{
  "id": 3753531,
  "title": "Businesses Go Viral for Making Signs Without AI",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/businesses-go-viral-for-making-signs-without-ai",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-27T14:34:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "404 Media",
    "slug": "404-media",
    "url": "https://www.404media.co/businesses-go-viral-for-making-signs-without-ai/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In July, a phenomenon dubbed the \"ChatGPT flyer pandemic\" was reported, wherein numerous businesses across various industries began using AI-generated posters for their advertising, resulting in a flood of identical-looking promotional material. Coffee shops, surf lesson instructors, guitar stores, bars, and even libraries were among those participating in this trend. Unfortunately, the majority of these AI-generated posters were deemed unappealing and subpar. Consequently, businesses and organizations have now adopted a counter-trend: they are proudly displaying crudely drawn signs that openly declare their refusal to use AI in their marketing efforts.\n\nThese \"anti-AI\" signs have garnered significant attention and positive reactions, particularly on social media platforms like Instagram. A sample of such signs includes a pencil-written message on a piece of lined paper, depicting two stick figures smiling with the text \"I will come to this event.\" Another post features a bar's employees holding a clipboard with a handwritten note stating, \"We will NOT be using any AI post to promote the following...\". The same applies to a library's cardboard sign, bearing the message, \"We will not be using AI to create content.\" Additionally, a café showcased several photos of someone holding a paper sign reading, \"We will not be using any AI posters to promote ourselves. Instead, I will be using this paper and marker pen.\" The cafe's sign also included the phrase, \"the pancakes are really, really GOOD!\"\n\nOne of the individuals behind this anti-AI marketing movement is Rachel Karten, who works as a writer for the Link In Bio newsletter. Karten shared additional examples of these anti-AI signs with her readers. The trend appears to be short-lived, but those who embrace it can potentially gain popularity before it fades away.",
  "summary": "In the wake of the ChatGPT flyer pandemic, some businesses are differentiating themselves by making signs the old school way.",
  "key_points": [
    "\"ChatGPT flyer pandemic\" saw businesses using AI-generated posters.",
    "Anti-AI signs displaying refusal to use AI in marketing gained attention.",
    "Trend embraced by Rachel Karten, writer for Link In Bio newsletter."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}