Scribe improves “street clients” with their signs
In an effort to help those worst affected by the economic crisis, author Gay Talese took to the streets to help panhandlers update their sales pitches. He went around distributing dozens of handmade signs featuring language that reflects the current headlines, thus tapping into “the topicality of their plight.” On one such sign was written: “Please Support Pres. Obama’s Stimulus Plan, and begin right here—at the bottom—Thank you.” Following up with one of his “street clients,” he was told “I think I made 10 or 20 dollars more yesterday than before. So maybe the sign is already working.”