Signs Around Town

Being a graphic designer, I’m constantly intrigued and inspired by printed signs that I see in my day to day life.  They could be billboards, store signs, advertisements, etc.  What can I say?  I’m a sucker for creative media.  From now on, when I see a sign that’s intriguing I’m going to photograph it and write about it.  Feel free to contribute any information that you may have in regards to the image (history on the sign, the firm/person who designed it, etc.).  Also, if you’ve been driving, walking, running or biking past a sign that’s piqued your interest for a long time and have been meaning to find out about it, research it or just admire it because it looks so cool, take a photo and send it in!  I’ll gladly post it on Block Club for you! 

Some people think that outdoor advertisements and signs pollute the landscape.  I think they add to it.  Of course some (no doubt) are annoying.  For instance, certain law firms, car dealers and the like.  Recently I was driving at night and noticed a new billboard with an 800 number on it and the Google logo.  Google advertising?  Google advertising an 800 number?  It was too dark to notice what the ad was for or what else was printed on the sign, but the idea that Google was advertising in WNY certainly intrigued me. 

Last night, while walking down Main Street by UB South I noticed the same Google billboard in a different location.  I snapped a photo and did a little research.

Apparently Google has launched a free 411 service for businesses listed in the United States.  The number is 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411).  I called the number and gave it a name and location of a local business and sure enough it gave an accurate result.  I later found out from a friend that Google has a similar free service for text messaging.  Simply text the name and location of a business to GOOGLE on your phone and it will respond (almost immediately) with the name, phone number and address of the business in question. 

I’m glad I took the time to do a little research after seeing this billboard.  Since seeing the sign last night I’ve already used both the free 411 and text messaging service.  I guess I owe Google a thank you since not only did I find a phone number for the pizza place I needed to call last night, but it saved me time and money since I’m too cheap to call directory assistance. 

Thanks Google!

For more information click on the link below:

Google 411

Posted by on 09/18 at 03:33 PM