It doesn't matter how the speaker is oriented--right-side up, on its back, laying on its side--just slide off the paper strip slowly in the direction of the arrow. I can't find a way to explain it any better.
The woofer doesn't require this precaution.
Tell you what, I'll post a short video of how to remove the paper strip when I get my upgrade kits (assuming Ascend doesn't eventually add one due to popular request).
My kits were pre-ordered only a few hours after Dave posted the pre-order link, so I should be in the first shipment.