FASTSIGNS says traditional political signs mainstay in high-tech world of campaigning (1/00)

As the nation prepares for the presidential election process that begins with the primaries in February and builds up to the final election on November 7th, Americans can expect to see more red, white and blue in their everyday lives than ever before.

Having raised more campaign financing than any previous presidential race, candidates are expected to spend record amounts to get their name and messages out to win the vote of the American public. And in this high-tech world of the Internet, television and radio, the age old political sign remains one of the most popular -- and least expensive -- ways to remind American voters that the race is on.

"There is no getting around the most traditional form of campaigning for office or showing candidate support -- political signs are here to stay," said Gary Salomon, CEO and founder of FASTSIGNS, a sign and graphics company that has created many banners and backdrops for candidates and some of the President's events around the country. "A visit to candidates' web sites confirms that signs are integral -- directing voters where to request yard signs, banners, posters and bumper stickers."

For local candidates who may not have the budgets to hire high-priced political consultants, FASTSIGNS offers these tips for making an effective sign:

1. Add a border. A border helps focus attention on your sign and lets viewers read it 26 percent faster.
2. Add a second color. A second color increases the reader's retention by 78 percent.
3. Use capital and lower-case letters. Lower-case letters are more varied in shape and are often easier to read than all capitals.
4. Consider letter size with viewing distance: 6" letters can be seen 60 feet; 12" letters, 120 feet; 30" letters, 300 feet; etc.
5. Go for contrast. Light-colored letters on a dark background are better than dark-colored letters on a light background. The letters appear somewhat bigger and are easier to read.

About American Fastsigns, Inc. American Fastsigns is the franchisor of FASTSIGNS® stores, and is the leader in the computer-aided sign industry. FASTSIGNS stores offer a full range of custom signs including banners, presentation boards, vehicle and window graphics and trade show graphics. FASTSIGNS is headquartered in Carrollton, Texas, and has more than 430 Franchise locations worldwide.