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Why the Negative Sign?

Camping Prohibited

One question I have for the Department of Environmental Conservation, is why is almost all signs that they post phrased in the negative? Why emphasize what is prohibited, rather then what is allowed?

Couldn’t the DEC just have said:

HELP PRESERVE OUR FOREST!

Please camp more then 150 ft from trails, streams, roadways, except at designated locations. It’s the law!

That message is so much more friendly.

Federal Government vs State Government Signs.

And compare these two signs with the same message — one federal (Allegany National Forest) and one state (Black Dome Wilderness):

Foot Trail Only

Enough Snow to Ski

…Same message, only one is sounds nicer.