Here's an update on the Shoefiti scene: One of my initial comments on this Shoefiti thread was about why it's so much easier to get shoes taken down in Longfellow vs. other areas of the city. That didn't receive any comments so far, but to me is one of the more interesting things I've noticed. In the last couple weeks, Google launched Google Earth, which among other things, allows individuals to upload data points onto maps. I think it helps put things in perspective.
Here's an image of Minneapolis from approximately France to the Mississippi (W to E) and Franklin to Hwy 62 (N to S) with Shoefiti plotted. http://www.4factors.com/pics/graffiti/shoefiti-july05.jpg Each marker is time stamped with when I first spotted the shoes. Blue markers represent shoes that have been removed, while yellow markers represent shoes still hanging. Notice anything different about the locations of blue vs. yellow? By the way, there is one blue dot somewhat hidden on 5th Ave S. It represents a pair that used to hang over the Greenway trail, so probably the least confrontational location for a pair of shoes in that neighborhood. It was reported at same exact time as the other March 28, 2005 shoes. It's been mentioned that shoes can end up on lines for various reasons, and none are particularly clear. I decided to sketch out a few rough reasons why they may end up on the lines. Keep in mind that I'm no psychologist. The following theories where thrown together based on my own experiences, conversations on this forum, and common graffiti motivations based on some online research: 1. Drug Dealing How used: Used to let drug buyers know drugs can be purchased in the area. Where found: Combination of visible and discrete location. Found along main drags signaling buyers to turn. Found at intersections to, and mid-block within alleys near drug houses. 2. Prostitution How used: Used to let Johns know prostitutes are in area. Where found: Parking lots, vacant lots, and other pickup spots. 3. Notoriety How used: Thrown over lines commonly passed by friends. Where found: Highly visible areas, including busy intersections, over major streets/highways. 4. Hazing How used: Mild practical joke played on friend. Where found: Likely at common ground of affinity group, such as next to sports field. 5. Memorial How used: Shoes of someone who has passed away are hung from power line to pay tribute to the dead. Where found: Near home of person who died, or near site where death occurred. 6. Marking Attack / Killing How used: Shoes of victim of attack or murder. Where found: Site of killing, or near residence of victim. Any comments / questions on the above would be appreciated. Returning to my original questions: I'm looking for ideas on: 1. How to get the shoes down 2. How to get Xcel to respond with the same regularity I've seen in Longfellow 3. Who's truly responsible for what's hanging from the power lines? What's the process for dealing with them? 4. Does anyone know of a more efficient process for getting the shoes down? Still looking for answers there. Is it possible that some of the shoes are not on Xcel property, but Time Warner's lines? I don't know the difference, but is it possible that Xcel would drive out to a location based on a ticket they've received, then leave once determining that the shoes are 3 feet below the lines they're responsible for, and not follow up with a call explaining this? - Ed Kohler Shoeless in Cooper REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
