I'm sure the "My boss told me to change this stupid sign" gave numerous motorists reason to smile. Somehow, a photograph of it made the Internet where most likely, hundreds if not thousands more were able to appreciate the employee's apparent frustration. You have to believe it attracted attention. So much so, that someone took the time to photograph the message board and place it online for even more people to enjoy.
Most likely, a dozen psychologists or mental health counselors could offer a dozen opinions as to why such a message would "strike home" with so many. The obvious? Frustration with the boss, the humor in it all, or maybe just that the message was so different from what most would expect to see sitting in front of a gas station!
Let's be honest. Most outdoor signs with message capability are often pretty mundane. Church signs, while often used simply for announcing events or services, can be the most boring of all.
We boldly quote the King James Version of scripture or speak "churcheze" to the "unchurched" passerby. Some venture so far as to use cute quips and quotes taken from one of the many books written for just such signage. To their credit, some externally focused churches are investing in new, high technology "moving message" signs with almost infinite and very creative communications. Some of these new signs even have full color video stream qualities for maximum impact.
Regardless of the type of message display, the sign is a means to an end. The most effective will be informative, to-the-point, updated regularly, and somewhat creative. If at all possible, the sign should somehow cause the daily commuter to view it, at least occasionally, and say to themselves (and possibly others), "Wow!"
I believe that is how the "My boss told me to change the stupid sign" photo made it to the World Wide Web!
By Robert Klinger, Signs Plus Co-Founder
as published in Church World Direct
