# Can somebody explain Craigslist to me? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 3, 2010, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486 "2010-09-03T13:55:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486/1 "2010-09-03T13:55:45Z")
Their “support” sucks and refuse to answer my questions with anything other than vague generalities… I have jobs to offer - legitimate jobs: part time, full time, career positions. My company is based in San Antonio, TX but the jobs are all over the place… North Carolina, Illinois, etc. (as I’m in door-direct distribution, I mostly use C/L for the part-time positions) So I have the following ad… the first time I posted it to E. NC, General Labor, it was flagged in 10 minutes. The second time I posted it, I posted it to part-time jobs… and the thing never, ever appeared _except_ for the direct link that I was sent. It is NOT showing up in the listings. > [@](#): > > Distribution Personnel Needed! > > Earn Extra Money! \ is beginning a weekly distribution program to residents in the Goldsboro and Mount Olive areas, this program starting mid-late of October. > > Duties include: Pick up product and bags every Friday, bag product, deliver product by placing on door handle to all residents in your route during the delivery period (Saturday and Sunday), report any delivery issues to Manager. Delivery occurs during the weekend – there are no weekday delivery routes. > > You will go through a short orientation class where you will learn about the distribution process and pick your route. As this is a weekly program, once you select a route and deliver it satisfactorily, the route is yours until you give it up. > > Resumes are not required for this position. The perfect candidates are people who want to earn a little extra money a week and can dedicate 3-6 hours (depending on route) walking door to door delivering the product (product gets delivered to the door, not to the mailbox or dropped in the driveway). Great for families, church groups, other fundraisers, and people with distribution experience. You can see this ad here: [http://eastnc.craigslist.org/lab/1934295732.html](http://eastnc.craigslist.org/lab/1934295732.html) But not here: [http://eastnc.craigslist.org/lab/](http://eastnc.craigslist.org/lab/) Essentially, the questions are… 1. Why would the above be flagged and dropped from the listings? What about my ad makes it worse than, say, > [@](#): > > Moving and I need help unloading truck on Saturday afternoon 09/04/2010 I need a couple strong men to help unload truck I will pay 12.00 hr and It should not take over 3 hrs to load mostley boxes and 4 beds table and chairs and 4 big chairs and a deep freezer and a couple small dressers. or… > [@](#): > > Full Time Temporary Help needed. > > Must be able to: > > Present a Valid ID > Able to pass Nationwide Background Check > Able to lift 75 lbs > Clean and Neat > Provide own transportation > > Work Description: > > Move furniture, unpack and place new furniture. Heavy lifting is involved for most of the job. Pay is dependent on level of experience. Pay period runs every two weeks. Position will last anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. There maybe a need for future projects depending on contract. Own tools is a plus. Please send an email with your experience and contact information to set up an interview. Work starts third week of September. (I don’t even know what “full-time temporary help” is, but that’s beyond the issue). 1. Does anybody else have this experience? And don’t bother responding with “if you have this sort of trouble, don’t use C/L” because the fact is that when an ad actually sticks, the site is amazingly effective in getting responses _fast_. What am I missing here? It can’t be that I’m representing a corporation, 'cause you see ads like this ([http://eastnc.craigslist.org/lab/1931502579.html](http://eastnc.craigslist.org/lab/1931502579.html)) all the time. IMHO, Craigslist is the worst piece of software since AOL 5.0… and AOL 5.0 _sucked_. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486/2 "2010-09-03T14:00:13Z")
Of course, after I posted the above, the ad actually appeared. Well, we’ll see if it stays or gets removed. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486/3 "2010-09-03T14:24:35Z")
I dunno, but anytime I see “Earn Extra Money!” or variations thereon I automatically think _scam._ ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486/4 "2010-09-03T14:35:41Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > IMHO, Craigslist is the worst piece of software since AOL 5.0… and AOL 5.0 _sucked_. But Craigslist is free, right? (at least the “for sale” ads I have successfully used are free) ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486/5 "2010-09-03T14:42:12Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > I dunno, but anytime I see “Earn Extra Money!” or variations thereon I automatically think _scam._ Yup. Either “scam” or “spam”. Model your post after the ads that aren’t being flagged. ---
**Author:** ![steronz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steronz/32/11765_2.png) [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486/6 "2010-09-03T14:46:40Z")
There’s a small delay (usually 5-10 minutes) between the time you publish your posts and when they show up in searches. They should really mention that somewhere, as the first time it happens it’s really disconcerting (as you found out). There’s usually not a delay when you delete a post, though, so that’s nice. If your post is removed or deleted for some reason, the direct link stops working, and usually explains why the post was deleted. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486/7 "2010-09-03T15:33:04Z")
Yeah, your ad looks really scammy. ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486/8 "2010-09-03T15:40:17Z")
Exclamation points are a big no-no. ---
**Author:** ![Notchimine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/bcef8e/32.png) [@Notchimine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Notchimine)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486/9 "2010-09-03T15:46:10Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > I dunno, but anytime I see “Earn Extra Money!” or variations thereon I automatically think _scam._ Right. People are desperate for jobs and anything that doesn’t seem legit will get flagged off and fast. I believe CL employment ads stick if they say the name of the company and the exact pay rate. Also, only local companies can advertise. Everything else goes. Since it is a community moderated site, the community doesn’t like his ad so it really isn’t about CL, it is about his neighbors thinking his opportunity is a scam. ---
**Author:** ![Markxxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5daacb/32.png) [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486/10 "2010-09-03T18:14:24Z")
If you need help figuring out why the ad was flagged go to the city where you posted it. Look in the lower left hand corner. You will see a section marked “discussion forums” Then look for the forum marked “help.” Then ask there why your ad was flagged. ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486/11 "2010-09-03T18:57:51Z")
> [@steronz](#): > > There’s a small delay (usually 5-10 minutes) between the time you publish your posts and when they show up in searches. They should really mention that somewhere, as the first time it happens it’s really disconcerting (as you found out). I seem to recall that when posting an ad, it _does_ tell you that there will be a delay. ---
**Author:** ![GrandWino](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grandwino/32/67_2.png) [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486/12 "2010-09-03T19:55:54Z")
Aren’t they charging now for employment ads? They were going to start that awhile ago but I don’t know if it’s in all markets. It was to keep spammers and scammers away. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486/13 "2010-09-03T20:28:41Z")
> [@steronz](#): > > There’s a small delay (usually 5-10 minutes) between the time you publish your posts and when they show up in searches. They should really mention that somewhere, as the first time it happens it’s really disconcerting (as you found out). There’s usually not a delay when you delete a post, though, so that’s nice. > > If your post is removed or deleted for some reason, the direct link stops working, and usually explains why the post was deleted. Actually, what usually happens is that the thing is removed, no email, and the direct link says “This post was flagged for removal…”, gives 4 reasons (none of them applicable) as to why it was possibly removed, then says if I have any more questions I can discuss it at the “help forums”… which, in my experience, is a contradiction in terms. The other option, just as likely, is that the post just… never… shows… up… in the category listings. I have a number of direct links to ads that work, but you’ll never see it in the actual category. The last option, least likely, is that the thing will work as advertised. For example, the above post actually worked (after I typed the OP, of course :rolleyes: ) and I already have 35 responses. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486/14 "2010-09-03T20:34:20Z")
> [@Zsofia](#): > > Yeah, your ad looks really scammy. But why? That’s the actual position and the tasks involved in doing it - I need people to door-deliver weekly newspapers. And when delivering newspapers, you pick them up, deliver them for about 3-5 hours, then get paid. I put that info in so I don’t get responses from people who think they’re getting a full-time job, people who can’t drive/walk, people who can’t work weekends, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Scud](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f08c70/32.png) [@Tom\_Scud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Scud)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486/15 "2010-09-03T20:36:53Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > > [@Zsofia](#): > > > > Yeah, your ad looks really scammy. > > But why? Exclamation points! and the lack of specific information about the pay rates, mainly. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486/16 "2010-09-03T20:38:23Z")
> [@Notchimine](#): > > > [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > > > I dunno, but anytime I see “Earn Extra Money!” or variations thereon I automatically think _scam._ > > Right. People are desperate for jobs and anything that doesn’t seem legit will get flagged off and fast. > > I believe CL employment ads stick if they say the name of the company and the exact pay rate. Also, only local companies can advertise. Everything else goes. Since it is a community moderated site, the community doesn’t like his ad so it really isn’t about CL, it is about his neighbors thinking his opportunity is a scam. The pay rate is mentioned in the ad, but not quoted above as I only entered the body of the ad, not the position/location/compensation field info. And the company’s name is on the ad, and anybody who gave a shiite could Google it, go to our website, check our SEC filings, whatever. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486/17 "2010-09-03T20:39:47Z")
> [@Tom\_Scud](#): > > > [@JohnT](#): > > > > But why? > > Exclamation points! and the lack of specific information about the pay rates, mainly. Gotcha. Remove exclamation points. As I mentioned in our X-post, the pay information is included in the compensation field, but not quoted above. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486/18 "2010-09-03T20:41:22Z")
> [@Bob Ducca](#): > > Aren’t they charging now for employment ads? They were going to start that awhile ago but I don’t know if it’s in all markets. It was to keep spammers and scammers away. Yeah, they do in a number of markets (like Austin, TX). It’s really fun when you shell out $25+ for an ad, only to have the thing _completely disappear_. :rolleyes: And good luck in trying to get the charges reversed. Don’t even bother dealing with C/L - just take it to your credit card company. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486/19 "2010-09-03T20:45:18Z")
> [@Markxxx](#): > > If you need help figuring out why the ad was flagged go to the city where you posted it. Look in the lower left hand corner. You will see a section marked “discussion forums” Then look for the forum marked “help.” > > Then ask there why your ad was flagged. C/L’s “help forums” are absolutely no help whatsover. I get quoted the TOS, and when I ask questions they say such vague things as “well, something about your post got it flagged.” “What about it got it flagged?” “I don’t know.” (The above info about exclamation points is more help than I ever received from C/L forum “support”). I got into a pissing match with somebody in Minneapolis after I made the (likely accurate observation) that Craigslist doesn’t seem to have a problem posting ads for pimps and whores but seems to have a big problem posting ads for legitimate jobs. Honestly, the idiot who owns it either a. Needs to sell it to somebody who gives a shit b. Needs to hire some professional web designers ---
**Author:** ![Giraffe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giraffe/32/129_2.png) [@Giraffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giraffe)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2010, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486/20 "2010-09-03T20:46:27Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > > [@Zsofia](#): > > > > Yeah, your ad looks really scammy. > > But why? That’s the actual position and the tasks involved in doing it - I need people to door-deliver weekly newspapers. And when delivering newspapers, you pick them up, deliver them for about 3-5 hours, then get paid. It doesn’t matter why – the ad is simply too similar to ads for MLM or other sales schemes where they want to get you in the door before you find out you have to pay them for all your supplies up front. It won’t take much editing to make it look legit, though. Try this (fill in everything in \<\> brackets): > [@](#): > > Part Time \ Delivery Positions Available > > \ is beginning a weekly distribution program to residents in the Goldsboro and Mount Olive areas starting mid-late October, and is seeking reliable individuals who want to earn a little extra money a week and can dedicate 3-6 hours (depending on route) walking door to door delivering the product (product gets delivered to the door, not to the mailbox or dropped in the driveway). > > Pay: \<$X per day/delivery/whatever\> > > Duties include: Pick up product and bags every Friday, bag product, deliver product by placing on door handle to all residents in your route during the delivery period (Saturday and Sunday), report any delivery issues to Manager. Delivery occurs during the weekend – there are no weekday delivery routes. > > You will go through a short orientation class where you will learn about the distribution process and pick your route. As this is a weekly program, once you select a route and deliver it satisfactorily, the route is yours until you give it up. > > Resumes are not required for this position, but prior distribution experience is a plus. Please contact \ to apply. I’d be very surprised if this ad got flagged. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-craigslist-to-me/552486.md?page=2)