Flyposting is the act of putting up posters or advertisements illegally in public places. The spelling of "flyposting" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription: /flaɪˌpəʊstɪŋ/. The word consists of two syllables, with the stressed syllable being the first one (/flaɪ/). The vowel sound in the first syllable is the diphthong "ai," while the second syllable has a long "o" sound followed by a "st" cluster (/pəʊstɪŋ/). The spelling "flyposting" correctly represents the pronunciation of the word.
Flyposting is an advertising technique whereby posters and promotional materials are illegally affixed or plastered onto public surfaces, such as walls, lamp posts, telephone booths, or fences, without proper permission or authorization from the relevant authorities. This form of guerrilla marketing is often carried out by individuals or groups, typically for commercial purposes, aiming to increase the visibility of their brands or events.
The term "flyposting" stems from the method used to attach the posters, which usually involves using paste or glue to adhere them to various urban surfaces. Flyposting is considered illegal in many jurisdictions as it violates local regulations and visual pollution laws. Consequently, those caught engaging in flyposting may face fines or other legal repercussions.
The practice of flyposting has garnered both support and criticism within society. Advocates argue that it provides an affordable and effective way for small businesses or independent artists to advertise their offerings to a wide audience. However, opponents argue that flyposting contributes to urban decay, detracts from the aesthetics of public spaces, and is a nuisance to local communities. Additionally, the removal of flyposted materials often incurs costs for local authorities or property owners.
Various urban centers have implemented campaigns to combat flyposting, including regular inspections, fines, and the establishment of designated spaces for legal street advertising.
The word "flyposting" is derived from the combination of two words: "fly" and "posting".
The term "fly" originally comes from the Middle English word "flien" which means "to take wing" or "to soar". Eventually, it evolved into the Old English word "fleogan" which has the same meaning. Over time, "fly" extended its meaning to refer to the act of moving swiftly through the air, which is the essence of flying.
The second part of the word, "posting", is derived from the Middle English word "post" which means "to place" or "to fix". This word developed from the Latin word "postis" meaning "doorpost" or "goalpost".
When these two words are combined, "flyposting" refers to the act of placing or fixing advertising posters or bills on public spaces like walls, street poles, or fences, usually without official permission.