My 3 big beefs are:

Whiteout. I know it could cause SDDS dropout. I know it could cause 2 layers of film to stick together. I know it could flake off in the projector. But imagine this potenial argument: "If you only use it on the edge of the film, it won't cover any soundtrack. Even it it runs down to the SDDS or SRD, if you only use it for an ince, that won't cause dropout. If you make sure it is dry before you continue winding the film, it won't stick. So what if it flakes off in the projector? They get dusty anyway." So how do I deal with those arguments? (I've heard 'em all before and just resorted to "It's company policy.")

Zebra tape in the middle of the reel. Should be easy enough. The zebra tape is only supposed to be to identify reel changes. Why can't I get that in their heads? Why do they continue to use it to repair any kind of damage? (I know many of you don't use zebra tape at all. That has been argued before, and I don't want to get into it here.)

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I never ordered whiteout. It is against company policy, and our supplier doesn't carry it. But it was at my theater when I got here, so I threw it away. I certainly won't buy it.

I mean, if the everyone at your current theater is satisfied with crappy presentation and refuse to change, I'd pack my bags and go somewhere where I had a certain amount of control and could train people to do things my way. Let the other theater root in its own shit and help put it out of business. Then when they come crying to you for a job, say "No, you suck".

I'd start talking to the people in charge of the new place now, and you would probably even get to help with the install, which you mentioned you wanted to do in another thread somewhere.

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I mention this only because these problems really don't sound all that bad, especially compared to some of the poor practices that I've seen. They're all "bad form," of course, but it's possible to apply whiteout or zebra tape in such a way that they aren't visible on screen, at least for flat films. Handling film with bare hands doesn't usually cause problems _if_ the projectionist's hands are clean and touch only the edge of the film. I'm not sure how film could touch the floor and not collect dirt, but maybe it's possible if your booth floor is spotless.

If these problems actually are affecting presentation quality, I think that it might be easier to make a point of getting upset when dirt or zebra tape or whiteout causes problems which are visible on screen or audible in the soundtrack. Rather than saying "don't do this because it's bad and violates company policy," try pointing out the effects of these practices while watching a film and say something about "don't do this because it causes these problems which are visible to the audience." If your employees are causing mid-reel film damage that requires repair, find out why and get them to stop; then, zebra tape won't be a problem.

Tossing the whiteout in the trash was a good idea, though they'll probably get more from the manager's office, where there is probably a legitimate use for it. I'd suggest tossing the zebra tape and getting high-quality clear tape (Neumade or similar), but that may be idealistic in your situation.

Point out the fact that your employees need to keep presentation quality up or else your customers will definitely leave and go to the 20-plex when it opens, and thus they will all lose their jobs.

Like I said, go to that meeting with your GM and state your concerns. I had to deal with this one dumbshit of a GM, believe me he was a winner, he believed the floor was more important than the booth. So the head projectionist and I just sat back, only did our jobs and let shit that the other projectionists created pile up. Unfortunately the GM got transferred to another theater (we later found out he became the booth manager) and the new guy was more booth conciencious (sp?). If your GM still doesn't help you out: GO TO YOUR TECH! (S)he'll most likely straighten your GM out, if not, get the hell out of there!
I agree with everyone else that it would be a good idea to try the 20-plex and leave the dumbasses to screw up everything until it closes, at least it's off of your shoulders then.
I also agree with Andy that if those three things are your only major problems, well you have a good running booth.
And if all else fails just fire them ;-)

Paul

That is exactly what I don't want to do! That is why I am going to have this meeting and see how it goes from there.

I know I posted on this thread early this morning when I got home. What happened to that post!?

I have thought about the 20 plex. But I like regal. And I like working for a large company rather than a nobody company.

Scott, my whole point in creating this thread is to ask for suggestions on creating arguments against the three things I mentioned. I know I cannot just say "because it's against company policy and is bad." You're right, that is the wrong way to go about it.