How Craigslist Works

1. How Craigslist Works
1. Introduction
2. The Craigslist Network
3. Craigslist Financials
4. Craigslist Controversy
5. More Links

2. 1. Introduction
Craigslist.org, originally a San Francisco community
electronic newsletter, is now one of the most visited
English language Web sites, with local classifieds for
more than 450 cities worldwide. The site's main
function is to host classified ads that cover practically
every category you can think of, including housing, job
postings, items for sale, services and personals.

3. 2. The Craigslist Network
Each craigslist site focuses on a specific community.
Originally, craigslist only listed classifieds and
announcements within San Francisco. As the service
grew in popularity, expanding well beyond founder
Craig Newmark's original concept, craigslist added
other cities to its network.
Today, more than 450 cities
have a craigslist community
site.

4. 3. Craigslist Financials
Craigslist started as a pet project but blossomed
into a full-fledged company. In 1999, craigslist
incorporated as a for-profit organization. The
company also purchased the domain
craigslist.com to prevent anyone from buying it
and misleading craigslist members. Each year
since then, craigslist has expanded to cover more
cities and communities, becoming a powerful
financial force in the process.

5. 4. Craigslist Controversy
One of the biggest challenges for the craigslist
community is weeding out scam artists. The site
has a section describing common scam tactics and
what users should do if they come across them.
One scam that has popped up in several craigslist
communities involves a buyer overpaying for an
item. The scam artist has his money, and the
innocent seller takes the blame.

6. 5. More Links
How Internet Infrastructure Works
( http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet-infrastructure.htm )
How eBay Works
( http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ebay.htm )
How Blogs Work
( http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet/social-
networking/information/blog.htm )