When I went out leafleting last weekend, I saw three kinds of outdoor advertising: good, bad, and creepy.
When it comes to elections and Hallowe’en, it pays to advertise. Hence, many lawns were decorated with pumpkins, skeletons, tombstones and political yard signs.
As to the election, “my” side, opposing selling New Providence’s largest park to Union County for $1, got the yard signs and the votes out early. Somehow a “vote yes” sign appeared next to my “no county park” sign the day after the elections. I suppose that was from someone sore that New Providence rejected the sale 2:1.
As to Hallowe’en, our house failed to advertise this year. Advertising is very important. Even though trick or treat day fell on a Sunday, only two children showed up to claim their treats. This was not entirely bad; we got to eat all the chocolate ourselves.
The creepy advertisement was the house with the newspapers in the driveway, three FedEx stickers on the door and the door hanger from the week before on the knob.
If the owners had merely moved away, they must have been so sinister and unfriendly they couldn’t convince anyone to take care of their entrance. As it was, the entire front of their house was an invitation to burglars to swoop in off the highway, break a window and help themselves.
On the other hand, maybe the owners were dead and mouldering inside. That would have been appropriate for Hallowe’en.
I decided not to leave my bright green brochure at the door to further advertise the vacancy within. In fact, I picked up the newspapers in the driveway, too. But, come on, neighbor. If you advertise the fact that your house is ripe for a break-in, you put mine at risk, too.
Hallowe’en advertising, great. Political advertising, great, even if you don’t agree with me. “Nobody home” advertising, reprehensible and creepy.
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