On balance, our reviewers were positive about
Crummy Church Signs, although they were clearly divided into two camps: those who found a regular dose of crumminess addicting, and those who felt it was a "one trick pony." I'll admit to being firmly in the former camp. One reader noted that "at some point we've seen 'em all," but as someone who has been reading CCS regularly for almost a year, I'm constantly astounded by the new depths of crumminess that Joel plumbs.
That isn't to say the site is for everybody. Judging from the comments, I think it helps to have strong opinions about religion, positive or negative. In many cases the "crumminess" of the signs comes from the perpetrators being ignorant of their own doctrine, or trying lamely to latch onto some pop culture fad (usually about ten years late). If that doesn't strike you as funny, you're probably not going to like this site much.
As one reviewer notes:
"If you've ever passed by a church sign, read the slogan-of-the-week and screamed, you will like this blog. It does a beautiful job bringing us the ridiculous in church signs, with helpful links to the Bible. I wished that the author of the site would offer signs he likes. I've found ones that are touching, and I'm not even Christian. However, Joel's own self-portrait is endearing and sane. He basically tells us he is only having fun and admits that he can screw up. Most beautifully, he tells us that the authors of the signs are probably better Christians than he -- he only pokes fun at the signs not at them. This explanation won me. I'll visit the site again. Excellent site."
| Category | Score | Points |
| Content | 6.79 | 48/70 |
| Web Design | 5.79 | 3/5 |
| Writing | 6.33 | 3/5 |
| Intangibles | 6.5 | 3/5 |
| Read Regularly | 5.42 | 5/10 |
| Frequency | 6
| 3
|
| Total |
| 65
|
Some more quotes from our reviewers:
It reminds me of all those "clever" fake or real church sign photos folks would inundate our inboxes with. Though I wish this particular blogger well, this stuff only succeeds in making my eyes roll back in their sockets.
Love this blog! Original idea that is oddly addicting. I love the interactivity with readers.
There's a lot of creativity here, and a great deal of humor. That said, there are times when I think the blog could benefit from a bit less clutter and some prudent editing. Actually, I tend to believe that "less is more", so maybe all I'm saying is do posts more frequently, but don't use quite so many signs in any one.
Photos need to be of better quality for this to be a solid destination. Also, hate to say it, but the first headline I read ("Dionne Warwick...") was not funny and totally wrong. Bitch ain't dead yet! (I'm willing to bet money that Joel was perfectly aware that Dionne Warwick wasn't dead when he wrote that. --Diesel)
I didn't find the writing particularly amusing, although it may just be that the whole "church sign" phenomenon has gotten a little tired.
At first I was stoned faced, then came a breathy snort and finally a full-on giggle.
While not the site to hang out on for a half an hour, it's a nice fit into a morning routine of coffee and internet browsing.
It really is just church signs, isn't it? This might appeal to some, but I honestly just didn't find it funny.
The pictures of the signs are often hard to read so it takes a while to decode some of them.
The main prop to give is making fun of organized religion. Amen to more of that.
A funny blog half expected Reverend Lovejoy from the Simpsons to pop up with the collection plate, would visit again want to see more!
There's actually a sign that reads: Tweekers Welcome Here! The signs are great, but the comments are hilarious. This is going on my blogroll.
I love the concept and the signs, but I felt that some of his remarks were a tad too snarky (if such a thing is possible) when he waded into theological waters.
Good job, Joel. Obviously you can't do much about the fact that some people just don't find the church sign concept amusing. Personally, I think it would be a mistake to try to expand the focus of your blog. You've found a niche, and you obviously have a lot of devoted readers. And, of course, you've got
other outlets for your non-church sign related writing.
A couple of comments to take to heart, though: You need to crop (and maybe adjust the lighting/contrast) on some of those hard to read signs. And, if possible, do a post every day and post fewer signs at a time. Other than that, keep up the crummy work!