My backyard pond dig keeps attracting unsolicited advice from passersby

I started digging a small pond near my fence last week. Random people walking their dogs stop to tell me how deep it should be or what liner to use. One guy even argued with me about the best spot for hours. It's my yard, and I just want to finish this without a committee. Now I feel like I'm putting on a show for the whole street.

4 comments

4 Comments

wilson.joseph2mo ago

So now you need a permit from the neighborhood to dig a hole in your own dirt? Why don't you just set up some bleachers and start selling tickets if it's such a public event? Did the guy who argued for hours at least bring you a beer for his terrible free consulting? Maybe put up a fake sign that says 'Pond Expert - $200 per opinion' and watch them all walk faster.

lilya762mo ago

Built a simple fence around my yard when I started digging last summer. It kept the looky-loos out and cut down on the 'helpful' advice by like 90%. Also, I checked the city rules online first and printed out the permit page to show busybodies. Had one guy try to argue, but I just pointed to the fence and went back to work. Your pond expert sign idea is gold, but a physical barrier works faster. Now I get to enjoy my pond in peace without every Tom, Dick, and Harry having an opinion.

evan_green521mo ago

Honestly the phrase "every Tom, Dick, and Harry having an opinion" feels a bit much. Are that many people really stopping by to give you grief over a pond? I get a comment now and then on my projects but it's never been a big deal. Maybe it's just different where you live, but putting up a whole fence and printing out permit pages seems like a lot of work for a few nosy neighbors.

robert4242mo ago

Right, the fence is a solid move for some peace and quiet. Wilson.joseph is onto something with the bleachers idea though. You should just set up a lawn chair and a cash box. Charge five bucks for basic opinions and twenty for an argument about liner depth. At least then you could get paid for putting up with the neighborhood committee.