You basically ignore yard signs, right? I mean, you may notice one after the initial plant, but then they all blend inexorably into the landscape until the sign gremlins come by in the dark of post-election night and take them down.
And then, you see one that aims to do a little more, and you get all excited until you actually read it.
Oh, Daryl. I like you, man. You’re a friendly cat who treats everyone with respect and even whimsy at the gas station you run.
I called your opposition and asked them if they were against more jobs and for more crime. They said, surprisingly, “Why, no. We’re for more jobs and against crime, too.”
In fact, when was the last time you met a politician who wasn’t about creating jobs and controlling crime?
You threw another line on the sign, my good man. I applaud you for taking a chance to say something.
You just didn’t say anything.
Those words blended inexorably into the political landscape a hundred years ago.
Sadly? Superficially? Even sprinkled with a little cheese? You know what could have helped you?
A line that simply said:
I’ll do right by you.
No italics. No unnecessary quotes. Just that line.
When presented a choice with no real preference, we gravitate toward things familiar. By subconsciously introducing the mental image of the fine, upstanding Dudley Do Right into their mind, you give yourself an edge when voters don’t know any of you and they just feel obligated to pick someone.
But you wouldn’t want to connect the dots for people with italics or those darned quotation marks. Don’t wink at your own cleverness.
That’s just one unsolicited idea, Mr. Dudley. If you win, you’re going to get lots of them.
I’m excited you added another line. I’m going to vote for you. I just wish you would have done it right.
UPDATE: Here’s another alternative.
Terrific post! What a great way to expose empty copy: hold it up to the mirror and say it in the reverse. If it makes no sense, leave it out. OR, find a better way to say something with real meat. Thanks Tim!