Holding signs

[gisb0rne]

I never really paid much attention to this until I saw the last "Flight of the Conchords" episode and then I realized that I often see people doing this. What's the deal? The signs are for such stupid crap most of the time. How much do the sign-holders get paid? What kind of work schedule do they run? How would I go about getting a sign-holding job? Do people actually buy the stuff being advertised? Why don't they just have a sign on a board instead of a person holding it (specifically, the person standing outside the apt. complex holding a "Newly rennovated apartments available now!" sign)?