27 Apr 2001
IBM is facing a fine or community service for spray-painting graffiti on dozens of San Francisco streets in a stunt to promote its servers.
From the historic hippie crossroads at Haight and Ashbury to hi-tech centre South of Market, Big Blue sprayed peace symbols, hearts and smiling Linux penguins on sidewalks.
But city officials, already burdened with their fair share of graffiti, were not impressed with IBM's attempt to shed its stuffy image.
"It is in violation of a city ordinance," said Alex Mamak, director of public affairs for the Department of Public Works. His office called IBM to tell the company to scrub the signs off or face a fine of $500 or community service.
"It's part of our Love, Peace & Linux campaign launched last month," a Big Blue spokeswoman said. She added that the signs were made from biodegradable chalk.
IBM UK said it had no intention of painting the streets of London.
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