Saturday, February 24, 2018

Let's make nicey-nice!

From my days working at an art house cinema some years back---

-three women, much misdirected anger and upset. I don't know exactly what the reason is behind one woman crying at the box office, another woman raising her arm and clawing her fingers up toward the ceiling in a weird mafioso-like gesture, and, yet, another woman fixing her green eyes on me and, through clenched teeth, demanding that I tell her what films are sold out. Well, I partly know. These are people who expect to be spoon-fed their information without having to participate in the conversation as equal partners. What they are hoping for is that I do both my work and theirs, too.

The New York Jewish Film Festival brings out a lot of complicated emotions in people. Given the history of many of the films' attendees, I can understand why. Really, I can. But, please, it's not fair for any of these customers to dump on me or my co-workers because they are feeling put out, misunderstood, or not quickly enough served. We're all here now in the 21st century trying to get along.

Here's a small list of questions that I really don't have any precise answers to, but get asked repeatedly: When did this film sell out? How many people will be in the stand-by line for tickets? How many tickets will be released to sell to the public right before the start of (insert name of sold-out show here)?

If we're all such trying people to talk to at the box office, then I suggest one call: 212-875-5600, then press 1, in order to hear a recorded voice name the list of sold-out shows. And, if one is able to handle a nice communication with cinema staff, then, please, provide the following information when ringing up: day, time, and name of the performance in question. To ask, "what shows are sold out?" just doesn't really help me help you. Come prepared, and we will, too.

8 comments:

  1. I do not like dealing with the public either!

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    1. For me, film festival goers tended to be the most trying.

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  2. Ah, the olden days. Well, modern for current personnel.

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  3. Dear Bea, I've never served the public in any capacity--waitress, clerk, etc. Always I've been behind a desk. So I've really never thought about the fortitude it takes to deal with the same question over and over and to deal with questions that sometimes have no clear answer.

    Too bad you don't have a tea brewer there so you can sip tea while considering how best to respond! Peace.

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    Replies
    1. I think you hit the nail on the head. Every question does not have a fitting answer.

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  4. Ah yes, dealing with the public. I so do not miss working retail. People can be such idiots sometimes.

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    Replies
    1. Idiots are a drag. Many of these film-goers seemed very anxious. I did understand the urgency or need these people had, but learning to accept the answer given needed to happen.

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