Feminist Global Resistance will be posting a series of articles on techniques and safety tips for activists.

To all activists, if you are planning to “dance the streets”, you must become knowledgeable of the laws and regulations of your municipality.  Decide what, if any,  lines you are willing to cross using sound critical thinking skills.  Activism can be fun but it is serious business – act accordingly.

Our next article, “Massaging using Electric Road Signs”, is a technique for powerful messaging.

Keep in mind, we don’t encourage anything illegal but we will provide information about tactics that can be and are used for activism. 

As always: Be prepared for confrontation and keep it safe out there!

 

Massaging using Electric Road Signs

 

How many times have you driven by an electronic road sign and wondered to yourself “this would be a great means to get my message out to the public”.

Most road crews, at least in the US, utilize a ADDCO portable sign.

Today, you will see what is on the inside, and how they are programmed to display important information.

• The access panel on the sign is generally protected by a small lock, but often are left unprotected. Upon opening the access panel you can see the display electronics.
• The black control pad is attached by a curly cord, with a keyboard on the face.
• Programming is as simple as scrolling down the menu selection to “Instant Text”. Type whatever you want to display, Hit Enter to submit. You can now either throw it up on the sign by selecting “Run w/out save” or you can add more pages to it by selecting “Add page”

 

*** HACKER TIPS ***

Should it ask you for a password. Try “DOTS”, the default password.

In all likelihood, the crew will not have changed it. However if they did, never fear. Hold “Control” and “Shift” and while holding, enter “DIPY”. This will reset the sign and reset the password to “DOTS” in the process. You’re in and you can now provide the public with your message.

 

Dos and Don’ts:

As a rule of thumb, wait about half an hour after last call to ensure that the drunks are well on their way home and the cops are busy with them, not you.

Don’t try this during the day or peak hours of rush hour.

Do it during the holidays and/or weekend.

Don’t forget to use gloves.

Don’t mess with the box with a bright orange sticker.

Don’t hack a billboard near your house.

Don’t leave any sort of evidence that you were there.

Don’t pay for the advert and claim it was a hack.

 

Love and Solidarity

Stay Safe!