Flyposting

Flyposting is the act of placing advertising posters or flyers in illegal places. In the U.S., these posters are known as bandit signs, snipe signs, or street spam.

In most areas, it is illegal to place such posters on private property without the consent of the property owner or on public property without a sign permit from the local government. In contrast, some areas have public bulletin boards where notices may be posted.

It is an advertising tactic mostly used by small businesses promoting concerts and political activist groups, but there have been occasions where international companies subcontracted local advertising agencies for flyposting jobs in order not to get caught in illegal behavior. In 2004 Sony Music and BMG were threatened with anti-social behaviour orders by Camden Borough Council for illegal flyposting [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/3805171.stm BBC NEWS | England | London | Top music chiefs are spared ASBOs ] ] .

Flyposting is commonly seen as a nuisance due to issues with property rights, visual appearance and littering and is a misdemeanor in many countries. In India, the Election Commission has banned this practice, but it continues unabated.

A particularly noteworthy incident of this type occurred in Boston, Massachusetts. In the case of the 2007 Boston Mooninite Scare, advertisers had placed electronic signboards without notifying local authorities, prompting a costly reaction by the Boston Police Bomb Squad when the signs were mistaken for bombs.

ee also

*Wheatpaste
*"Post No Bills"
*Election litter

Notes

External links

* [http://www.victorianlondon.org/advertising/billposting.htm Fly-posting in Victorian London]
* [http://www.causs.org CAUSS]