Just like every other daytime writer before him, “Days of our Lives” head writer Ron Carlivati faces numerous bouts of criticism (and sometimes praise) on a daily basis over the show’s storylines, particularly the current possession arc which is far from over. In response, Carlivati recently tweeted a query directed at socially savvy upset fans of the soap, telling them to “tell me your job so I can tweet at you how you’re doing it wrong.”
Carlivati is referring to the daily tweets he receives from fans of the drama series who verbalize their displeasure over the way characters are written, where storylines are headed, and what they think they could do better, among other criticisms. His tweet has since garnered nearly 400 responses and has been retweeted over 100 times and liked by more than 1,100 accounts.
Some of the responses included comments from those in the soap industry, including “General Hospital” alum William deVry (ex-Julian Jerome), former “DAYS” co-executive producer Greg Meng, composer and music supervisor RC Cates (“The Young and the Restless”), actor Greg Rikaart (Leo Starks, “DAYS”; Kevin Fisher, “Y&R”), and countless others.
“Well… .I study lines, make choices, intentions, work on technique & perfecting choices that I think best reflects the character in that scenario. I fail 9 out of 10 times,” read deVry’s tweeted response.
“They couldn’t give me “all the tea in China” to do your job! It’s the chocolate factory… speed ‘em up! The clock keeps ticking… while you live and breathe it 365 days a year! I’m worn out just stating this… and I’m in awe,” said Meng.
“I usually have 12 tones to choose from. I’m expected to put them in an order that is pleasing to others,” noted Cates.
“Haha!” said Rikaart who included the “skull and crossbones” emoji, referencing the metaphorical expression, “I’m dead.”
One fan responded to Carlivati’s tweet, saying, “Excellent point well made. I’m a paralegal and I get told by clients I’m doing my job wrong all the damn time. It’s classless, demeaning, and usually stems from a lack of understanding. Just give people the space and the grace to do what they were trained to do.”
Another said, “DAYS popularity has always been because it was the campy, supercouple, comic booky , action/adventure soap, since I watched as a young boy on the late 80s, the show has never been realistic , that’s part of its appeal, I’ve seen more grounded , realistic soaps.”
Added another, “People are so ridiculous! They have no idea what it takes to try & make a long running show riveting 5 days a week without repeating story lines & with a limited cast of characters! The crazy talent & creative writers have a challenge every day. Just know most of us appreciate.”
Check out more tweets from industry insiders below.