Political Campaign Sign Defaced – Literally

by Jay Thompson on August 10, 2008

I noticed this campaign sign, amongst a sea of others, the other day

Before:

Signface

After:

Signnoface

Looks like someone defaced Mr. Gibides sign… Literally!

This took some time and effort, as the face was cut out almost perfectly.

A disgruntled opponent? Kids? Who knows.

But you know what?

I think the defaced sign is more effective.

Effective Marketing?

Why? Because it stands out amongst the plethora of campaign signs now dotting our landscape. And standing out is what you want to do in any marketing.

Let’s face it, this is marketing. Candidates place these signs for one simple reason — to increase name recognition. They want you to go to the polls and say, “Hmm, that name sounds familiar, guess I’ll vote for them”. Granted, that’s a silly reason to vote for someone, but I assure you that is how many mark their ballot.

Other than politicians, the only other group of people I know of that tend to plaster their faces anywhere they can are real estate agents (well, many agents. With a face like mine, not-so-much).

Agents take heed. Perhaps Mr. Gibides is on to something here . . .

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@iapprovethismsg

The ironic thing about vandalizing yard signs is it has the opposite effect of what you would think a vandal is looking for.

When you see the sign of a candidate you despise, you might feel like stealing, vandalizing, something to the sign but we don't because it's illegal, unethical, and it's counterproductive.

Had this person not cut the head out of this sign, there wouldn't have been this post, discussion, and othe press talking about Gibides for Justice of the Peace.
My recent post Campaign Yard Sign Substrate – Polycoated Cardboard

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Cheryl Hofferth

I know its just vandalism but it made me so sad when I saw that!!! I actually liked seeing Jim Gibides smiling face on my corner and when it was gone... :'(

but yeah, it definitely did stand out.. too bad he didn't win though, also a sad face :(

Candace Robinson

Jay - this is very observant of you. I just heard that the Town of Gilbert was out picking up many signs around town that were in code violation of our running candidates, I'm guessing Mr. Gibides had enough trauma and was left in place! I am taking your heed, you just might be onto something --- http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=15zlc1c&s=...

Tucson Michael

This is funny, I havent seen any of this going on down the street here in Tucson AZ but like you said its not a BAD people will take notice for sure.

Elaine Reese

A few days ago, while stopped at an intersection, I saw two bus bench signs with 2 different agents' faces, from 2 different brokerages. Both were faded and in need of an update. Of course, they still had their faces, and no one had yet drawn a mustache on them.

Regarding your faceless person, perhaps it was a former customer who is now facing a divorce. ;-)