Signs are useful. They guide us and inform us, but sometimes, strange signs also leave us scratching our heads in bewilderment.
There's a Facebook group called Rare and Unusual and Funny Signs, and it knows no bounds. Literally, "Please post any funny signs you see. No rules," the people running this online community write in its 'About' section. "If [you are] offended by a sign, just scroll past. Don't be a sniveler and complain because [we] will kick you off the group and name and shame you."
With 5,000 members, the Rare and Unusual and Funny Signs Facebook group isn't the biggest in its class, but these folks still regularly deliver the goods. From questionable designs to mind-boggling spelling mistakes, clever wordplay, and simply funny signs, here are some of their most popular posts.
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How to Make a Truly Good Sign
Chances are that after looking at this selection from the Rare and Unusual and Funny Signs group, you might be wondering whether there are any truly good, clear signs around. Well, there are, and we found some expert advice on how to create neither weird nor unusual signs that deliver a clear message.
Experts at Signs & Lines, a company that has been making great signs for over 35 years, think good sign needs to be aware of these four critical things:
- Audience – a sharp focus on key users;
- Message – design, brand, location, and visibility;
- Environment – the sign's location and nearby architectural features;
- Function – durability, information, static or interactive.
I once met a guy who seriously, genuinely believed that picking up poop after your dog is a sign of "subservience" and that makes you an "omega male", that it shows lack of self-respect. He seemed sane before he started talking.
That attitude makes me worry how he treats his dog.
Load More Replies...I'm not particularly fond of dogs so take that with a grain of salt, but I do believe there should be strict standards for dog ownership, both for the sake of the animal and society in general.
Load More Replies...My dog had diarrhea once while on a walk and dammit I still tried to pick up whatever I could even if it was a mostly wasted effort. You own the dog, you own the poop; take your property home!
It makes me laugh when I go there lol, that's how I remember it
Load More Replies...My neighbors have a dog that they let run completely free. She poops in my yard, and aggressively keeps me off my back deck. She hasn't bitten anyone that I know of, but they don't give a damn. If I were capable of caring for a dog, and cleaning up after it, I would have one of my own. It's all I can do to keep the litter boxes clean.
Upvoted you but isn't it 'the neighbor fit, and the neighborhood clean'?
Load More Replies...I don't pick up my dogs poop. Although I don't live in a city where I need to take him walking. there is plenty room in my backyard he likes to play in.
"Irrespective of the sign type the key premise of a sign is to convey a message," people at Signs & Lines explained.
"Usually this is a relatively short, sharp communication. The number one task of any sign is to get a message across as quickly and effectively as possible."
Hang them outside your house if you want to annnoy the heck out of your neighbours!
Business owners should remember that their signs are kind of a big deal and it is better to stay away from strange funny signs. "Whether static or digital signage, your customers, users, guests, staff, students, and visitors need you to have good signage ... [because] it's the first visual connection with your company," the Signs & Lines team said.
Good signs will:
- help them find your business;
- assist in their navigation of your organization;
- convince them that you are professional;
- assure them that they are in the right place.
"Transitioning from good to great signage involves many different aspects of design including logo, creative, positioning, colors, and manufacturing ability," Signs & Lines added.
Once designed in detail, a typical sign may undergo a number of steps to achieve a high-quality result. These include:
- routering of materials to create precision shapes;
- fabrication of metals to form rigid structures and frameworks;
- spray painting of sign elements to automotive standards;
- graphics imagery to bring the messaging to life;
- illumination by LED or neon for 24/7 visibility;
- assembly of all components;
- installation on-site at height or in the ground.
Or, in other words, there are plenty of areas where they can fall short! Luckily for us, sometimes bad signs make for a good laugh, and there are plenty more rare and unusual and funny signs to laugh at on this list.
I need this sign! BADLY! We have a public walking trail just before our private driveway starts. Guaranteed from the 200+ daily walkers we'll get 2 who can't follow directions OR read the 7 no trespassing signs between the trail and our house. Last week a couple walked by and after giving them the "you're lost, didn't you see the no trespassing signs?" speech, the guy ACTUALLY said to me "How do I know this really is your land? YOU COULD HAVE JUST BOUGHT THESE SIGNS AT A STORE and put them up!". Wait! What?
I'll bring the spike pads and the crackers, is anyone here willing to bring cheese?
It is merely a 'do you feel lucky today?' - sign. If a cow falls on you, what would you do?
If Voice box is f****d from yelling "ding dong" ...just slam head against the door
How nice of them to provide a location for cannibals to enjoy their meal
Note: this post originally had 80 images. It’s been shortened to the top 51 images based on user votes.
"Transitioning from good to great signage involves many different aspects of design including logo, creative, positioning, colors, and manufacturing ability," Signs & Lines added. **minor note, 'creativity' vice 'creative'. -Proofreader Geek**
"Transitioning from good to great signage involves many different aspects of design including logo, creative, positioning, colors, and manufacturing ability," Signs & Lines added. **minor note, 'creativity' vice 'creative'. -Proofreader Geek**