This is where it started. The CAUSS site is still active, although the forum is down.
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Street spam, sign sharks and the sheer joy of litter removal.
Here’s a far too common scene around town.
No doubt you've grimaced at the many "Buys Houses" signs, both on utility poles and in medians or along city streets. The circus posters were put up in September, and many still can be seen, rotting, where they were stapled.
These are examples of "street spam."
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.
The preceding definition comes from the FAQ section of the Citizens Against Ugly Street Spam web site.
Until reading the CAUSS FAQ, I wasn't aware that I'm a "sign shark." During city walks, "street spam" has a way of coming off in my hands. As noted by CAUSS, illegal signage (exceptions being legitimate realtor's signs and the like) is nothing more than litter -- and who doesn't believe in picking up litter?
For a similar perspective, and abundant photographic evidence of the targets as identified by these and various other like-minded campaigns, visit
Anyone for a "sign shark" roaming walk some afternoon?
2 comments:
We have street spam here too. So, sign sharking in broad daylight. If I can grab them and carry them off, I do it. Last time I made a significant sweep and got all the low hanging fruit as if it were. That left six nailed up high and I called code enforcement and they went away in a few weeks.
Haven't gone to removing them off way up high off the utility poles myself yet. Do I ask for forgiveness from the local authorities or just do it?
Anyway. much appreciation in keeping your city clean. Trying to do the same for mine.
I'm still active in removal, although the city has gotten somewhat better in recent years being pro-active. This seems to have discouraged the worst offenders even if the city insists on retaining signs at the street department for lawbreakers who want them back. I still have my same hook screwed into a broomstick, which usually brings down the high riders with a flick of the wrist. I throw them away. After all, they're illegal to begin with, and we shouldn't be coddling vandals.
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