2. Introduction to
How Craigslist Works
Craigslist users act like the site's
watchdogs by monitoring the content that
gets posted. Users flag posts to draw
attention to those that are particularly
interesting and those that detract from the
site. The tags that can be applied to posts
are best of craigslist (a funny or effective
post), miscategorized (a post placed in the
wrong section of the site), spam/overpost (a
generic post or one that has been posted
multiple times) and prohibited (a post that
directly violates the site's terms of use).
3. The Craigslist Network
Today, more than 450 cities have a
craigslist community site. Because community
members largely moderate the sites,
craigslist employees can focus their
attention on coordinating transactions for
job and housing posts, helping members
troubleshoot problems and responding to
reports of abuse or illegal behavior.
Without communal moderation, the craigslist
staff would be severely overworked.
4. The craigslist
welcome page
displays the
different search
categories and
communities.
Craigslist founder
Craig Newmark with
CEO Jim Buckmaster
5. Craigslist Financials
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. Many of their decisions fly in the
face of traditional business strategies, but
Newmark has said that keeping the communal
culture of craigslist intact is more
important than making enormous profits.
6. Craigslist Controversy
The terms of use on craigslist make it clear
that the site has nothing to do with the
content users post, that it will work with
authorities in cases involving illegal
activity and that violating the site's terms
can result in stiff fines. Users posting to
craigslist must first click on a button that
says they understand and accept the terms of
use. Even so, when members use the site for
illegal or unethical purposes, some people
try to hold craigslist responsible.
