2. Introduction to How Craigslist
Works I
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. Introduction to How Craigslist
Works II
Most ads include the member's e-
mail address. Craigslist offers
a function that masks e-mail so
that members don't have to worry
about their address being openly
available. All transactions are
between the person who posted
the ad and the person responding
to it.
4. 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.
5. Craigslist Financials I
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.
6. Craigslist Financials II
Newmark and Buckmaster strive to
keep craigslist a service-based
company focused on online
communities. They have refused
offers to sell the company for a
huge profit.The site earns
revenue by setting fees for job
postings in a few cities and for
apartment listings in New York
City.
7. 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.
