Sarah , i suppose it is a sneaky way of canvassing in a way , i try to work it so that at dinner time im in a different place , just park the van where most of the people can see it clearly , and eat away !
Another way i have found to get people is to work saturdays , i dont like doing it but you would be surprised how many people i have gotten from it , i like to get in the back of the van , run off some water , and faff around with my TDS meter in full view of people , shaking it like a thermometer and holding it up to the sun ! , it makes me look like a loon but its amazing how many nosey neighbours come out and ask what you are doing .
Rich P @ F