One would think that a company such as Hallmark would have a good proofreading department. I suspect they would not sell too many cards saying – hapPY BITRHDAY. There is an expectation that what is printed is correct.
Imagine my surprise today when spotting an apostrophe instead of a dot, as well as capital S and DAY. Not fatal to anyone. Most people will probably read as a dot as intended but that does not alter that it is incorrect. Everyone can make an error but what is surprising is that within Hallmark or its subcontractors, the sign must have been read on a screen or as printed by the graphic designer who came up with the proof; the sign maker; the people who erected the sign; and, all staff entering the building.
That suggests that these people did not spot the missing dot, the misplaced apostrophe or the capital letters. Alternatively, it suggests that they did not care as to what potential customers might think. I think that the latter would be worse but need to consider it further.
However, my first though when turning the corner and seeing the sign spanning the Hallmark shop to the building on the other side of the street was not punctuation. Neither was it whether the sign was covered by insurance should the tie-wires come loose and it fall down on a passer-by.
Imagine my surprise today when spotting an apostrophe instead of a dot, as well as capital S and DAY. Not fatal to anyone. Most people will probably read as a dot as intended but that does not alter that it is incorrect. Everyone can make an error but what is surprising is that within Hallmark or its subcontractors, the sign must have been read on a screen or as printed by the graphic designer who came up with the proof; the sign maker; the people who erected the sign; and, all staff entering the building.
That suggests that these people did not spot the missing dot, the misplaced apostrophe or the capital letters. Alternatively, it suggests that they did not care as to what potential customers might think. I think that the latter would be worse but need to consider it further.
However, my first though when turning the corner and seeing the sign spanning the Hallmark shop to the building on the other side of the street was not punctuation. Neither was it whether the sign was covered by insurance should the tie-wires come loose and it fall down on a passer-by.
What concerned me most was that the banner was located in public space and whether permission had been granted. From my understanding of what is outlined in Cork City Council and other websites, a licence
is needed for a sign on a public lands.
My observations may be more particular since starting this blog but the number of roadside signs appears to have multiplied of late. Entrances to commercial parks provide sensory overload with the number of signs that are on display. The safety of road users attempting to read signs is a matter for another day. If a sign does not have a planning permission, a temporary licence or is exempted, it is in breach of the planning laws.
It is affording a company free display space. Its legally compliant competitors must pay for permission or rent from billboard space suppliers. The misbehaver is effectively rewarded and that does not sit well with me.
I have not been able to find online a schedule of licences issued. It would be good if a list similar to planning
permissions were available to the public. Policing of unlicensed or illegal signs should result in additional local authority revenue in terms of fines or application fees.
Reducing the number of many of such signs would not be any loss to society.
is needed for a sign on a public lands.
My observations may be more particular since starting this blog but the number of roadside signs appears to have multiplied of late. Entrances to commercial parks provide sensory overload with the number of signs that are on display. The safety of road users attempting to read signs is a matter for another day. If a sign does not have a planning permission, a temporary licence or is exempted, it is in breach of the planning laws.
It is affording a company free display space. Its legally compliant competitors must pay for permission or rent from billboard space suppliers. The misbehaver is effectively rewarded and that does not sit well with me.
I have not been able to find online a schedule of licences issued. It would be good if a list similar to planning
permissions were available to the public. Policing of unlicensed or illegal signs should result in additional local authority revenue in terms of fines or application fees.
Reducing the number of many of such signs would not be any loss to society.
