Is Microsoft Vandalizing City Sidewalks to...

Residents in San Francisco's Bay area are finding the handiwork of Microsoft or their advertising partners stenciled on sidewalks in front of homes and businesses. The graffiti advertises the Windows 7 phone and Windows sponsored concerts has been found on New York sidewalks as well. According to NBC Bay Area, the sprayed advertisements that encourage viewers to "Like" Microsoft's Facebook page don't wash off easily and are in violation of the law. Christine Falvey, director of communications for San Francisco's Department of Public Works, told Mission Local that, "There was no permit issued for this, because itâ€™s not legal."

This is not the first time Microsoft Â has been accused of muddying the view. In 2002 they took some heat in NYC for glueing advertisements to infrastructure.Â You have to wonder why a company of such size would resort to something as tacky sidewalk graffiti to promote their products or events. Granted, they will probably only have to clean up the graffiti or pay small fines, but don't they care about their reputation? Here's a thumbs down for corporate vandals.