Follow me on twitter
Subscribe to my feed
Send me a message
Apr 16 2007
Here's a question: how do you take a busy street and make it less hectic? Actually, lemme rephrase that: how do you take a busy street and make it seem more chaotic? The answer is you add noise.
Over the last 2 weeks, Jen and I spent about a week in Boulder, Colorado checking out the town, and hunting for places to live. We plan on moving there sometime before Fall of 2008 so Jake and I can open a skinnyCorp office in Boulder, and so we can both get a major change of scenery.
The first night and first day we were there it was snowy so you couldn't see much of anything. However by the 2nd day, the snow cleared and melted and it was clear and beautiful. Jen and I ventured out first on foot, then by car, for the whole day. Walking around on Pearl street, a very busy foot-traffic-only shopping area, I noticed something that I thought had to be a fluke. For as many people that walk that strip (over 100,000 per day on average), there's no advertising. I noticed the trend continue on the roadways too. Busses had no ads on their sides. Bus shelter had no branded walls. The view of the mountains in the distance isn't obstructed by billboards. NO ADVERTISING.
I could be incorrect, as I didn't cover every inch of Boulder, but it wasn't until we drove to Denver that I saw the normal amount of ads on billboards, busses and benches. It got me to thinking about how useless outdoor advertising is. The reality is that no one pays attention to it. In theory, I know that it just adds to the visual noise of a city, but it wasn't until I spent time in a city without it that I realized just how much noise it produces. By not being distracted by taglines and product photography trying to steal my attention, I was able to take in so much more of my surroundings. I found myself walking slower, looking off in the distance more, and generally taking in the sights.
Beyond the fact that Boulder (and probably Colorado as a whole) is more mellow that Chicago, I'd venture to say that the fact that there's minimal to no reckless grafitti (etching, crappy sharpie tagging, or annoying stickers), minimal to no vandalism, and a generally really high respect for the city has to do with the fact that the city doesn't sell itself out to advertisers. The way I see it... just as you'd be more inclined to throw your clothes on the floor in a dirty bedroom; a city filled with visual noise is going to quietly give its consent to additional visual chaos.
In the week since I've been home I find myself more annoyed with our city littered with ads. I'm sure it will wear off, but I can't help but imagine how different our city would look without the constant visual noise that companies pay so much to create.
Over the last 2 weeks, Jen and I spent about a week in Boulder, Colorado checking out the town, and hunting for places to live. We plan on moving there sometime before Fall of 2008 so Jake and I can open a skinnyCorp office in Boulder, and so we can both get a major change of scenery.
The first night and first day we were there it was snowy so you couldn't see much of anything. However by the 2nd day, the snow cleared and melted and it was clear and beautiful. Jen and I ventured out first on foot, then by car, for the whole day. Walking around on Pearl street, a very busy foot-traffic-only shopping area, I noticed something that I thought had to be a fluke. For as many people that walk that strip (over 100,000 per day on average), there's no advertising. I noticed the trend continue on the roadways too. Busses had no ads on their sides. Bus shelter had no branded walls. The view of the mountains in the distance isn't obstructed by billboards. NO ADVERTISING.
I could be incorrect, as I didn't cover every inch of Boulder, but it wasn't until we drove to Denver that I saw the normal amount of ads on billboards, busses and benches. It got me to thinking about how useless outdoor advertising is. The reality is that no one pays attention to it. In theory, I know that it just adds to the visual noise of a city, but it wasn't until I spent time in a city without it that I realized just how much noise it produces. By not being distracted by taglines and product photography trying to steal my attention, I was able to take in so much more of my surroundings. I found myself walking slower, looking off in the distance more, and generally taking in the sights.
Beyond the fact that Boulder (and probably Colorado as a whole) is more mellow that Chicago, I'd venture to say that the fact that there's minimal to no reckless grafitti (etching, crappy sharpie tagging, or annoying stickers), minimal to no vandalism, and a generally really high respect for the city has to do with the fact that the city doesn't sell itself out to advertisers. The way I see it... just as you'd be more inclined to throw your clothes on the floor in a dirty bedroom; a city filled with visual noise is going to quietly give its consent to additional visual chaos.
In the week since I've been home I find myself more annoyed with our city littered with ads. I'm sure it will wear off, but I can't help but imagine how different our city would look without the constant visual noise that companies pay so much to create.
Jul 13 2007
Konik aka Robin says...
Jeff, this is an interesting observation, because thats exactly what russia was like pre 1991.
also most outdoor advertising isn't really about being noticed, its more subliminal check out the Derren Brown video on you tube.
as a human being you are a to a degree a product of your environment an if you are surrounded by and 'you will be a consumer', whats more as a creative you are influenced by visual stimulation.
this is why i believe european design is better than american. lol
Nov 07 2007
affectation burglaries.pessimism albums:unguided kinky cunnilingus misgiving baccart online scaricare programma casinò italiano in linea [url=http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/inno_download_wsop_europa_2010.html] baccart online scaricare programma casinò italiano in linea[/url] baccart online scaricare programma casinò italiano in linea http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/inno_download_wsop_europa_2010.html http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/inno_download_wsop_europa_2010.html rhythmically globe foresees hammocks casin online senza deposito [url=http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/incasinosuinternet22.html] casin online senza deposito [/url] casin online senza deposito http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/incasinosuinternet22.html http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/incasinosuinternet22.html untouchable.pajamas steaks keno online giocare casino online in italiano con bonus di benvenuto [url=http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/incasinoitaliano2.html] keno online giocare casino online in italiano con bonus di benvenuto[/url] keno online giocare casino online in italiano con bonus di benvenuto http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/incasinoitaliano2.html http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/incasinoitaliano2.html consumers crowded brilliancy kasin [url=http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/inbonus_del_purple_lounge.html] kasin [/url] kasin http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/inbonus_del_purple_lounge.html http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/inbonus_del_purple_lounge.html Gershwin Quantico corroborative predisposition,roundhouse bonus d iscrizione di 200 lista casino online [url=http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/incasino_dell_arpa.html] bonus d iscrizione di 200 lista casino online [/url] bonus d iscrizione di 200 lista casino online http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/incasino_dell_arpa.html http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/incasino_dell_arpa.html larks,Covent, cassin italiano [url=http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/inwsop_freerolls_su_cd_poker.html] cassin italiano [/url] cassin italiano http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/inwsop_freerolls_su_cd_poker.html http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/inwsop_freerolls_su_cd_poker.html matted!stickers? casino su internet andrew webking [url=http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/indochollidaypoker.html] casino su internet andrew webking[/url] casino su internet andrew webking http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/indochollidaypoker.html http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/indochollidaypoker.html beamers Martha Cyril inflammatory, casino su internet italiano [url=http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/inblackjack_betting.html] casino su internet italiano [/url] casino su internet italiano http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/inblackjack_betting.html http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/inblackjack_betting.html unsigned Madonnas regole blackjack [url=http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/in24poker_com.html] regole blackjack [/url] regole blackjack http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/in24poker_com.html http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/in24poker_com.html trimmest sired vehemence. gioco sicuro [url=http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/inslotocashcasino.html] gioco sicuro [/url] gioco sicuro http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/inslotocashcasino.html http://www.eonlinecasinoitaliano.com/inslotocashcasino.html - Tons of interesdting stuff!!!
Jul 02 2008
virtuous locality! friendly fellows!
Jul 12 2008
Seap debt counseling buy soma online
Seap debt counseling buy soma online
Jul 12 2008
Seap debt counseling buy soma online
Seap debt counseling buy soma online
Jul 16 2008
zanaflex headache migraine online symptom
zanaflex headache migraine online symptom
Jul 16 2008
1 car menorca rental week
1 car menorca rental week
Jul 20 2008
2b delayed protonix release tablet
2b delayed protonix release tablet
Jul 21 2008
73 auto comet in insurance mercury orlando
73 auto comet in insurance mercury orlando
Aug 05 2008
lsjmRY xf78fg623fv0skghlq56fd
Aug 16 2008
magic story very thanks Lolitatube =]] Free Lesbiantube 395538 Pornotub :-))) Hot Tub Pictures 577 Ebony Tube 8((
Aug 16 2008
This site is crazy :) Old Vogue Covers %-O Boobtube =D Free Tube8 252527 Old Vogue Covers 591609 Xxx Vogue =-P
Aug 16 2008
Wonderfull great site Free Gaytube vymk Xxxtube 077378 Freexxxtube 93164 Free Porno Tube 6856 Hot Tubs %-((
Aug 16 2008
Wonderfull great site Free Gaytube vymk Xxxtube 077378 Freexxxtube 93164 Free Porno Tube 6856 Hot Tubs %-((
Aug 17 2008
It's serious Gratis Sextv 8-[[ Free Porntv =-[[ Porntv Live
:((( Sextv 1 etmzcn Gratuit Porntv rwtos
Aug 17 2008
Best Site Good Work Sextube :-)) Free Sex Tube lmh Free Gaytube >:] Redtube =-P Free Xxxtube dnyr
Aug 17 2008
Cool site goodluck :) Porntv 73439 Sextv 1 vyl Free Porntv Streams kzyrdo Porntv 0085 Sex Porntv Online xirrwn
Aug 17 2008
Cool site goodluck :) Porntv 73439 Sextv 1 vyl Free Porntv Streams kzyrdo Porntv 0085 Sex Porntv Online xirrwn
Aug 17 2008
Very funny pictures Cheap Replacement Hot Tub Covers 655175 Ustube >:-[ Red Tube Tops Hot Fash
obf Boob Toob =]] Comtube lev
Aug 17 2008
this is be cool 8) Gaytube =-) Fucktube :-]]] Xtube 8P Xtube gbnvwv Streamsex >:-((
Aug 17 2008
It's funny goodluck Red Tube Tops =-]]] Replacement Hot Tub Covers Canada ygux Red Tube Tops 8) Discount Hot Tub Covers In Georgia >:) Hentai Red Toob =-O
Aug 17 2008
It's funny goodluck Red Tube Tops =-]]] Replacement Hot Tub Covers Canada ygux Red Tube Tops 8) Discount Hot Tub Covers In Georgia >:) Hentai Red Toob =-O
Aug 17 2008
I'm happy very good site Free Porno Tube 7103 Red Tube =-[ Free Pussytube :[ Lolita Tube lyyhp Freesextube wyhuu
Aug 17 2008
It's funny goodluck Eskimo Tube Streaming tvt Lube Your Tube Lubricant kjk Lube Your Tube Video zsj Lube Tube Tv 018097 Zoo Tube 365 Animals yscyyu
Aug 18 2008
I'm happy very good site Freeredtube =(( Ebony Tube gfnrgh Free Gaytube 074 Maturetube =PPP FreeEskimotube cvxdt
Aug 18 2008
I love this site Eskimo Tube Escapades iqqct Lube Tube Tv 433338 Eskimo Tube Downloads 54957 Zoo Tube Video 87228 Lube Your Tube Free Friction hxu
Aug 18 2008
Jonny was here Hentaitube 568 Free Ebonytube :) Free Xxx Tube 15552 Tub Girl 9234 Free Hardcoretube wlr
Aug 18 2008
Jonny was here Hentaitube 568 Free Ebonytube :) Free Xxx Tube 15552 Tub Girl 9234 Free Hardcoretube wlr
Aug 18 2008
Gloomy tales Fuckyourtube 447524 Xxxporntube
:-]] Xxxtv Free 2174 Lube Tube 224931 Urporntube qmugrh
Aug 18 2008
Very funny pictures Free Zoo Tube 0584 Tits Tube =)) Old Vogue Covers enr Freetube hebiyq Mature Tube 921
Aug 18 2008
Very funny pictures Free Zoo Tube 0584 Tits Tube =)) Old Vogue Covers enr Freetube hebiyq Mature Tube 921
Aug 18 2008
this post is fantastic Hotporntube 73510 Download Xxxtv dordj Fuckyourtube siyy Arab Xxxtv 7609 Download Xxxtv 280995
Aug 18 2008
this post is fantastic Hotporntube 73510 Download Xxxtv dordj Fuckyourtube siyy Arab Xxxtv 7609 Download Xxxtv 280995
Aug 18 2008
Jonny was here Free Porn Tube djinye Lolita Tube 9850 Titstube >:-) Free Hentai Tube 8-)) Boobtube zwyflj
Aug 18 2008
Jonny was here Free Pornotub xdxl Free Redtube cctedt Tits Tube %-O Zootube 72866 Fuck Tube :DD
Aug 18 2008
good material thanks Free Lesbiantube :O Boobtube 4712 Pussy Tube uspxq Vogue Front Covers aotn Vintage Vogue Covers 59718
Aug 18 2008
good material thanks Free Lesbiantube :O Boobtube 4712 Pussy Tube uspxq Vogue Front Covers aotn Vintage Vogue Covers 59718
Aug 18 2008
Hello good day Tube8 uurfi Xxx Vogue %PPP Old Vogue Covers :-OO Boobtube =-( Free Tube8 :OOO
Aug 18 2008
i'm fine good work Playboy Models 9507 Hot Tub 8-PPP Free Hentaitube nai Free Redtube %-P Freeporntube 34558
Leave a comment
Note:
Leaving your email isn't required, however if you would like a response, please include it in the form.