/dp/1515423972">How to Argue the Constitution with a Conservative.</a>* Tee has some background with the 1st Amendment…. Pip has of course none.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Well, one of us isn’t…<br> <br> <br> <br> * 05:55 : So of course, Pip reads the 1st Amendment…* Michael points out why the 1st is so short and succinct.* 08:22 : Tee brings up, <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/books/2021/01/07/sen-josh-hawley-book-dropped-simon-schuster-following-riot/6589448002/">why we are discussing this on the Shared Desk</a>. A fresh senator got his book contract cancelled, and tries to use the 1st Amendment as a shield.* Michael points out, that there are plenty of dumb lawyers out there.* Many lawyers read the Constitution to be what they want it to say.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> * 11:03 : We touch on the other hot button 1st Amendment, people being blocked off social media.* Pip (the foreigner) points out the very first word.* Michael says a smaller publisher will probably pick his book up. (Addendum: He was right… <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/18/politics/josh-hawley-book-regnery-simon--schuster/index.html">Apparently the senator has found a new publisher</a>.)* 14:33 : Isn’t it more about that sweet advance?* That’s part of it, but also playing to the base with an eye on a presidential run.* 15:21 : Pip wonders about ‘morality clauses’.* 16:12 : On the left side of the aisle, writers have run into those too.* Writers have to be aware of them, and understand that they also can’t claim oppression. Most contracts have provision these days to protect the image of the corporation.* 18:02 : Social media rights as far as the 1st Amendment.* Michael points out if you want to talk about regular conservative talking points you can.* What you cannot talk about is violence and racism. * All social media platforms have Terms of Service… even if people click through them without reading. They are there.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> * Michael points out the peaceably portion of the 1st Amendment.* 22:47 : Tee posits a question to Michael* Michael says not with the 1st, but contractually there are more grey areas depending on the situation.* 24:27 : Michael brings up how some authors make claims of being censored.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> * The government censors, but everything else is editing.* No Shirts. No Shoes. No Service. But it has to be applied in a non discriminatory fashion.* Shout out to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpa-Zb0ZcQjTCPP1Dx_1M8Q">the Legal Eagle</a><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> * 34:58 : Tee, Pip and Michael discuss WandaVision on Disney+ NO SPOILERS!* Plenty of throwbacks to Bewitched and I Love Jennie, Pip enjoyed it* Michael enjoyed the first ten minutes, and then wanted a bit more to happen.* There were a lot of deep cuts for those deep into Marvel history. * Tee brings up the excellent HBO Max show Snowpiercer* More clues are revealed in the second episode.* Pip enjoyed how they used vintage feel to full advantage- including consulting Dick Van Dyke! <br> <br> <br> <br> Find <a href="https://michaelaventrella.com">Michael A Ventrella here</a>, and pickup his book <a href="https://www."></a>
