People DO NOT like to be told what to do. So clearly, the best way to get someone to do something is to tell them NOT to do it! A series of signs were placed around the central campus of the University of Michigan, each with a DO NOT statement on them reflecting an unwritten social rule or some other ridiculous rule. For example: “DO NOT sit down next to someone you don’t already know; American’s have huge personal space issues”. Each sign had on it an icon, similar to the University’s creating an elusive “Big Brother” persona against which people could rebel. Some signs were more successful than others but all achieved a great deal of attention – a lot of people wrote their names on a sign that told them not to. In the most successful moments, the expression on people’s faces went from interest, to confusion, to resentment, to rebellion and amusement. People were more than enthusiastic about taking out their pens and writing all over that sign.

Any change dropped here will be donated to charity, which is clearly a waste
PLEASE, DO NOT DROP SOME CHANGE HERE

Americans have huge personal space issues
PLEASE, DO NOT SIT DOWN RIGHT NEXT TO SOMEONE YOU DO NOT KNOW

This sign was extremely expensive
PLEASE, DO NOT WRITE YOUR NAME ON THIS SIGN

This snow is decorative
PLEASE DO NOT USE IT TO MAKE GIANT SNOWBALLS

Americans are taught at an early age not to trust or speak to strangers
PLEASE, DO NOT INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO SOMEONE YOU DON’T ALREADY KNOW