I spend a lot of time on Craigslist. It fascinates me.
I sold my piano on Craigslist. We gave away our kids’ old-dilapidated-please-get-that-eyesore-out-of-my-yard-right-this-very-minute-now playset on Craigslist. I’ve even looked for a job on Craigslist – it’s the best place to find work locally that requires a 4-year degree and 5 years work experience for $12 an hour. (Um… I’ll take a pass on that, thanks!)
Recently we were looking for a new car on Craig’s List. Or rather a used car. Yes, for the second time in less than three years my car was totaled (not my fault – it was parked) and we had the super-fun task of using too-little insurance money to purchase a new used vehicle. Yay us!
You would not believe the photos people post trying to sell their cars. It shouldn’t take a marketing genius to figure out that pictures like this aren’t going to do you any favors:





I’m no great photographer, but people, please, at least put in a bit of effort!
Of course it’s not just the used car section of Craigslist that fascinates me. Oh no! There are so many other wonders to be found. For example: I noticed a Health and Beauty section of Craigslist and wondered what people would sell there. There are curling irons, little-used infomerical purchases (P90X or Ab Rocket Twister anyone?), wigs and wheelchairs for sale. And then I saw this:

MiMi by Je Joue “personal massager” – $60 (Ventura)
“The one I have is black. Very little use. Clean/sanitized. This holds a charge for 2 hours; will likely need some charging before use. Comes in original box for safe keeping.”
Uh….
A “personal massager” that has has had “very little use?!” Hells to the no people! I don’t care how much rubbing alcohol you dump that thing in – that is a NO SALE! (Though, holds a charge for two hours… hmmmm….)
And if you weren’t skeeved out already – let’s head over to the Craigslist Free Section shall we?

How about:

Yes, that says two large containers with at least 6 gallons of peanut oil that was used to fry turkey! When it comes to reuse and recycle I definitely walk the walk. Washing out Ziploc bags for reuse? Check. Reusing wax cereal bags for sandwiches? Yeppers. Using someone else’s old peanut oil?! Nope.com. In fact I don’t even reuse my own cooking oil. Look, if you’re that into saving the earth (and I thank you for that) call up the people at usedcookingoil.org and schedule a pick-up.
You can always count on the Free Section of Craigslist to have a nice Curb Alert going. What’s a curb alert? It’s just what it sounds like – when people throw stuff out on their curb and alert the world via a Craigslist post. Saturday afternoons after yard sales are primo times for curb alerts. (I’ve never actually gotten anything from a curb alert, but they intrigue me.)
ANTIQUE* curb alert FURNITURE

“Pieces from 70’s, 80’s, and possibly earlier 20th century furnishings to bring a unique atmosphere to any home. Some pieces have damaged fabric. All furniture should be sterilized by a professional before use.”
All furniture should be sterilized by a professional before use?! Not just cleaned, but STERILIZED? BY A PROFESSIONAL!!! Even the wooden rocking chair? What in God’s name has been going on on top of that furniture?
And to end this post I think I’ll leave you with this…
“Free Shower doors. Doors only, no track.” (I’m guessing no sideways basketball hoop either.)
Seriously?! It’s too much trouble to prop the shower doors up against the garage and snap a picture with your iPhone? Instead you take half a photo and show me more of something I cannot have?
And the craziest thing of all? I bet you it will be gone by the end of the day.
I must be going now. Time to stop the Craigslist time suck and do something useful. (Like perhaps a game of Spider Solitaire.)