How Craigslist Works

S1170047 Takahide Ishii

Outline of How Craigslist Works

● What is Craigslist.org? ● The Craigslist Network● Craigslist Financials● Craigslist Controversy #1● Craigslist Controversy #2

What is Craigslist.org?

● originally a San Francisco community electronic newsletter

● Craigslist.org 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

The Craigslist Network

● Each craigslist site focuses on a specific community.

● Originally, craigslist only listed classifieds and announcements within San Francisco.

● This service grew in popularity, expanding well beyond founder Craig Newmark's original concept, craigslist added other cities to its network.

Craigslist Financials

● Craigslist started as a pet project but blossomed into a full-fledged company.

● Craigslist 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.

Craigslist Controversy #1

● 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.

Craigslist Controversy #2● Scams might involve fake money orders or

checks, bait-and-switch schemes, phishing schemes designed to obtain personal information, identity theft schemes and other unethical and illegal activities.

● One scam that has popped up in several craigslist communities involves a buyer overpaying for an item.