november eighteenth, two thousand nine

Things to remember while making work.

Number eight: Common courtesy is even more important in a group setting

I very much appreciate both Nick and Mischa mentioning the issue of punctuality to the group. I've been experiencing some frustration with the way things are going and its my hope that we can use this as an opportunity to improve the situation - to everyone's satisfaction, not just my own.

In my humble opinion, the classroom should be like the rehearsal room. People should be ready to go at the call time - not walking in the door a couple minutes after and then spending another five minutes getting their belongings in order.

Its worth noting that it happens to everyone, including Nick and Mischa - and myself. A policy which draws a hard line at the start time of the session may not really be practical but some kind of late seating system to absorb some of the grief could be very useful. A few thoughts to that end:

We could leave a few empty chairs by the door, so latecomers can sort of sneak in the back.

We could ask latecomers to prepare themselves outside the room (taking off coats, getting out notebooks, et cetera) so that when they walk in the disturbance doesn't last as long.

We could arrange a late-seating time as they do in the theatre. Say, for example, all late comers have to wait until 15 minutes past the hour so they all come in at once, rather than trickling in one by one.

People who are going to be late could text a few people so that we have some clearer expectations about who to expect and make room for.

Those are just a few off the top of my head. If people have other thoughts, lets get them on the table and talk about them.

There are some who will argue that the only person affected by one individual's lateness is that one individual. I think that's absolutely untrue. Watch the room the next time someone is late - most people turn their head. It affects my ability to focus and follow the speaker's train of thought. But then again, I do have a small brain.

OH - AND LASTLY - When you're late, don't open the door slowly (especially room Y) it just makes the squeak louder and longer. Open the door quickly - for everyone's sake!