Craigslist, the pioneering online classifieds site that has been around since 1995, is still going strong - despite its unpolished appearance and lack of mainstream glamour. For many users, including writers, comedians, actors, and musicians, Craigslist remains an essential tool for finding jobs, housing, and even romance.
Megan Koester, a writer and comedian who got her first writing job through a Craigslist ad more than 15 years ago, is one such user. She still uses the site to find apartments, buy property, and even cast creative projects. Koester's Instagram account is dedicated to cataloging screenshots of what she calls "harrowing images" from Craigslist's free section - a testament to her dedication to the site.
For many users like Koester, Craigslist offers an unfiltered look at the internet that is missing from more mainstream platforms. Unlike Facebook Marketplace or DePop, which use algorithms to track users' moves and predict what they want to see next, Craigslist does not use these tactics. Instead, it allows users to connect with each other in a way that is unmediated by corporate interests.
Jessa Lingel, an associate professor of communication at the University of Pennsylvania, describes Craigslist as the "ungentrified" internet - a platform that has managed to avoid the gentrification that many online communities have experienced. Unlike Wikipedia or Reddit, which have incorporated AI tools and changed their visual design, Craigslist remains relatively unchanged.
For some users, like comedian Kat Toledo, Craigslist is more than just a classifieds site - it's a community. Toledo uses Craigslist to find cohosts for her stand-up show, Besitos, and has found creative collaborators on the platform. She credits Craigslist with giving her a sense of autonomy and privacy that she values.
Craigslist's refusal to "sell out" and adapt to corporate interests is also part of its enduring appeal. According to Koester, the site's leadership remains committed to its original values of simplicity, privacy, and accessibility. As long as Craig Newmark and Jim Buckmaster remain at the helm, Craigslist will continue to be a haven for users who value these principles.
In an era where online platforms are increasingly optimized for user data and corporate interests, Craigslist stands out as a refreshing anomaly. It's not perfect - and it can be unpredictable - but its commitment to its core values has made it a staple of the internet community.
Megan Koester, a writer and comedian who got her first writing job through a Craigslist ad more than 15 years ago, is one such user. She still uses the site to find apartments, buy property, and even cast creative projects. Koester's Instagram account is dedicated to cataloging screenshots of what she calls "harrowing images" from Craigslist's free section - a testament to her dedication to the site.
For many users like Koester, Craigslist offers an unfiltered look at the internet that is missing from more mainstream platforms. Unlike Facebook Marketplace or DePop, which use algorithms to track users' moves and predict what they want to see next, Craigslist does not use these tactics. Instead, it allows users to connect with each other in a way that is unmediated by corporate interests.
Jessa Lingel, an associate professor of communication at the University of Pennsylvania, describes Craigslist as the "ungentrified" internet - a platform that has managed to avoid the gentrification that many online communities have experienced. Unlike Wikipedia or Reddit, which have incorporated AI tools and changed their visual design, Craigslist remains relatively unchanged.
For some users, like comedian Kat Toledo, Craigslist is more than just a classifieds site - it's a community. Toledo uses Craigslist to find cohosts for her stand-up show, Besitos, and has found creative collaborators on the platform. She credits Craigslist with giving her a sense of autonomy and privacy that she values.
Craigslist's refusal to "sell out" and adapt to corporate interests is also part of its enduring appeal. According to Koester, the site's leadership remains committed to its original values of simplicity, privacy, and accessibility. As long as Craig Newmark and Jim Buckmaster remain at the helm, Craigslist will continue to be a haven for users who value these principles.
In an era where online platforms are increasingly optimized for user data and corporate interests, Craigslist stands out as a refreshing anomaly. It's not perfect - and it can be unpredictable - but its commitment to its core values has made it a staple of the internet community.
. I mean, it's been around for 30 years already! They're like that one aunt at the family reunion – always a bit rough around the edges but you can't help but love 'em 
. But seriously, it's crazy how many people still swear by the site. I've seen some pretty wild stuff on there myself, and not always in a good way 
. The fact that they're committed to their values is great, but let's be real – the site needs an upgrade 
. I mean, who uses a website that looks like it was built in the 90s? 
The way Craigslist operates, outside the mainstream algorithms and data tracking, is like a breath of fresh air for many users. It's all about giving people a space to connect without corporate interference.
They've got this crazy charm to them that's kinda hard to explain, but for people like Megan and Jessa, it's more than just a classifieds site, it's like their own secret club 
. And honestly, who needs algorithms telling what you're gonna see next? Craigslist is all about raw connection, you know? It's like that one conversation with your friend that just happens, no agenda or expectations 
. For now, I'm good with the unpolished vibe 
. Its unpolished vibe is actually what makes it so special - no fancy algorithms or corporate filters to water it down 
. I mean, think about it, on other sites like Facebook Marketplace or DePop, they know exactly what you want to see next, but on Craigslist, it's like stumbling upon something organic 
. And let's not forget Jessa Lingel's point about it being the "ungentrified" internet - that's music to my ears 
! If more platforms could learn from Craigslist's refusal to change, we might just see a revolution in the way online communities are built 
. and the best part? craigslist ain't changin' just 'cause everyone else is 
. it's still that old-school simplicity that makes it so lovable 
I mean, think about it, it's been around since 1995 and still going strong. That's like, forever in online years 
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. And it's not just writers, musicians, comedians... all sorts of creatives have found opportunities on the site.
. So, yeah, Craigslist is a total winner in my book 
It's still using that old design from 2005 or something! But for real though, I think that's part of what makes it so lovable. It's not trying to be some fancy-schmancy platform like Facebook Marketplace. If you're looking for a real connection with people, Craigslist is the way to go. I mean, Jessa Lingel said it's the "ungentrified" internet, which I love that phrase! 
it's like the internet was supposed to be a place where we could all just talk and find what we need without some corporation getting in the way.
and who knows, sometimes those "harrowing images" can lead to something really cool.
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and apartments 
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. On the other hand, you have to wonder how long they can sustain this model in a landscape where everyone else is chasing the gold rush of advertising revenue 
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. It's like a hidden gem for artists and writers who just want to make a name for themselves without all the drama 
. And Jessa Lingel's "ungentrified" internet thing? Totally spot on 
. Craigslist might not be perfect, but it's definitely one of a kind.
. It's like she's saying "yes, we're weirdos and that's okay" 
. For me, it's like a breath of fresh air - a reminder that not everything on the web needs to be slick and commercialized 
️, anyway, back to craigslist... i feel like people are still discovering its awesomeness even though it's been around for ages 
It's like they're trying to scare people away! But honestly, I think that's part of its charm. Craigslist is like the wild west of the internet - anything can happen and you never know what you'll find. And let's be real, it's still the best place to find those hidden gems, like that one apartment in Brooklyn that's literally 50% cheaper than anywhere else in the city! 
The fact that it's not all about algorithms and user data is just refreshing - I love how you can actually have a conversation with someone without them trying to sell you something. And can we talk about the screenshots of weird Craigslist ads on Megan Koester's Instagram?