Please believe me, local businesses, when I say that this comes from a place of love. I understand that we are in the middle of a very hostile economy for retailers. I know that businesses are closing left and right. And I know that you mean well. But please note that putting a sign on your door or front window that says some variation of the following...

If you love this store, please buy something!

...reeks of desperation and doesn't make people want to patronize your business. I've seen four or five of these signs popping up over the last few weeks. You can't guilt people into keeping you in business. Please take the sign down. It's not helping.