Middlesex Bank Scroll Sign Back On

[deemqueen.livejournal.com]

I just noticed today that the Middlesex Bank sign is back on (the one with the orange letters scrolling the headlines). Anybody know what decision took place to allow them to put it back on? I find myself unable to look away when I walk by ... it's like having a permanent CNN scroll in Davis.

Comments

[ron_newman]

Couldn't have been on very long. It was not on when I walked by around 5 pm, nor at 10 pm.

I believe it will be a subject of discussion at the next Davis Square Task Force meeeting on November 28. Someone from the bank (maybe the president?) has been invited to that meeting.

[secretlyironic.livejournal.com]

What was the problem with it?

[ukelele.livejournal.com]

There was a lot of discussion in this community when the sign was first put up -- many people found it distracting and an eyesore, and wondered if it was in violation of zoning regulations. It doesn't bug me but I seem to be in the minority.

[ron_newman]

"Too bright" was the most common complaint. You could see it from Mass. Ave. in Cambridge.

new content

[matthew miller (from livejournal.com)]

Before, they showed a generic (AP, probably) headline feed. Now, they appear to be showing content from the Somerville Journal. So that addresses one major complaint a lot of people had.

I still find it too bright and too fast, but at least it's more relevant to the community than it was before.

Re: new content

[elements.livejournal.com]

I'm not so sure; when I went past it one of the evenings this past week the only thing I noticed on the scroll was something about Pamela Anderson, which would be unlikely to be local. It's nice if they're at least mixing in local news, but I still would rather it would just show useful info like time and weather, and maybe top local headlines, if it has to exist at all.

Re: new content

[an-art-worker.livejournal.com]

I suppose the obvious question is: "what the hell are they thinking?" (i.e. what is the point of such a stupid sign in a stupid place) but no one seems to ask those questions any more.

If they are smart they will arrange with the Somerville Arts council to scroll some poetry past once in a while... (which would also be stupid but buy them some faux creeds for being responsive to the community).

I saw it tonight and I wanted to throw a rock. The bank is not a good neighbor.

Re: new content

[elements.livejournal.com]

I'm definitely still asking it. I'd much prefer the stupid thing never have been built, and I see no reason to allow it to be used simply because it already exists. It's obnoxious, and it detracts from the quality of experience of the square, and it adds nothing useful or relevant in compensation.

I'd almost be Ok with it if it were used for art purposes. I'm thinking of subversive messages/installation art a la Jenny Holzer. That might make it worth having to put up with its otherwise awful aesthetics... sort of.

Re: new content

[ron_newman]

I believe Jenny Holzer did in fact use the Winter Hill Bank sign years ago, when that was still up.

Re: new content

[elements.livejournal.com]

That's really super-awesome. If this sign continues, I'll look into having her exhibit there again. Cos, yeah, *awesome*.

Re: new content

[ron_newman]

Do you know Jenny Holzer personally?

I wish I could find some online confirmation that she used the Winter Hill Bank sign, but I can't find anything in the Globe archives.

Re: new content

[elements.livejournal.com]

No, I don't. But I would go after getting her. I've been a huge huge fan for years. I think some of the art folks at Brandeis know her, I would start there at any rate. She can't be too hard to track down, and if there were some actual mandate - ie from the Arts Council or whatever - to allow the use of the sign, it would be easier to attract her.

Re: new content

[matthew miller (from livejournal.com)]

I assume "I find myself unable to look away when I walk by" is exactly what they were thinking. You might have ignored that building and whatever was in it before -- now you can't!

Re: new content

[an-art-worker.livejournal.com]

Maybe we need to organize some "projection bombing"....

http://www.instructables.com/id/EIDH3WPPZSEPD7QVIA/

[ron_newman]

Last night it was on, but "stuck" -- not scrolling.

[duffless2323.livejournal.com]

The last time I saw it let me know that Copper was down 1 1/4, so it was very useful, I was able to go home and sell all my copper shares.

Thank you scrolling sign!