Bandit Signs (Street Spam; Vertical Litter; Snipe Signs; Stuff On a Stick or SOS)

Fri Nov 9 03:07:35 UTC 2007

BANDIT SIGNS--27,300 Google hits
STREET SPAM--12,200 Google hits
SNIPE SIGN--1,340 Google hits
VERTICAL LITTER--478 Google hits
STUFF ON A STICK + SIGNS--2,720 Google hits
...
"Bandit signs" is part of the terminology of the recent "Unclutter
Austin" campaign. It appears that the term "street spam" started in
the 1990s in the Dallas area, and that these terms possibly originated
in Texas. IMHO, OED should definitely add "bandit sign." OED should
strongly consider "street spam" and "snipe sign" for its recent
revisions, and HDAS should be interested in "stuff on a stick (SOS)."
...
...
O.T.:
WIKIPEDIA--I can't add my own stuff (anyone else can), but the
Wikipedia sure could use improved entries on Iced Tea (Lebanese Iced
Tea), Tacos (Fish Tacos/Lobster Tacos), Chili (White Chili), Cobb
Salad (Southwestern Cobb), Dirty Rice, and Disco Fries.
GOOGLE BLOGS--This appears to be just as much of a mess as Google
Books. Everything on my blog should be included here. For instance,
this "Bandit Signs" post made Google Blogs immediately. However, my
post on "Dirty Rice" never made Google Blogs. When I check "Bapopik"
and "barrypopik," most of my posts don't show up. Instead, some
"phantom" websites (blog spam sites?) cut pieces of my posts. Google
Blogs is just a mess! Anyone have any opinions on Google Blogs?
...
...
http://www.kxan.com/Global/story.asp?S=7332833&nav=0s3d
City Council Pushes Unclutter Austin Campaign
Posted: Nov 8, 2007 05:07 PM EST
(...)
Illegal signs, such as those known as "bandit signs" seen around town,
would be removed by hired personnel.
Prohibited signs would also include campaign signs placed illegally in
the right of way.
...
...
http://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/texas/entry/bandit_signs_street_spam_vertical_litter_snipe_signs_stuff_on_a_stick_or_so/
...
Entry from November 08, 2007
Bandit Signs (Street Spam; Vertical Litter; Snipe Signs; Stuff On a
Stick or SOS)
"Bandit signs" have been a problem throughout Texas. The "bandit"
signs appear illegally on street poles advertising to repair credit,
sell your house, stop a foreclosure, et al. The terms "bandit sign,"
"snipe sign," "vertical litter," "street spam" and "stuff on a stick"
(SOS) have all appeared in the 1990s.

In 1997, a North Texas-based group called Citizens Against Ugly Street
Spam (CAUSS) was formed to combat the illegal signage. A "sign shark"
is comeone who removes or "takes a bite" out of an illegal sign. CAUSS
now promotes its anti-street spam cause nationwide. "Flyposting"
(below) is a British term for this illegal advertising.

Wikipedia: 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.

History of CAUSS (Citizens Against Ugly Street Spam)
Citizens Against Ugly Street Spam (CAUSS) began in North Texas in
1997. The idea came about when local code enforcement offices
throughout the area became overwhelmed with street spam (bandit signs)
that were tie wrapped to median directional signs or nailed to utility
poles. The web site of http://www.causs.org was started a short time
later to act as a means of communication between the area's sharks
(individuals who remove illegal signs). This communication was vital
in the early stages of CAUSS due to the limited number of
participants. Our goal in the beginning was to eliminate these signs
in twenty-four hours. Our goal now is to ensure the signs never see
the light of day.

CAUSS, like any other organization, was slow at first to catch on.
However, travel requirements allowed several members to spread the
word throughout the country and among friends with similar interests
and concerns. A news article published in the Northwest MetroCrest
News, now part of The Dallas (TX) Morning News, in the summer of 1999
jump-started the movement in North Texas. A Public Awareness Event in
January, 2000 held at one of the busiest intersections in North Dallas
(TX) led to an even greater degree of exposure. Additional TV coverage
helped make the public aware of the movement. There are numerous
articles about the efforts of CAUSS across the nation in the CAUSS in
the News section of the web site.

CAUSS FAQ
Q:  What is Street Spam?
A:  Street Spam is the term for illegal signs along roadways, at
intersections, on traffic signs or utility poles, and even on private
property. Illegal street signs are also called vertical litter, bandit
signs, snipe signs, utility pole advertising and stuff on a stick
(SOS). The signs may advertise local businesses, multilevel marketing
schemes selling weight loss products, health insurance, sample sales,
landscaping services and even pet waste removal services. Some of the
most common spam signs have the come-on Work at Home, Work From Home,
I Lost 30 Pounds in 30 Days, Have a PC, We Buy Houses, Affordable
Health Insurance, Budget Health Plans, and Going Out of Business.

Q:  Is taking down street spam legal?  Are we breaking any laws?
A:  Street spam is no different than the any other litter you see
strewn along the streets. As a citizen of your community you have
every right to pick up trash from the roadside, the right of way or on
traffic signs or utility poles. Once the spammer nails that sign to
the pole or sticks it in the ground it is classified as abandoned
trash and can be removed by anyone who cares enough about the
community to do so.

Q:  Are These Signs Legal?
A:  NO, In most locations ordinances prohibit or restrict the placing
of signs in the public right of way that includes the roadway and
adjacent land. Similarly, signs are prohibited on traffic signs and
utility poles.

Q:  What Is A Sign Shark?
A:  A "sign shark" is anyone who is concerned enough to remove street
spam. The term originated from taking a "bite" out of the sign, or
cutting out the contact information.

High Beam Research
Small builders, big ideas; you don't need a big budget to market creatively.
From: Builder
Date: March 1, 1994
Author: Catalano, Joe

Each month the Company spends $300 putting up bandit signs at a cost
of $6 apiece for its projects along roads leading to the competitions'
...

19 March 1997, San Antonio (TX) Express-News, "Most area homebuilders
agree to truce on signs" by Daniel J. Vargas, Northeast, pg. 1:
After two years of sparring over directional signs, homebuilders and
neighborhood groups recently approved a "gentlemen's agreement'' that
governs when and how builders can place signs along roadsides.

Representatives of both sides say they hope the agreement will be the
basis for a new city ordinance governing the advertisements, which are
called "bandit signs'' by residents who object to them.

29 November 1997, Florida Times Union (Jacksonville, FL), pg. 1:
Billboards and "bandit signs" may be things of the past along Clay
County highways.
(...)
The so-called bandit signs, which include advertisements for small
businesses and the sale of homes, already are prohibited on federal
and state roads.

Google Groups: houston.wanted
Newsgroups: houston.wanted
From: "HP Authorized Customer" <@hypercon.com>
Date: 1998/06/07
Subject: INVESTOR NEEDED

THRIVING BUSINESS GROWING TOO FAST. NEED PARTNER INVESTMENT. IN NW
HOUSTON.  char... at 495signs.com yes. home of the $4.96 bandit sign

E-Commerce Times
The Old Oversell
By Dana Blankenhorn
E-Commerce Times
02/18/99 12:00 AM PT
(...)
In your e-mail client it's spam, and on the street it's those plastic
signs people nail-gun to telephone poles, which I call "street spam."

Google Groups: nyc.general
Newsgroups: nyc.general
From: higg... at netcom.com (John Higgins)
Date: 1999/05/05
Subject: What is "phone block escort service"?

I've seen some snipe signs and grafitt around Times Square bearing the
words "phone block escort service". That's it, no phone numbers,
names, or anything else. What on earth does it mean????

Google Groups: dfw.general
Newsgroups: dfw.general
From: Hank Mishkoff
Date: 1999/08/14
Subject: Sign "bandits"

A couple of months ago, I posted a note here asking if anyone knew who
was responsible for cutting up the signs that various "businesses"
illegally post all over the telephone poles in far north Dallas (and
elsewhere, I assume). Nobody knew much about it—but I just read an
article in the MetroCrest News that explains that it is the work of a
loosely organized group called "Citizens Against Ugly Street Spam"
(CAUSS). If anyone is interested in learning more about them, they
have a website at:  http://www.causs.org/

Google Groups: houston.general
Newsgroups: houston.general
From: lkess... at wt.net (Larry Kessler)
Date: 1999/10/18
Subject: Re: Street Spam

On Sun, 17 Oct 1999 22:05:29 GMT, CAUSS wrote:
>We are a group of citizens who are very active in fighting the problem
>of Commercial Advertising signs nailed to utility poles and stakes stuck
>into the ground throughout our communities.  These signs are not only
>illegal, but they make our neighborhoods look low rent. The people that
>hang these signs are freeloaders, usually promoting low class or bogus
>enterprises such as "Get Rich Working at Home", "Lose Weight Overnight",
>"Cheap Insurance", etc etc.

They're called "bandit signs" and the City of Houston has a squad
devoted solely to pulling them down.  What's your plan?

Google Groups: houston.general
Newsgroups: houston.general
From: lkess... at wt.net (Larry Kessler)
Date: 1999/10/19
Subject: Re: Street Spam

>We'd be interested do know how the city of Houston is engaging in the
>removal of these signs.  On my trips down there I have noticed lots of
>them, even more than Dallas.  We are dedicated to fighting this problem
>all over the country, so let us know how we can help

They have a stake truck and ladders that a crew takes around to the
various street corners where they pop up.  The crew takes down the
signs and tosses them into the truck bed.  The truck has signs on its
rear and sides that say "BANDIT SIGNS" with the universal red circle
and slash-thru on it.  City of Houston's Dept. of Public Works can
probably tell you more about this.

29 December 1999, Dallas (TX) Morning News, "Space Not For Hire:
Mesquite tries to cut illegal sign postings" by Drake Witham:
The holiday season usually brings the traditional binges: food,
parties and good cheer. And illegal signs, of all things.

They advertise everything from Game Boys to handymen, hoping to cash
in on the giving and getting. They are staked at busy intersections
and stapled onto utility poles. City officials call them vertical
litter.

Google Groups: austin.forsale
Newsgroups: austin.forsale
From: jlboers... at aol.com (Jlboerseun)
Date: 18 Apr 2001 03:33:06 GMT
Local: Tues, Apr 17 2001 10:33 pm
Subject: Bandit Signs: I put signs up

If you are in need of a reliable person to put up your companies
bandit signs.  Then I can help you out.  I have been putting signs up
for home builders, etc all over Austin, for the past 5 years.  Please
feel free to contact us by fax (512)292-6121 or call (512) 292-6121
for a free estimate.

Google Grous: news.admin.net-abuse.email
Newsgroups: news.admin.net-abuse.email
From: ai... at unity.ncsu.edu (Wayne Aiken)
Date: 20 Sep 2001 16:53:03 GMT
Local: Thurs, Sep 20 2001 11:53 am
Subject: Re: is http://www.cyberwealth4u.com a spamhaus?

Real-world spam on phone poles and in the road right-of-way is also
illegal in many jurisdictions.  Check http://www.municode.com which
lists the municipal codes for a great many cities and counties in the
USA.  Search for "snipe sign" or "bandit sign".

In most places around the country, you're also perfectly free to take
down this roadside trash yourself.  Check http://www.causs.org for
people who do precisely this.

Google Groups: co.general
Newsgroups: co.general
From: DenverShark
Date: Sat, 10 Nov 2001 11:17:27 -0700
Local: Sat, Nov 10 2001 1:17 pm
Subject: Those ugly street corner "Work at home" signs and CAUSS

An increasing problem, especially in metro Denver, is the
proliferation of street corner signs promoting "Work at Home", "Lose
weight Fast", "29 people wanted to lose weight", and "Affordable
Health Insurance".

These signs are known as street spam, bandit signs, vertical litter,
stuff on a stick (SOS), and utility pole ads. Such signs are an
eyesore and in many cities, placement of these signs is in fact
illegal.

Many individuals have been removing these signs from their
neighborhoods and should be commended for their efforts to keep their
neighborhoods beautiful and street corners safe and unobstructed.

There is a national organization CAUSS - Citizens Against Ugly Street
Spam - dedicated to keeping our corners clean.  See
http://www.causs.org for more information.

8 July 2004, Atlanta (GA) Journal-Constitution, "Illegal Ads: 'Street
Spam' Is City's Sign of Ugliness," editorial, pg. A15:
For the past year, once a week I have awoken in the wee hours of the
morning to troll my neighborhood, searching for and destroying
illegally placed signs that seem to reproduce along our city's streets
and highways. You know the ones I'm referring to because you can't
help but see this "street spam" everyday. They offer to repair credit,
forestall foreclosures, shampoo rugs, and "Buy Your Ugly House." (Are
Viagra promos and penis enlargements next?)

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