Message centers make a statement about your propert
It may seem old-fashioned, but message centers still serve a strong purpose today. We're talking about the covered outdoor bulletin boards you see at parks, homeowners' associations, schools, shopping centers, golf courses and generally any venue or location involving the public.
Message centers serve many functions. If they are placed strategically along a popular walking area where people pass by, they will get read.
That is why it is key to use a message center that does not look worn, splintered, filled with old postings, covered with dead bugs or looking as if it is about to topple over.
The product is a simple design. But an inferior message center can send so many negative messages about an entity whether it is a park, HOA, school, etc.
That message really has nothing to do with what is actually written and posted. It's the appearance of the message centers that says everything about an organization - in a subliminal way.
For example, if you display vibrant message centers with clear, unbroken glass in a bright frame, you are communicating that the organization that installed these outdoor bulletin boards is on the ball. They take pride in their community or location.
If you use message centers made with recycled plastic, you are sending out another message that this organization is environmentally-minded and doing what it can to save the planet. (Note: a sign made with quality recycled plastic will last much longer than a wooden one. The plastic, if it is from a reputable manufacturer, will not rot, splinter or fade. It won't have to be repainted or replaced on a regular basis).
Common items posted on message centers
Here are some typical postings:
- Meeting agendas (for HOA's for example, those notices are required by law)
- Rules and regulations
- Maps
- Historical information
- Upcoming events
- Contact information (especially emergencies)
- Notices of dangerous areas or situations (e.g. where to go when lightning is present)
- Lost cats, dogs or other lost items
- Rewards for information on vandalism, thefts
- Yard sales
- Etc.
With message centers, it's important that the posting of bulletins are controlled and reviewed first. Write and post a policy. You don't want someone to post offensive messages or think a bulletin board is a place to rant and rave. You have the Internet for that.
Another great aspect of quality message centers is that you can get creative with them. For schools, that's easy. Just run a contest or a group project and have the kids create some colorful postings. If you are on the board of an HOA, find someone in the community who is talented and have them draw some artsy signs.
Why make the message plain when you can make it interesting and upbeat? This also sends another, positive subliminal impression about your organization.
And finally, in this era of litigation, you want to make sure your organization is covering itself by regularly posting all important information. Take a picture of each posting and store it securely online. If someone claims, "Hey, I never knew about this or that," you have evidence to show the information was prominently posted in a public area.
Sure, this is the era of websites, forums, emails and text messages. But when you have an area where people are walking about, one of the first things they will be attracted to is that information box on the side of the walkway. Send a positive message by displaying the right message centers before they even read one word.
To see a variety of message centers and outdoor bulletin boards click here.
Here are some common rules used by HOA's for postings on message centers.