Thanks to good neighbors I’ve shared wi-fi, chairs, a large pot, a bike, design books, a corkscrew, a ladder, an iron, professional studio lights, an inflatable bed, wine, and food. And this is only amongst a few neighbors because I rarely bump into most and have no way to break the ice. In a time where SMS has made phone calls seem invasive, a door knock feels nearly violating. My neighbors could be in their pajamas, eating dinner, fresh out of the shower, or making out, and suddenly I’m banging on their door…
So when the good people of GOOD Magazine invited me to contribute to their Neighborhoods issue (April 2010), I wondered if I could take advantage of the format and make something that could be torn out of the magazine and used as a tool. The Neighbor Doorknob Hanger is a simple, double-sided sign that provides a friendly platform for residents in dense quarters to offer and request things at everyone’s convenience. One side says “Please Disturb” and makes space for you to list offerings and choose how you prefer to be contacted – a knock at specific times that are good for you, by phone, or by email. The other side of the doorknob hanger says “Can I borrow?” and provides the same format for requesting things and resources. Think of it as an invitation, a validated request, or a low-tech status update for your door, so we can share more resources without frightening each other at a bad time!
The doorknob hanger was printed on fine card stock in GOOD Magazine in April 2010, but if you missed the issue you can print your own at home with these fine pdf files of side 1 and side 2.
Candy… I always love your ideas! I posted this on Facebook and tagged my neighbor; we are always borrowing and sharing things. And I also agree: I don’t like being surprised, even by phone calls. What a great way to communicate at everyone’s convenience.
Keep posting… and more Finland, please.
Hey Lauren – Thanks! Ha and I have plenty more Finland stories to share. Will do.
I just picked up this issue of Good the other day and loved this piece. By some bizarre twist of fate (maybe?) I came across your blog through Inspiration Lab and was just scrolling through your pretty entries.
Anyway, love your projects ! I will be lurking :D
-b
Hey thanks, good to know how you got here too! And please do lurk ha.
One of the single most practicle contributions in community building. Thank you.
yo, this is beyond Mahtavaa. i’ve printed several of these bastards and have passed along the idea to all my righteous buds. thanks…as usual…for great ideas. also, if you should ever be in need of a stiff martini, you can knock between 5 pm-1 am. word of caution: we do REAL martinis–that is to say, those that are mixed with good gin. out.
Haha I do hope to knock on your door someday.
[...] Candy’s Neighbor Doorknob Hanger is a low-tech means of sharing resources with the people around you, whether offering or requesting. Cut out the card, hang it on your front door, and swap stuff. [...]
I’m considering printing some of these and sliding them through the mail cracks in the doors of my apartment building! :) That way all my neighbors may enjoy your genius idea! :)