Issue date: 12/4/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Tygenae Harris Christian group Mission 242 took a unique approach to advertising its event. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Tygenae Harris A close-up of one of Mission 242's signs in the area surrounding the Library. [Click to enlarge]

If you've ever considered trying out new ways of advertising your event on campus, the effort may be wasted at Sacramento State.

Mission 242, a Christian organization on campus, attempted to reach its audience in an unconventional way: by strategically placing signs in the ground near the library explaining the purpose of the event, but seemingly failed to catch the attention of those passing by.

The series of signs, also known as Burma Shave style, read: "Hey, read me while you walk…;" followed by: "You're busy today, aren't you?;" Ever stop to wonder what our purpose is?;" "What's the point of all this?;" "Where does your purpose point?;" "Come search your own mind and investigate your purpose…;" with the last one detailing the event, "World View Series: What is Truth?," to be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday in the University Union's Redwood Room.

Harvey Taylor, a 22-year-old communication studies major, said he didn't even notice the signs as he walked by, and after going back to read them, was less than impressed.

"Even if I did walk past and read them, I wouldn't be interested," he said.

This outlook seemed to be shared by other people walking by because most of them did not even look at the signs and those who did appeared to not give them a second thought.

There were also signs placed on the other side of the field that read, "'What is truth?' - Pontius Pilate 33 A.D.;" "A question that the legends of our past and the prodigies of our future will always ask…;" "Only 9 percent of Christians share a Biblical world view - Do you?;" "The question still resonates with vociferous force;" and then, again, the sign about the event.

Senior graphic design major Drue Douglas was one of the few who read them.

"I read the signs and I guess they are a creative way to advertise an event, but the questions they ask turned me off to the idea," she said.

So it appears that these signs and other creative event advertisements are all a matter of interpretation.

Perhaps you should walk by and create your own opinion.

Tygenae Harris can be reached at tharris@statehornet.com.

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