It’s not just Craigslist, it’s life today in the good ol’ US of A. And I agree, it’s both maddening and saddening. As a landlord, I’ve learned to always book two showings back to back, because that way there’s at least a hope that one person will show up. And have you tried to call contractors lately?
Part of it is manners, but another part of it is competence at dealing with the ordinary business of life. There’s a frighteningly large population out there that just can’t manage.
As a total sidetrack, I can totally feel for you. I’m still struggling on that front myself - I never learned all the intricacies and etiquette of just dealing with people. My parents are total hippies, and business was never really discussed at all. I count myself lucky that I at least learned basic consideration for others, but I think a lot of my peers had parents reluctant to discuss money/business matters, and so don’t have any good role models. Furthermore, I’m upper-middle-class enough that I had like one job in high school, and really didn’t start dealing with this shit until mebbe two years ago. So, on behalf of all the clueless twenty-somethings, I’m sorry. I promise, I’ve learned to respond to all my craigslist emails.