Mixing Etiquette

Producer's perspective: If you're a producer or an artist going into a mix and you would like to get the most out of your mixer, here's a few basic tips that will surely help. (For simplicity, I've used "him" wherever there should be "him or her". I'm definitely not a sexist.)

1.
Don't hover over the mixer. Give him some direction, then leave him alone for a couple of hours.
2. When you come back, let him put his version of the mix down, then work with him on your modifications.
3. Don't say anything like - "Jeeze, that really sucks!" Give him some encouragement, even if it does s....k.
4. Don't smoke (unless the mixer does). Even if he does, you might try to get him to stop because the smoke is bad for the equipment. I once had a Pultec come down with emphysema.
5. Don't chew gum or anything crunchy, eat, floss, or do anything with your mouth that could be causing disgusting noises. Your mixer's ears are very open and sensitive to any sounds during this process - those kinds of noises will drive him nuts!
6. Whatever you do, DON'T WEAR COLOGNE! You're probably in a small, enclosed space (unless you're at Real World or something) so don't asphyxiate your mixer before you get started!
7. Ask your mixer what the maximum amount of time he would like to work each day, and don't exceed it, unless it's something ridiculous - like six hours.
8. Try not to listen too loud for long periods of time, even if the mixer wants to. You'll both get burned out real quick, besides putting both your carrers at great risk