Normative Signs: The Poetry of "Ought"

Here’s an example of what I like to think of as a “normatively rich” location. Alternatively, you might think of it as a clusterfuck of signage. The picture was taken at a gas station in Mitchell, Ontario. Not surprising to find normative richness at a gas station, really. After all, it’s one of the few public places that allows the public to play with explosives.

Anyway, this cluster of signs is worth breaking down and looking at one by one.

Here’s the first sign, which helpfully tells both van and car drivers that they are welcome to use the pumps on either side. What it doesn’t mention is trucks, which are presumably excluded (but permitted at other pumps, according to other signs not shown here).

And here’s the second, which asks customers for what is really basic courtesy. In particular, it asks them not to leave their cars parked beside the gas pumps — blocking other customers — while they go inside use the washrooms, buy gum, or whatever.

Finally, here’s a warning sign. You have to love a warning sign with footnotes. You can click on the image to see a larger version, and if your eyes are good you can read the footnotes. But really, who cares? The point is: footnotes? Seriously?

(Thanks to Tracy Isaacs for this photo.)