TO JOIN OR NOT TO JOIN

As a member of the Screen Actors Guild, I thought I would get some decent work for some decent pay, but only half of that equation really came true. You can get some decent pay for being a member, but it's pretty tough to get work. And now, with AFTRA getting all the pilots that are in production, SAG isn't left with anything except current productions and movies shot on film.

So the question in my mind is, should I join AFTRA? It's not as much as SAG, but it's still over a grand. That means I'd need to work at least ten times just to pay for the initiation fee. It's a pretty big investment. However, I should be able to figure this out since I have a few friends who just joined AFTRA and I'm using them as my feelers. If they say they get a decent amount of work (say, at least one gig a week), then it's probably worthwhile to join. But if they don't, then I'm not sure what the point would be.

So we'll see. I don't really need to make a decision now since the summer hiatus is coming up and I'd rather join when production season is in full swing.

I DO NOT KNOW

I ran into this site after doing a search for the phrase, "know thyself" which was on the Temple of Apollo at Delphi along with "nothing to excess."

IDoNotKnow.org

THE DEFINITIVE BOOK OF BODY LANGUAGE

You can look this up on Amazon, but it's basically from a former sales guy who learned through experience and science the different meanings behind body language. I read it to get some insight into poker tells, but it really wasn't meant for that.

Anyway, it lists some "power words" that are the most persuasive words in spoken language. They are: discovery, guarantee, love, proven, results, save, easy, health, money, new, safety and you.

Here are the Seven Secrets of Attractive Body Language

Face: Have an animated face and make smiling a part of your regular repertoire. Make sure you flash your teeth.

Gestures: Be expressive but don't overdo it. Keep your fingers closed when you gesture, your hands below chin level, and avoid arm or feet crossing.

Head Movement: Use triple nods when talking and head tilt when listening. Keep your chin up.

Eye Contact: Give the amount of eye contact that makes everyone feel comfortable. Unless looking at others is a cultural no-no, lookers gain more credibility than nonlookers.

Posture: Lean forward when listening, stand straight when speaking.

Territory: Stand as close as you feel comfortable. If the other person moves back, don't step forward again.

Mirror: Subtly mirror the body language of others.