For a moment, step outside the box -- as in, the Redbox movie rental kiosk.

You’ve probably seen one. The cute red machines often sit outside supermarkets and drugstores, boasting affordable rentals with the convenience of self-service.

We might be in for a surge in Redbox activity. It’s Oscar season, which often makes pop culture fans rush to see the nominated films. Some of those films are available to rent from Redbox machines.

While your local Redbox kiosk certainly isn’t the only place to rent a film, it raises etiquette concerns that don’t come with other rental methods.

So many concerns, in fact, that I’m devoting an entire column to the topic.

When it comes to Redbox rage, the biggest culprit is indecision.

At big movie rental stores, there’s no harm in aimlessly browsing the aisles for The Perfect Rental. Your indecision has no bearing on your fellow customers’ rental experience.

That’s not the case at the Redbox machine. There’s nothing worse than being stuck behind someone who approaches the kiosk with this line: “Hmm...what do I want?”

OK, there is something worse -- being stuck behind an entire family basking in the perils of Redbox indecision. A scenario that’s almost as annoying? Standing behind someone who realizes the kiosk doesn’t carry his desired movie, yet keeps scrolling through the selections, hoping it will magically appear.

This is an easily avoidable problem. With the mere click of a computer mouse -- redbox.com -- you can peruse the available movies and video games, even down to specific Redbox locations.

Even the best-laid Redbox plans occasionally encounter glitches. You might unexpectedly fall victim to paralyzing indecision. Ideally, this should happen when there isn’t a line of renters waiting to use the machine.

But if severe indecision strikes amid a long line, it’s best to turn to the person behind you and say, “I’m having a tough time deciding. Do you know what you want?” If the answer is “yes,” step aside and let that person use the machine.

Do the same thing if you’re plagued by indecision when the person behind you merely wants to return an item.

Got it? Good. With luck, this simple primer will ensure your next Redbox trip plays out like a fantasy film, rather than a horror movie.

Sonya Sorich, reporter, can be reached at ssorich@ledger-enquirer.com or 706-571-8516. Visit ledger-enquirer.com/blogs to read her Walk of Shame dating blog.