Graffiti is vandalism, because graffiti is writing a made up name on private property and causing thousands of dollars of damage. Graffiti is all about getting up, it should be about expression and art not fame. If vandals paint about something meaningful instead of scribbling your name with a marker.
Using your marker to do a mad wild hand style is not art its graffiti. Graffiti is vandalism, Graffiti is the mischief art. Etching is graffiti but its costs a shitload so if your going to etch, etch some big fuckin billion dollar company other then a small local shop, unless the owner is a prick then etch the fuck out of his windows. People that say they are about the Art should not be tagging shit, its not art tagging is all about getting up. Same with etching.
The only graffiti there should be is pieces, murals, and throw ups. Everyone says they are in it for painting, or for the art, its all bullshit. Everyone who uses a marker is about getting up. Who are you impressing by scribbling or etch your name on windows. The only way to get up is to paint in the hardest places with the freshest styles.
No one should be painting over other pieces unless there is beef, and a shitload at that. Even if there is beef dont't do a shitty piss ant tag over a massive piece. What JA and Foe did to the Saber roller on the L.A river is sickening. If your going to cover somehing like that you've got to do a roller or a big ass piece to cover it. Every writer should respect writers even if theres beef, writers respect.