Comments for The Adventures of Elginista

Comment on The Cost – and Joy – of Disconnecting by flora geltner

flora geltner — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:49:24 +0000

I love, love, love following you!

Comment on Pawnshops and Perceptions by Beth @ Running on Cloud Nine

Beth @ Running on Cloud Nine — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:31:12 +0000

Pawn Shops & Cash for Gold places do shape opinions. It is natural to make first assumptions on looks, whether we want to admit it or not. Fortunately television shows like Pawn Stars do shed a different light on the industry and I think the opinion of pawn shops are not as bad as they once were. I think that the proposed signage and facade of EZ Pawn is a little less than desirable, and could be improved to create a better perception from the street, even if the inside remains the same.

I am all too familiar with a city who spends too much on crafting an “image” to try to get people to have a favorable opinion of it. Not the city I live in, but one close by. They spent an insane amount of money on brick pavers, flower planters (which I personally think are hideous) and other “enhancements”. Problem is, you can’t just slap some paint on a building and plant a few flowers and have the neighborhood change. It won’t fool anyone and is a band-aid approach. The underlying issues need to be addressed. While I think aesthetics are extremely important, they are merely the frosting on the cake and we all know that you need to bake a good cake first before you put on the frosting. Frosting an old piece of bread is not going to fool anyone once they take the first bite.

Comment on Call Me Crysta by Doug

Doug — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:05:00 +0000

I have a niece who’s name is Justyna! She lives in Poland.
Her Business is in crystal jewelry, Hence, “Just Crysta” There are all sorts of other Companies with crystal but hers is unique. She is also on facebook!

Comment on Pawnshops and Perceptions by Crysta

Crysta — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:19:17 +0000

Nancy via Facebook said:

That rendering is about as “sketchy neighborhood” as one can get in a drawing. Doesn’t help that there are no windows on that building, which often implies “adult bookstore.” My perception: Elgin is Vegas circa 1975. D’oh!

Comment on Christmas Vacation: Reading for Fun by womanborn46

womanborn46 — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:20:03 +0000

Retirement now my reality I am beginning my journey into the books I never had time to read. The first one that popped into my mind is Tom Sawyer.
My journey, with Mr. Twain, has begun.

Comment on Pawnshops and Perceptions by womanborn46

womanborn46 — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:08:40 +0000

This is great! Thanks for your input.

Comment on Pawnshops and Perceptions by Crysta

Crysta — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:54:38 +0000

Definitely agree. And to your “cardboard box” point – a jewelry store just opened in my neighborhood. Every day, they place their hand-written, cardboard “Cash por Oro!” sign out on the sidewalk. Yep, that’s the image we want.

Comment on Pawnshops and Perceptions by Crysta

Crysta — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:53:13 +0000

Aww, thanks Ilona. Appreciate the kind words.

Comment on Pawnshops and Perceptions by Crysta

Crysta — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:52:48 +0000

Thanks for the great comments, Ted. I agree with you completely on payday loans etc. That’s part of my problem with the whole thing: the city very tightly regulates pawn shops, who are already regulated by the state. But anyone can open a payday loan or cash-for-gold store, which are much more predatory. The payday loan shops routinely charge 300+% interest, and cops have told me that the cash-for-gold shops often receive stolen goods.

Comment on Pawnshops and Perceptions by About A Burning Fire

About A Burning Fire — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:29:38 +0000

The article is about perception and for that reason alone I despise businesses like this that pop up in my beloved city. The zoning board seems to not care much about the perception of our city these days, just look at the ridiculous signage some businesses have in various parts of town. What perception does it create when I, as a business, can take a cardboard box and spray paint the name of my business and hang it up on top of my building for advertising? When are we going to say no to businesses that create an image that Elgin is full of people “down on their luck” and start favoring businesses and organizations that highlight the successful people that we know work hard and Elgin is full of.