Here’s a point of view to think about. Be a professional. Keep in mind the writers who have spent several hours, weeks, months, or years to put the project together. Think of the talented actors and actresses who are doing their best to make the thoughts on paper come to life. A great deal of time, effort, and money have been expended to set up the show on which you are working and for which you are being paid. It should be given every chance at success. Don’t screw it up by talking and lollygagging while the others are doing their jobs. Be a professional.

If I don’t show you a piece of equipment, I hope I have explained it in the glossary. This book is not the end-all of books; it’s a thrust. I hope you gain enough knowledge to justify the cost. If you learn one thing and use it to improve your skills, others will notice, and it might get you called back. That’s one of the many things I have aimed for.

Here’s my advice about fraternization. Think of yourself as a home owner. You are looking for a great general contractor. You get a name, call the contractor, and conduct an interview by phone. It appears this person may be the one. The general contractor and the crew show up. They build exactly what you want and leave. This goes on for several jobs. The contractor is fantastic and does great work, as does the crew. All this time you have never invited the contractor over for supper. Then you do. Afterward, you sit around the table and swap stories. This happens a few times. You’re still the boss, the contractor is still the employee. Then you hire the contractor again for a big job. Well, the contractor, who is now your buddy, is in high demand. Because you are the contractor’s new best friend, you understand why he is not available for you. When he does show up, he is in a hurry because of his busy schedule. The work is not as good, but you understand, don’t you? What I am implying is something I learned in the military. “Familiarity breeds contempt.” Or to borrow a line from the movie Moonstruck, delivered by the character played by Olympia Dukakis, “You don’t s__ where you eat.” There is an invisible line in all business. Try not to cross it, unless you plan on staying on the other side. That’s OK too.