seen on Flickr. Directed by frequent contributor Ironic Catholic.Doesn't this sign sort of sum up this whole website and idea? My guess (and one of the reasons I started this 3 years ago) is that the saying on a church sign almost never influences church attendance. Usually crazy things like members actually going out and inviting people, or the church having a reputation as a place where positive things are happening, those are the things that cause increased attendance. Maybe if the sign advertised a message on a topic that lots of people wanted to hear about it would increase attendance, but how many pithy slogans or witty puns have actually caused people to want to visit? My guess is not very many.
This sign is the new Official Crummy Church Sign of Crummy Church Signs Dot Com. And, yes, it's probably unwitting on their part.
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Remember to pre-order my book! The printer will start the order this weekend based on how many pre-orders I have. I'll order a few extras for you last minute shoppers, of course, but on Tuesday the price goes up and shipping will be charged!! Right now it's only $10.99 with free shipping! If you've ordered one, look for yours to arrive in a couple of weeks.
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What could humor-blogs say to get you there right now?
Keep 'em coming.
HAHAHAHAHA. so loving this sign. and, just so's ya know, i've ordered my first batch of books. (hopefully it went through, tho' paypal can sometimes be a bit o' a bitch)
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU, (NOT-even-close-to-bein'-crummy) Joel, for ALL your kindness (not to mention hilarious posts) during my Unfortunate Series of Ordeals. you are nothing short of a saint. and a damned funny one, at that! ; ) xox
Is this a challenge? Top "Free Beer"?
ReplyDeleteHow about:
Watch me apologize in Latin and wearing a Hairshirt for every crummy church sign I've inflicted on the general public. 9am Sunday.
Nah, too long.
At least they are being as up front and honest as you can be! I can imagine a conversation on the Porter Heights Baptist Church sign committee...
ReplyDelete"This Church is prayer conditioned?"
"Summer's over."
"Fall Festival, this Sunday?"
"Too topical."
"Free Beer?"
"Too expensive -- we'd need at least 12 different brands, plus it would look embarrassing if I went in my Sunday church robes to get them."
"What the heck! Just ask the question that is REALLY on our minds! -- 'What could this sign say to get you here Sunday?'"
"Sounds good to me! All for the last statement, say 'Aye'"
"Aye" "Aye" "Aye"
"Any naysayers?"
(crickets)
"Motion passes. John, get the letters. Mike, get the ladder. Let's go!"
BTW, I ordered 4 books today, so I can't wait to give them out to peoples I know would love them.
I think this blog could turn things around for churches facing flagging attendance nationwide. At least a few hungover and confused drunks would be bound to wonder in for a bit of the hair of the dog.
ReplyDeletePuts me in mind of the urban legend (I think it is anyway) involving an indie band who named themselves "Free Beer", in the hopes that someone would show up for a show.