Be careful what you wish for:
There is a string of very explicit photographs here. Some work pretty well, such as the boy in the bubble. I think this one doesn't work well, so I was interested to analyze why.
To say it is explicit is an understatement. The sign is formally framed by the camera to present the sign dead on - screaming - look here! So, I did. But all I found was banal sentiments, and nothing clever, profound, humorous or ironic. The "Before I Die.." hook is great, but nothing of interest grabs the bait. At that point it is far more like a document and far less like a photograph. (There's no play of light and shadow, for instance.)
I do think it was a good photographic instinct though. To make it work better, the photographer might have waited (the sign isn't going anywhere) until someone came into the picture, and perhaps wrote on the board. That would allow plenty of opportunity for a more engaging picture - before, during, or after writing on the board. Or even just looking. The possibilities are then endless. You could even end up with an ambiguous photograph if that was your intent.
