How Hollywood can beat the recession

For three weeks straight, movie ticket sales have fallen, compared to a year ago. Both USA Today and the Los Angeles Times have stories today, indicating that the recession is finally catching up with Hollywood.

That shouldn't be a surprise. We are, after all, still in the midst of a recession. Unemployment is high, credit is tight -- well, you know the drill. What surprises me is that the theater industry is doing so well. The box office has still raked in 6% more than it did last year.

But I don't think it's going to last. Now, I'm not a box office analyst or a theater owner -- just a fairly avid movie-goer, mostly lately of family films, since I have two young daughters (5 and 7). So knowing that, take these thoughts for what they are.

But if movie theater owners would like to make more money instead of less, here's what I think they should do. It's quite easy -- just two little things.