The Tulsa Forum by TulsaNow

Talk About Tulsa => Other Tulsa Discussion => Topic started by: NellieBly on March 08, 2007, 09:03:32 AM

Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: NellieBly on March 08, 2007, 09:03:32 AM
I hope this post doesn't give the business inadvertant free advertising, but this person, has placed approximately 50 illegal signs in my neighborhood to advertise his business. When I called to inform him his signs were illegal, he said "I don't give a ****" and hung up on me. I won't be hiring him any time soon.

I will spend my own time this evening removing as many as I can and I recommend anyone who cares about illegal signs to call this jerk and tell him what you think. His number is 955-5473.
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: Rico on March 08, 2007, 09:51:35 AM
quote:
Originally posted by NellieBly

I hope this post doesn't give the business inadvertant free advertising, but this person, has placed approximately 50 illegal signs in my neighborhood to advertise his business. When I called to inform him his signs were illegal, he said "I don't give a ****" and hung up on me. I won't be hiring him any time soon.

I will spend my own time this evening removing as many as I can and I recommend anyone who cares about illegal signs to call this jerk and tell him what you think. His number is 955-5473.



The whole illegal sign issue shows just how unimportant collecting revenue for the City is...

All the Police would have to do is collect one of each different sign and they would have a fine they could levy at the business owner...

Don't know what the fine is for this but it would be easy money...

Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: AngieB on March 08, 2007, 09:57:00 AM
I hate those signs too. But I've heard that if you take them you could be charged with theft. Is that correct? Or do you have return them to the owner to avoid that? I'd hate for you to get into trouble for cleaning up your neighborhood.

I hit the website...if one isn't comfortable with calling, email him: mowit@mowitnow.com

You're doing a good thing! (http://members.cox.net/tulsamini/smilies/clapclap.gif)
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: MichaelC on March 08, 2007, 10:16:04 AM
His address is listed.  Scatter the signs all over  his lawn.  A drive by "signing".
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: NellieBly on March 08, 2007, 10:18:47 AM
I will be removing them this evening. If any of the cops on this forum would like to arrest me for picking up trash then meet me at the corner of 67th West Avenue and 25 place after 5. Bring your cuffs.
To the owner of Mowit.com (I doubt he reads, however) -- you will have 30 days to pick them up. you have my number. Be warned, though -- I plan to call the police and file a litter complaint against you.
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: sgrizzle on March 08, 2007, 10:23:34 AM
You can pick them up legally. Might even get some support from Fox & Tay.

I saw a house that had a garage sale and put out probably 25-30 signs coming from every nearby street. Overnight, someone picked every one up and placed them artistically in the front yard.
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: cannon_fodder on March 08, 2007, 10:25:20 AM
I dont see how this would be theft... he has abandoned the property.

Hell, even if its not abandoned it still probably isnt theft.  If I leave a basketball at the court, or a coat at the park, or watch papers blow out of my window - do I accuse the person who picks them up of theft?  No.

Not to mention it would look bad for the city if you got in trouble.  They made a big deal about the new "sign commission" or whatever, a while back.  No better way to prove the ineptness of government than to punish those who point it out.

But just to be safe, you should probably burn the evidence in his front yard (unless he is a minority and that could be construed as more of a crime than if you did it to a white person).
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: grahambino on March 08, 2007, 10:30:57 AM
isnt there a code enforcement division w/ the city of tulsa that can be contacted about this?

i have worked for 2 seperate city governments and the code enforcement folks would spend a good deal of their time removing illegal signs at intersections and on city ROWs.

EDIT:  added link to ordinances and possibly relevant text

http://www.cityoftulsa.org/ourcity/ordinances/Title51.asp

Q. Sign Fees.
1. Minimum sign fee  . . .$ 40.00
2. Applicable fee(s): Each outdoor advertising sign or business sign shall be charged a fee when application is made which will be non-refundable and shall be counted as part of the totalsign permit fee upon issuance of the permit. When application is made for more than one (1) sign on the same lot and at the same time, the non-refundable application fee will
be charged only one (1) time . $ 30.00
3. Outdoor advertising signs: zoning clearance and plan review fee . . $ 345.00
4. Business signs: zoning clearance and plan review fee  . .$ 60.00
5. Height above grade fee: If a sign is over 40 feet in height, an additional fee shall be paid   $ 60.00
6. Sign inspections/reviews requiring no application fee. Also, the minimum sign fee does not apply:
a. Promotional business sign  . . $ 40.00
b. Remove and rehang in same location . $ 30.00
c. Removal fee (ground and outdoor advertising signs only). .$ 30.00
d. Interior electrical sign  . . $ 30.00
e. Border neon sign . . . $ 30.00
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: sgrizzle on March 08, 2007, 10:58:19 AM
I think if you put a stocking out on the corner, Paul Tay comes down from the sky and rids the street of signs.

(http://www.gregor-oelze.de/blog/upload/zoidberg.gif)

Nothing of the above is based in reality.
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: NellieBly on March 08, 2007, 11:03:35 AM
Unfortunately the sign police are understaffed and do about as good a job as they can. The head sign inspector/remover was moved to homeland security after 9/11.

A pickup and a couple of guys is all they have. I really think the citizens of this town need to stop this litter on a stick problem themselves. When you see a sign inside the right of way on a city street it's fair game -- although rights of way vary widely in Tulsa, a good rule of thumb is anything in between utility poles and the street is right of way -- about 8-10 feet from the curb. Usually the signs are placed right on the street.
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: NellieBly on March 08, 2007, 11:21:47 AM
Just talked to the sign police at COT -- they are my new heroes. The owner of mowitnow or whatever, will receive a nice little warning in the mail from the city asking him to stop and remove all remaining signs.

They also have crews out today removing all signs on Yale, Sheridan and Memorial from 21st to 31st.

Thank you city of Tulsa!!!
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: sgrizzle on March 08, 2007, 12:30:46 PM
quote:
Originally posted by NellieBly

Just talked to the sign police at COT -- they are my new heroes. The owner of mowitnow or whatever, will receive a nice little warning in the mail from the city asking him to stop and remove all remaining signs.

They also have crews out today removing all signs on Yale, Sheridan and Memorial from 21st to 31st.

Thank you city of Tulsa!!!



umm.. now we know where you live...
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: NellieBly on March 08, 2007, 02:19:47 PM
well, you would know for sure if  I had said EAST avenue instead of WEST avenue. I am still getting used to the new address.
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: dsjeffries on March 08, 2007, 05:31:22 PM
You should post some pictures-- I'd love to see this tacky lawn!
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: Steve on March 08, 2007, 09:11:23 PM
quote:
Originally posted by NellieBly

Just talked to the sign police at COT -- they are my new heroes. The owner of mowitnow or whatever, will receive a nice little warning in the mail from the city asking him to stop and remove all remaining signs.

They also have crews out today removing all signs on Yale, Sheridan and Memorial from 21st to 31st.

Thank you city of Tulsa!!!



Thanks for your efforts NellieBly.  I live on 26th St. just east of Yale and my neighborhood thanks you too.  Like you, I always trash these kinds of signs too when they pop up.
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: inteller on March 08, 2007, 09:12:31 PM
quote:
Originally posted by grahambino

isnt there a code enforcement division w/ the city of tulsa that can be contacted about this?

i have worked for 2 seperate city governments and the code enforcement folks would spend a good deal of their time removing illegal signs at intersections and on city ROWs.

EDIT:  added link to ordinances and possibly relevant text

http://www.cityoftulsa.org/ourcity/ordinances/Title51.asp

Q. Sign Fees.
1. Minimum sign fee  . . .$ 40.00
2. Applicable fee(s): Each outdoor advertising sign or business sign shall be charged a fee when application is made which will be non-refundable and shall be counted as part of the totalsign permit fee upon issuance of the permit. When application is made for more than one (1) sign on the same lot and at the same time, the non-refundable application fee will
be charged only one (1) time . $ 30.00
3. Outdoor advertising signs: zoning clearance and plan review fee . . $ 345.00
4. Business signs: zoning clearance and plan review fee  . .$ 60.00
5. Height above grade fee: If a sign is over 40 feet in height, an additional fee shall be paid   $ 60.00
6. Sign inspections/reviews requiring no application fee. Also, the minimum sign fee does not apply:
a. Promotional business sign  . . $ 40.00
b. Remove and rehang in same location . $ 30.00
c. Removal fee (ground and outdoor advertising signs only). .$ 30.00
d. Interior electrical sign  . . $ 30.00
e. Border neon sign . . . $ 30.00



how ironic, this guy is coming to remove some yard debris for me tomorrow, and he is charging $30.  good deal if you ask me.
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: TheArtist on March 08, 2007, 10:45:44 PM
Do they cut down trees? I have one that needs to go.
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: NellieBly on March 09, 2007, 08:27:41 AM
Why would you want to do business with someone like mowitnow.com? He advertises with illegal signs and he was extremely rude to me on the phone. There are plenty of other lawn care people out there to hire.
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: Breadburner on March 09, 2007, 09:48:13 AM
quote:
Originally posted by inteller

quote:
Originally posted by grahambino

isnt there a code enforcement division w/ the city of tulsa that can be contacted about this?

i have worked for 2 seperate city governments and the code enforcement folks would spend a good deal of their time removing illegal signs at intersections and on city ROWs.

EDIT:  added link to ordinances and possibly relevant text

http://www.cityoftulsa.org/ourcity/ordinances/Title51.asp

Q. Sign Fees.
1. Minimum sign fee  . . .$ 40.00
2. Applicable fee(s): Each outdoor advertising sign or business sign shall be charged a fee when application is made which will be non-refundable and shall be counted as part of the totalsign permit fee upon issuance of the permit. When application is made for more than one (1) sign on the same lot and at the same time, the non-refundable application fee will
be charged only one (1) time . $ 30.00
3. Outdoor advertising signs: zoning clearance and plan review fee . . $ 345.00
4. Business signs: zoning clearance and plan review fee  . .$ 60.00
5. Height above grade fee: If a sign is over 40 feet in height, an additional fee shall be paid   $ 60.00
6. Sign inspections/reviews requiring no application fee. Also, the minimum sign fee does not apply:
a. Promotional business sign  . . $ 40.00
b. Remove and rehang in same location . $ 30.00
c. Removal fee (ground and outdoor advertising signs only). .$ 30.00
d. Interior electrical sign  . . $ 30.00
e. Border neon sign . . . $ 30.00



how ironic, this guy is coming to remove some yard debris for me tomorrow, and he is charging $30.  good deal if you ask me.



Are you checking the immigration status of the workers that are performing the clean-up on your property...?
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: sgrizzle on March 09, 2007, 09:50:16 AM
quote:
Originally posted by TheArtist

Do they cut down trees? I have one that needs to go.



I have no idea where the number went but I paid one of those guys driving around $60 to chop down and grind the stump of a tree I had. If you do it in the off-season, it saves a lot of money.
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: sgrizzle on March 09, 2007, 09:52:17 AM
Rate them over here:
http://www.landscapeweb.net/Landscape_Directory/thread/145

also, they have a rating link at the bottom of mowitnow.com. Currently they have a 5-star rating.
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: inteller on March 09, 2007, 11:07:27 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Breadburner

quote:
Originally posted by inteller

quote:
Originally posted by grahambino

isnt there a code enforcement division w/ the city of tulsa that can be contacted about this?

i have worked for 2 seperate city governments and the code enforcement folks would spend a good deal of their time removing illegal signs at intersections and on city ROWs.

EDIT:  added link to ordinances and possibly relevant text

http://www.cityoftulsa.org/ourcity/ordinances/Title51.asp

Q. Sign Fees.
1. Minimum sign fee  . . .$ 40.00
2. Applicable fee(s): Each outdoor advertising sign or business sign shall be charged a fee when application is made which will be non-refundable and shall be counted as part of the totalsign permit fee upon issuance of the permit. When application is made for more than one (1) sign on the same lot and at the same time, the non-refundable application fee will
be charged only one (1) time . $ 30.00
3. Outdoor advertising signs: zoning clearance and plan review fee . . $ 345.00
4. Business signs: zoning clearance and plan review fee  . .$ 60.00
5. Height above grade fee: If a sign is over 40 feet in height, an additional fee shall be paid   $ 60.00
6. Sign inspections/reviews requiring no application fee. Also, the minimum sign fee does not apply:
a. Promotional business sign  . . $ 40.00
b. Remove and rehang in same location . $ 30.00
c. Removal fee (ground and outdoor advertising signs only). .$ 30.00
d. Interior electrical sign  . . $ 30.00
e. Border neon sign . . . $ 30.00



how ironic, this guy is coming to remove some yard debris for me tomorrow, and he is charging $30.  good deal if you ask me.



Are you checking the immigration status of the workers that are performing the clean-up on your property...?



actually yes I will be.  When the workers come on site they will be required to present proper identification.  If I discover or suspect that any of them are illegal, not only will I decline their services on spot, I will report the company to ICE for investicagion.  I guess we will find out in a few hours.

also, if any worker is unable to communicate with me in non broken english, they will be sent away regardless of their status.
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: NellieBly on March 09, 2007, 11:24:14 AM
So quality of work really doesn't matter, just their ability to speak English? Does that mean you don't hire whites who use improper grammar? That's how I judge people.
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: sgrizzle on March 09, 2007, 11:28:13 AM
I generally avoid working long term with people I don't understand if for comparable price/quality I can get someone I do. Regardless of color.
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: NellieBly on March 09, 2007, 11:34:27 AM
My website says I have five-star rating, too. All the links on the site are to generic pages that aren't even local and the phone number has been disconnected, too.

Shady at best. He buys a website, gives himself five stars, then sticks illegal signs out to advertise. Oh yea, cusses at me. This is someone I want to do business with.
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: inteller on March 09, 2007, 04:53:34 PM
well they promptly got rid of my mess.

you can make comments here:

http://www.landscapeweb.net/Landscape_Directory/thread/145

Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: sgrizzle on March 10, 2007, 07:41:45 PM
quote:
Originally posted by NellieBly

My website says I have five-star rating, too. All the links on the site are to generic pages that aren't even local and the phone number has been disconnected, too.

Shady at best. He buys a website, gives himself five stars, then sticks illegal signs out to advertise. Oh yea, cusses at me. This is someone I want to do business with.



If you check, many of the ratings are from "admin@landscapeweb"
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: TURobY on March 11, 2007, 06:56:21 PM
Here is the WHOIS information:

Domain Name.......... landscapeweb.net
 Creation Date........ 2003-11-25
 Registration Date.... 2003-11-25
 Expiry Date.......... 2007-11-25
 Organisation Name.... landscapeweb.net
 Organisation Address. 11769 E 63rd St
 Organisation Address.
 Organisation Address. Broken Arrow
 Organisation Address. 74012
 Organisation Address. OK
 Organisation Address. UNITED STATES
Admin Name........... Adam Morgan
 Admin Address........ 11769 E 63rd St
 Admin Address........
 Admin Address........ Broken Arrow
 Admin Address........ 74012
 Admin Address........ OK
 Admin Address........ UNITED STATES
 Admin Email.......... amorgan33@cox.net
 Admin Phone.......... 918-249-0642
 Admin Fax............ 555-555-5555
Tech Name............ Adam Morgan
 Tech Address......... 11769 E 63rd St
 Tech Address.........
 Tech Address......... Broken Arrow
 Tech Address......... 74012
 Tech Address......... OK
 Tech Address......... UNITED STATES
 Tech Email........... mmorgancreek@aol.com
 Tech Phone........... 918-249-0642
 Tech Fax............. 555-555-5555
 Name Server.......... dns1.thisismyserver.net
 Name Server.......... dns2.thisismyserver.net


Domain Name.......... mowitnow.com
 Creation Date........ 2004-03-17
 Registration Date.... 2004-03-17
 Expiry Date.......... 2008-03-17
 Organisation Name.... landscapeweb.net
 Organisation Address. 11769 E 63rd St
 Organisation Address.
 Organisation Address. Broken Arrow
 Organisation Address. 74012
 Organisation Address. OK
 Organisation Address. UNITED STATES
Admin Name........... Adam Morgan
 Admin Address........ 11769 E 63rd St
 Admin Address........
 Admin Address........ Broken Arrow
 Admin Address........ 74012
 Admin Address........ OK
 Admin Address........ UNITED STATES
 Admin Email.......... mmorgancreek@aol.com
 Admin Phone.......... 918-249-0642
 Admin Fax............ 555-555-5555
Tech Name............ Adam Morgan
 Tech Address......... 11769 E 63rd St
 Tech Address.........
 Tech Address......... Broken Arrow
 Tech Address......... 74012
 Tech Address......... OK
 Tech Address......... UNITED STATES
 Tech Email........... mmorgancreek@aol.com
 Tech Phone........... 918-249-0642
 Tech Fax............. 555-555-5555
 Name Server.......... dns1.thisismyserver.net
 Name Server.......... dns2.thisismyserver.net


11769 E 63rd St is the registered address for Morgan Landscape. MowitNow.com is a division of Morgan Landscape of Broken Arrow Oklahoma. Notice how Mowitnow.com is the only one with reviews?
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: inteller on March 11, 2007, 07:02:54 PM
quote:
Originally posted by TURobY

Here is the WHOIS information:

Domain Name.......... landscapeweb.net
 Creation Date........ 2003-11-25
 Registration Date.... 2003-11-25
 Expiry Date.......... 2007-11-25
 Organisation Name.... landscapeweb.net
 Organisation Address. 11769 E 63rd St
 Organisation Address.
 Organisation Address. Broken Arrow
 Organisation Address. 74012
 Organisation Address. OK
 Organisation Address. UNITED STATES
Admin Name........... Adam Morgan
 Admin Address........ 11769 E 63rd St
 Admin Address........
 Admin Address........ Broken Arrow
 Admin Address........ 74012
 Admin Address........ OK
 Admin Address........ UNITED STATES
 Admin Email.......... amorgan33@cox.net
 Admin Phone.......... 918-249-0642
 Admin Fax............ 555-555-5555
Tech Name............ Adam Morgan
 Tech Address......... 11769 E 63rd St
 Tech Address.........
 Tech Address......... Broken Arrow
 Tech Address......... 74012
 Tech Address......... OK
 Tech Address......... UNITED STATES
 Tech Email........... mmorgancreek@aol.com
 Tech Phone........... 918-249-0642
 Tech Fax............. 555-555-5555
 Name Server.......... dns1.thisismyserver.net
 Name Server.......... dns2.thisismyserver.net


Domain Name.......... mowitnow.com
 Creation Date........ 2004-03-17
 Registration Date.... 2004-03-17
 Expiry Date.......... 2008-03-17
 Organisation Name.... landscapeweb.net
 Organisation Address. 11769 E 63rd St
 Organisation Address.
 Organisation Address. Broken Arrow
 Organisation Address. 74012
 Organisation Address. OK
 Organisation Address. UNITED STATES
Admin Name........... Adam Morgan
 Admin Address........ 11769 E 63rd St
 Admin Address........
 Admin Address........ Broken Arrow
 Admin Address........ 74012
 Admin Address........ OK
 Admin Address........ UNITED STATES
 Admin Email.......... mmorgancreek@aol.com
 Admin Phone.......... 918-249-0642
 Admin Fax............ 555-555-5555
Tech Name............ Adam Morgan
 Tech Address......... 11769 E 63rd St
 Tech Address.........
 Tech Address......... Broken Arrow
 Tech Address......... 74012
 Tech Address......... OK
 Tech Address......... UNITED STATES
 Tech Email........... mmorgancreek@aol.com
 Tech Phone........... 918-249-0642
 Tech Fax............. 555-555-5555
 Name Server.......... dns1.thisismyserver.net
 Name Server.......... dns2.thisismyserver.net


11769 E 63rd St is the registered address for Morgan Landscape. MowitNow.com is a division of Morgan Landscape of Broken Arrow Oklahoma. Notice how Mowitnow.com is the only one with reviews?



yeah thats him.  did good work.  havent seen the signs yet.
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: sgrizzle on March 12, 2007, 07:31:04 AM
Ahh... that explains a lot. Easy to get "good ratings" on a "3rd party site" if you control all of it...
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: NellieBly on March 12, 2007, 08:45:04 AM
My point exactly.
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: patric on March 12, 2007, 11:00:24 AM
quote:
Originally posted by NellieBly

They also have crews out today removing all signs on Yale, Sheridan and Memorial from 21st to 31st.


21st street across from Expo Square seems to be getting a lot of illegal signs.  Even one property owner is apparently letting space in his backyard for signage that peeks over the privacy fence.
Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: grahambino on March 12, 2007, 12:18:25 PM
mowitnowned.com

Title: Mowitnow.com
Post by: AMP on March 12, 2007, 07:29:34 PM
Based on the response here his yard signs seem to gain much more reaction than a plain vanilla black and white Newspaper Ad that runs around $400 for a business card size ad on Sunday.

I used 200 of those Yard Signs a few years ago for the Arenacross I promoted at the Tulsa Fairgrounds and we had a sell out crowd.  Based on my experience with them they work very well. Only up for a few days depending on the sign pickup schedule.  Seemed to last longer at most locations in mid February than they do in the warmer months.  

Sounds like he is trying many different types of advertising to test what works and what does not.  

If you owned a Landscape Business, how would you spend your advertising dollars?  

Keep in mind if you choose Yellow Page ads you need to be in a minimum of 10 just to cover Tulsa and the surrounding suburbs, not to mention the 4 books for Tulsa alone.  At around $600 per month for a very small ad that runs around $6,000 per month to be in Yellow Page ads and be effective.  Lots of mowing to pay for that expense, especially in the Winter.