Just wanted to say thanks to all who are removing street spam. I went around my neighborhood (Platt Park) on Sunday and removed a whole bunch of hand-lettered yellow "Home For Sale" signs ("Free recorded message! Zero down payment!") that had sprung up around the school, parks and empty lots. Then I got online to look for the city number to file a complaint and found this forum.
I had no idea there was an active group dedicated to getting rid of these things. That's great! Keep up the good work.
Just a question: What is the value of "sharking" vs. simply removing the whole sign? A couple of the signs I tossed had been sharked, but it seems like it would've been simpler (and more aesthetic) to just toss the whole sign in a nearby dumpster.
Oh, and one more question: Is it even worthwhile to call the city and complain?
#1. "RE: Happy to know I'm not alone" In response to Reply # 0
Personally, I feel that leaving the sign with parts missing (sharking) is just like not picking up litter. It's still litter. Signs being completely removed sends the exact same message: "Your signs are not wanted here!"
.
Oh, there's a hint of cool in the air, and Winter is coming! I've got to gather more firewood... And Sign stakes make great fire starters!
#2. "RE: Happy to know I'm not alone" In response to Reply # 1
>Personally, I feel that leaving the sign with parts missing >(sharking) is just like not picking up litter. It's still >litter. Signs being completely removed sends the exact same >message: "Your signs are not wanted here!"
#3. "RE: Happy to know I'm not alone" In response to Reply # 0
Hi, and welcome aboard!
Yes, do call the city to complain. CE in many cities operates by complaint. If you complain, you are informing them of a problem area, giving them data to help get increased funding, and asking them to do the job citizens pay them to do. Mose CE's are friendly and appreciate your concern.
As for sharking vs removing: some reasons to remove:
- spammers think CE removed the illegal signs, - it leaves no litter behind
Some reasons to shark:
- spammers realize that ordinary citizens will not tolerate their illegal signs, - other citizens will realize that they, too, can help remove signs, - CE is not relieved from doing their job by having citizens remove all the signs for free.
#4. "RE: Happy to know I'm not alone" In response to Reply # 3
Thanks! I'll call tomorrow.
And Tomato Stake, what a great idea! I did save most of the metal supports from the signs because I need to put up a "for rent" sign (how's that for irony?). But I can use the extras for my vegetable garden.
