In case you haven't seen it yet, it's 100 Things Restaurant Staffers Should Never Do, Part 1 and Part 2, over at the New York Times' business blog. Part 1 has 1,158 comments and counting.

As a slow eater, these are favorites of mine:

17. Do not take an empty plate from one guest while others are still eating the same course. Wait, wait, wait.

75. Do not ask if someone is finished when others are still eating that course.

These are especially well-put:

11. Do not hustle the lobsters. That is, do not say, “We only have two lobsters left.” Even if there are only two lobsters left.

21. Never serve anything that looks creepy or runny or wrong.

Some of it is a bit much—saying "No problem" really isn't a problem here except at the toniest places, and "Never mention what your favorite dessert is. It’s irrelevant" is just wrong (it is quite relevant if someone is torn).

But these, yes please!

56. Do not ignore a table because it is not your table. Stop, look, listen, lend a hand. (Whether tips are pooled or not.)

58. Do not bring judgment with the ketchup. Or mustard. Or hot sauce. Or whatever condiment is requested.

And this:

77. Do not disappear.