INCONSIDERATE LINE PATROLLERS

It's a given that event staff work their butts off in the heat, dust, rain, bugs--whatever. A few staff obviously feel that entitles them to a special deal. Staff who walk the spectator line (whether for safety and crowd control, or for other reasons) should be told to be as unobtrusive as possible once action has started.

Keeping on the move is OK. Standing in one spot, blocking the same people's view for 5, even 10, minutes at a time is NOT ok. (Those times are not estimates) Being surly when politely asked to move over is NOT ok. It shouldn't even have to be said. Foul language and starting with the raised middle finger is definitely NOT ok. (There's a lot of women and kids on that line looking at you, buddy. If you're going to play authority figure, you're 'on stage' and have to act the part all the time.)

SEATING FOR PERIOD CIVILIANS Set aside, in advance, a marked off area for those in period dress, especially women in large hats and broad skirts. Don't have them turn up just before the battle and then plop down in front of paying customers who have, for hours, been saving what they thought was a good spot. That also tells us what you think of us.

THE SELF-ABSORBED NEWS MEDIA

The same goes for reporters, but in spades, who treat a battle as if it's a fire or auto accident. Although we who paid are warned against standing up to photograph or videotape, news people, individually or in packs, assume they can do just that--endlessly. In front of the line, they plant themselves, blocking the view of paying customers. And are righteous about it too as they show their backs, not even acknowledging pleas by spectators to move around a bit.

On a big event's LAST day, exactly what is the purpose of having lots of press coverage anyway? At that point, it can't be advertising or promoting anything. Is it to make people who didn't come feel bad for what they've missed?

If that's the case, then why all the negative media coverage, that essentially warns people not to come. On the Gettysburg 135th weekend, that happened in Pittsburgh, PA --a 3 1/2 hour drive away. From talking to people we know that 'fearful' media coverage discouraged lots of people who hadn't bought advanced tickets from bothering to drive out either Saturday or Sunday.

I'm sure I don't have to mention the aggravation of planes or helicopters circling over the battle--at least some of which are 'covering the news' while spoiling the 19th century moment for us on the ground by making it seem like Vietnam.
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