First of all, if you are going to show up on the line, let me thank you! You aren't just showing your support for Xena Writers, you are showing your support for Writers everywhere and for the Creative Community in general; Actors, Directors, Writers and everyone on and off the set who works to bring your TV shows and movies to you.
Now, as you know, we are going to have a large turnout of "celebrities"; actors, writers, directors and producers of Xena as well as others from other TV series and film who are there to support us. I know that many of you are anxious to see those people, but as with thing like this, there are some rules we all have to understand and abide by so that it doesn't get out of hand and we lose sight of why we're there.
Unfortunately, I drew the short straw, so I get to be the one to tell you about them.
1. There may be a sign-in book. Please, if you can, sign in and leave a little note. If you don't find the book, come looking for me (Steven L. Sears) and I'll most likely have it with me. If you don't know who I am, ask anyone for the man under the hat. They will know who that is. There will be picket signs. We'd love you to carry one. Not mandatory.
2. No sword-fighting with the above mentioned picket signs. Nor will there be any re-enactments of Gabby's learning curve with the staff from " Hooves and Harlots."
3. Please PLEASE respect our celebrities. They will be friendly and chatty, of course. And you are certainly welcome to take photos as they march, but don't put them in an uncomfortable position by asking for a posed photo with them.
4. The same with autographs. Please remember why we are here. It puts our celebrities in an uncomfortable position to be signing autographs, please don't ask them.
5. Please go back and reread #3 and #4.
6. There is no number six.
7. We will be marching along a sidewalk, but please do NOT impede anyone's right of way. We are a polite group and we want to be considerate of others. If people are entering the facility, allow them to pass. Don't jeer them, say anything negative or give them the Xena pinch. We actually have a lot of supporters on the inside of NBC who still have to work. Let's not spoil that goodwill.
8. There will be NBC security. They are doing their job, they aren't the minions of Dahak, so don't hassle them. If they ask you to move from an area that is near to the building, just smile and move. They haven't been unreasonable, but they do have to do their jobs as well. Most of the time, we march on the sidewalk, but stay away from the seating area directly up against their wall (you'll see it when you're there).
10. Even though we are supported by the majority of the public and industry, there are a few people who are very unhappy and angry at the WGA for striking. More than likely, one or more people will yell something negative or insulting from their car as they pass by. Just ignore them or wave and smile. They mean nothing, don't dignify them. Most of them do not understand the power of a Xenaverse unleashed, so have pity on them and refrain from going "Horde" on their ass.
10. There will be many veteran Writers there who will be happy to help you out with any questions regarding the picketing. And take the opportunity to talk to everyone. You never know who you might be walking next to.
11. Spontaneous Xena yells are sure to break out. Go for it.
12. Finally, though we are involved in a very important struggle for the Greater Good, we want you to have fun and enjoy yourselves (yeah, even with all the rules!).
Print these rules out, if you need to. And if you see anyone who might be crossing the line on the rules, please explain to them why those rules are there.
Let's have a great time and let our voices be heard!