As a postscript to the Jerry Stephenson’s March 20 rant (“Free advertising for all who want it”) about the use of utility poles for homemade signs: City code (15.08.080.D.1) prohibits placement of signs on utility poles or trees.

Here’s a rave, though, to the Bainbridge Island stores and venues that generously make their window space or bulletin boards available to cultural organizations and other nonprofits for publicity posters and flyers. Besides helping to get the word out about our many arts and education events, these colorful poster collages contribute to a lively street scene for downtown visitors.

Nonetheless, poster space is limited, especially on the unmonitored community bulletin boards. Please don’t just plop your flyer on top of another that hasn’t yet expired. Wait your turn.

It’s discouraging for a nonprofit to find its professionally designed event poster obliterated by a handwritten “sofa for sale” sign. Please date your flyer as well, so others can determine when it’s safe to remove it. And bring your own tape and push pins rather than “borrowing” those securing another’s poster.

We all think “our” event or lost pet or business ad is most important, but that’s no excuse to disregard common courtesy.

Kathleen Thorne

Bainbridge Island