We often complain about the problems caused by others who lack knowledge or proper training in the basics of projection and good film handling. We know that the wealth of information and "war stories" on Film-Tech would help them improve their skills and recognize their mistakes. We know that the Film-Tech manuals and tips are a valuable resource now available to every projectionist with an INTERNET connection. Yet we know that for every participant on Film-Tech, there are dozens of others who are often "in the dark" and on their own to find the needed information and training to do a good job.

Let's spread the word about Film-Tech! Get your coworkers to log-on and sample the information and friendship that lies here.

Another idea would be to print out your favorite page(s) from Film-Tech, and put them in every shipping case leaving your theatre, with the http://www.film-tech.com URL prominently displayed. If you ship five prints a week, that's about ten film cases, and ten more people that will be introduced to "Film-Tech" in other theatres and at the film exchanges.

(Don't do this, you'll get Brad in trouble.)

Brad needs a 35mm "This print protected by film-guard" snipe, and free 35mm slides telling about film-guard, to be used as filler slides. Or, how about, "Film-guard / Film-tech, the one-sheet"

What I'd like to know is how many lurkers there are out there. It's got to be at least double the amount of registered members (and at last count I believe we have 911 members). Hopefully Film-Tech is doing them some good. Even though registration can seem painfully slow since it is not instantaneous, I would still encourage people to register and especially participate. There are a ton of registered members who have never posted. Maybe they don't think they have much to say or aren't "social butterflies", but participation really does help. Sure, some members like Ian will snap your head off if you ask a question that was already covered 2 years ago. But others realize that not everyone has been reading since the beginning and sometimes it is good to have new discussions about old topics.

A fantastic idea to include the web site in the film cans. How about a notice to this effect:

 |  IP: Logged

Keep it simple!

My suggestion of printing out copies of your favorite page(s) from Film-Tech and putting them in shipping cases can be done NOW, without adding any financial burden to Film-Tech itself. Seeing some actual discussions or pages from the "Tips" section is probably the best way to interest other theatre people in joining in. Just be sure the URL is on each page: http://www.film-tech.com

Visit www.film-tech.com to see the famous Bob Maar's Jokes!!!

That should get people in....

 |  IP: Logged

 |  IP: Logged

Actually, I'm amazed at how often I bring Film-Tech up in conversations with other folks in the biz. Not just stuff related to film handling but also stuff related to normal cinema operations.

Being a Film-Tech participant not only allows me to get specific questions answered by experts, it's also a great way to get tips on how to do things better and a great way to initiate thought and discussion about issues that effect us all daily. Even though I also read all the industry trade journals I can't live without Film-Tech. It lets me always feel like I'm in touch with people in all aspects of the exhibition world and I feel like I'm able to stay on top of issues as they arise.

Hmmm...I gotta tell you Brad, I sure do like the idea of those T-shirts...