Joint Statement with Attorneys General, NCMEC
Joint Statement with NCMEC and over 40 Attorneys General Detailing Measures to Prevent Illegal Activity and Improve Safety
craigslist Files 14 Lawsuits Against Software and Service Providers who Facilitate Misuse of Site
November 06, San Francisco, CA - craigslist announced today it is implementing sweeping new measures, in close partnership with state law enforcement and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), to prevent its online communities and classified ads from being misused for the facilitation of human trafficking, child exploitation, and other illegal activities.
The measures were outlined in a joint statement signed by craigslist, NCMEC, and the Attorneys General of more than 43 U.S. states and territories, representing a broad collaborative effort spearheaded by Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. The specific measures outlined in today’s joint statement were shaped during face-to-face meetings between Jim Buckmaster, CEO of craigslist, Attorney General Blumenthal, and representatives of NCMEC.
“Preventing site misuse and improving public safety are our highest priorities,” said Jim Buckmaster, CEO of craigslist, “and we are extremely appreciative of the encouragement we’ve received from the attorneys general and NCMEC.” He added, “The incidence of crime on craigslist is actually exceedingly low, considering the tens of millions of legitimate ads posted each month by well-intentioned users.” “But no amount of criminal activity is acceptable, and as craigslist has grown, we have become aware of instances where our free services were being misused to facilitate illegal activities.” Buckmaster continued, “We are unequivocally committed to stamping out misuse of the site and to improving safety for craigslist users, through preventative measures such as the ones we are announcing as part of the Joint Statement.”
Due in part to the growth of craigslist, businesses have sprung up selling software and other services designed to evade craigslist’s terms of use, and to circumvent its technical defenses against misuse, including phone verification. By offering services designed to undermine craigslist’s ability to enforce its terms of use, these businesses facilitate the placement of ads for illegal services that would otherwise be blocked by craigslist’s protective measures. craigslist has no tolerance for these activities and has filed 14 lawsuits and is sending “cease and desist” demands to numerous other companies and individuals offering such services. In addition, craigslist will investigate and provide information to state attorneys general for the prosecution of those engaging in and facilitating criminal activity.
craigslist is constantly working to improve its existing tools for enforcing its terms of use. In this regard, the company has continued to refine its protocols for blocking inappropriate postings and advertisements for illegal services. In addition, a flagging system accompanies each ad, so that inappropriate content can be identified by users for quick removal. craigslist has also implemented the industry standard PICS rating system for tagging adult content, to facilitate parental screening software on home computers.
craigslist recently implemented a telephone verification system for the “erotic services” section of the site, requiring a working phone number for advertisers, and enabling blacklisting of phone numbers for those who post inappropriate ads. Phone verification resulted in an 80% reduction in ad volume, and significantly increased compliance with site guidelines.
In addition to phone verification and other existing protective measures, craigslist will soon require credit card verification and a small fee per ad for posting in “erotic services”, to further encourage compliance with
site guidelines. Paid ads that violate site guidelines will be removed without refund. The company intends to donate 100% of net revenue generated from the “erotic services” category to charity, with net revenue to be verified by an external auditor.
“Requiring credit card verification, and charging a fee to post in this category raises accountability to a point where we expect few illicit ads will remain,” says Buckmaster. “For those that do persist, telephone and credit card information will be available to law enforcement via subpoena. More than ever, those who would misuse craigslist to violate the law will find that craigslist is a very inhospitable place.”
The craigslist site is used by 40 million Americans each month, who represent a potent force for identifying and reporting illicit activity. In addition to participating in NCMEC’s Cybertipline program, and urging craigslist users to flag suspect postings and file a report anytime they suspect the exploitation of a minor or human trafficking, craigslist will work with NCMEC and the state attorneys general to further improve site messaging to build awareness of these important issues. Buckmaster added, “Human trafficking and child exploitation are despicable crimes, and in addition to working diligently to prevent such abuse, we want to do everything we can to raise awareness among craigslist users so that they will be even more vigilant.”
November 6th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Congratulations, folks. This is outstanding. We’re all rooting for you.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
This is a sad day and a terrible precedent. Caving in to the police establishment is not about public safety. It is about Buckmaster and company unwilling to fight for privacy of craiglist clients. Do I think the intrusion will stop at erotic services? Maybe. The police powers will be seeking additional information from craigslist if they believe political anarchists/militants (whatever name they want to call dissenters) are using the forum/exchange to organize.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Time to Boycott Craigslist.
I thought craigslist was a supporter of freedom, civil and economic freedom.
This credit card fee BS will be the deathknell of the ERS section.
I live in CT and I am livid that my Attorney General is the one who spearheaded this initiative. Dick Blumenthal apparently lives up to his namesake.
Bye bye craigslist, I hope others will join my boycott.
November 6th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Just wondering what you intend to do about the Nigerians posting fake housing ads and trying to get you to wire a 1000 dollars to them?
I’m an escort and I’m all for the police cracking down on people who exploit minors and women but for the most part the women who post in the erotic section of Craigslist are normal, average women who aren’t hurting ANYONE.
Maybe you should assist the police in going after criminals or the people who sell “snow” in the for sale section. How about getting the Nigerian who just attempted to get me to send 1000.00 USD to Nigeria for a deposit on an apartment credit card information. So that when I report the scam you can do something more than tell me that, “I’m glad you saw through the attempted scam…”!
November 6th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Get ready to play Whack A Mole. The erotic services people will now post their ads in other sections of Craigslist.
November 6th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Wow.
I saw the News broadcast about you guys working with the police against internet user privacy… Honestly how the …. could you. Iam a student and ex soldier. An I dont dig prostitution or human trade or sale. But when you open you doors to americas corrupt law enforcement your business losses pull with the main people who use the internet. People who belive in website who seem to allow people to be free in a place where police should not be able to go to the companys records an figure out who you are and pin point where you live. Being a soldier I know that not everyone in a uniform should be TRUSTED let alone allowed to gain access to information. And craiglist just basically said we are now the internet POLICE.
being the news broadcasting type of guy that Iam I will make sure that, College students, soldiers, and other people who constantly have praised CRAIGLIST as the goto site knows how you guys really do……Iam so dissappointed
November 6th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
What about the flagging? Do we pay and have to worry about other people flagging us now?
November 6th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
I think if you take a look at any erotic section on Craigslist, prostitution is quite alive and active. Even with the verification, these services are still available. So I’m not quite sure how this will stop other “illegal activities,” but maybe its more of an exercise for this Attorney General to generate self publicity.
Craigslist has long been a guiding light when its come to freedom of the Internet, and freedom of expression. The rants and raves sections have been a long time favorite; to see people freely expressing themselves is a joy.
As with any corporation, it seems that over time policy replaces the ingenuity and the spirit that speaks to the heart.
I hope that Craigslist, once again, finds its heart.
November 6th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
we have to look for other website to post ads and keep our privacy.i think.
November 6th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Ready To Boycott!!!!!!!!!!
Looks like we’ll be going elsewhere. Way to go craigslist! you really think you’ve accomplished something! It’s not like there’s not a million other places to post! And where we do decide to post even if it is a paid site….it won’t be flagged every five minutes……as a matter of fact, you can check me out on Escorts.com and or City Vibe….Later craig’slist…….WHAT A JOKE!!!!
November 6th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Yeah I see they are charging 5 dollars now to post. Craigslist is only hurting themselves. Most of the people looking on there look on erotic services, they will just start going to a different site thats free. Then if they need to find anythinhg else besides erotic services they’ll prolly use the new site they are on because its already open, or in their fav list, and its more convenient. Craigslist is totally screwing themselves, good luck with this CL, youll need it. Not to mention most girls flag competitor ads constantly, so if someone pays for an ad, then a diff girl flags it down, you say in the above article that they wont get a refund. You are horrible people. People are flag crazy there are even people who buy programs to flag ads down, so you are stealing lots of money from people. Horrible
November 6th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
wtf??….$5.00 a posting?? this is outrageous!!
November 6th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
An and of an era. I’m sorry to say, but I feel like there *has* to be some kind of a filter for the identity & the age of a person placing an adult entertainment ad.
I’m webmistress of an Adult Entertainment Guide here in the Bay Area, and we’ve been requiring a proof of age for our advertisers since 1996. The great majority of our potential advertisers have no problem with that, and their private information is a sacred trust as far as I’m concerned, and handled as such. A large part of our employee training includes protection of privacy of our advertisers. We also offer people an option to destroy all their info once they’re no longer advertising with us - after all, you never know if someone’s gonna run for the office in the future :-). I hope Craig decides to employ a similar system.
Of the small number of people who refused to supply a proof of age (or had tried to pass a fake one), a sizable number ended up in the newspapers or on TV under the “Underage prostitution ring busted” headlines. Not everyone by all means, but enough to make us glad we have the age check in place. I fully respect a person’s decision to refuse to supply a proof of age in order to advertise on our web site, but our requirement is based on both the business and personal reasons-
1) I don’t ever, ever want to see a kid advertising as an adult entertainer on our web site. Kids don’t belong in sex industry - I think everyone agrees.
2) I don’t want to go to jail. Several reps of newspaper weeklies around the country have recently ended up in court for running adult ads for underage advertisers. I don’t feel it’s fair to expect Craig or any of his people to take the jail time to keep the “free for all” spirit of the online erotic classifieds. Would you?
3) Quality. Some kind of identity checking really helps keep down spam in adult advertising. Craig tried to keep down the abuse by checking phone numbers, but the spammers had the system beat within a week. It’s too easy to get a dozen disposable numbers from one of the online “get a local phone number” providers. Clicking on a same ad with different titles fifteen times on the same page doesn’t make the site user friendly, and hurts the responsible erotic services providers who play by the rules.
4) More safety for everyone. Internet is a scary place, and there is no guarantee of perfect safety, but an adult entertainer who advertises on the web site that makes a concerted effort to ensure that everyone on site is of legal age does run less chance that their ad will be up on TV one day, because the ad right next to them was of a 14 year old girl. The person calling that advertiser is also safer, because they can be reasonably sure that they’re not going to be caught getting a lap dance or an erotic massage from that same 14 year old. Every other adult business, from strip clubs to adult stores & adult webcam modeling require even more stringent age & identity checking procedure.
What we’re seeing here is no different from the change in the Internet overall since its beginnings - 12 years ago, many university and other servers were wide open. Things worked on honor system. You could log in almost anywhere with little or no checking. (Agh, I’m showing my age!)
Then, as more and more abuses happened, the security grew. These days, you can’t even join an online forum without a return confirmation link in your email and squinting at that captcha image trying to decipher the squigglies.
Craigslist has chosen to use credit cards as an additional layer of security against abuse. This is one of the less intrusive ways he could have done it. They *did* say that any disclosures would require a subpoena - a court order which is not so frivolously given. Craig is a good guy. He held off as long as he could. Give him a break.
November 6th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
I think your prices are ridicilous! Your going to lose alot of potiential customers with $5 per post!
November 6th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
THIS IS PURE B.S., I AM AN ESCORT, AND THIS ISNT GOING TO STOP US FROM POSTING, U THINK WE ARE STUPID ENOUGH TO LET YOU RETRIEVE OUR CREDIT CARD INFO SO YOU CAN PIN US? LOL… MOST OF US WORKING GIRLS, HAVE ENOUGH STRUGGLES TO DEAL WITH, WE ARENT BAD PEOPLE, WHY DO THEY HATE US SO MUCH? PROSTITUTION IS THE MOST HISTORIC ACTIVITY FOR DECADES, YOU ARE NEVER EVER GOING TO SHUT IT DOWN…WE ARE NOT HURTING ANYONE!!! LEAVE US ALONE, GO AFTER THOSE RAPIST/MURDERERS/CHILD MOLESTERS, WE GET WHAT WE NEED, AND THE JOHNS GET WHAT THEY ASK FOR… GO AFTER THE PIMPS THAT CONTROL THE MINDS OF YOUNG GIRLS, THE ONES WHO ARENT INDEPENDENT, AND LEAVE THE REAL INDEPENDENT WORKING LADIES ALONE…DAMN!!!! GET OVER YOURSELF, YOU WILL NEVER WIN THIS GAME!!!! LADIES, GO WITH YOUR 1ST MIND, POST IN ANOTHER CATEGORY ON CRAIGSLIST!!!!! JOIN ME….THEY CANT CHARGE IN OTHER CATEGORIES, OR NO ONE WILL EVER GET ON THIS SITE, LOL!!!! LET’S DO THIS…..JOHN’S DON’T GIVE IN TO THIS POLICE SCANDAL CRAP….SEE YA SOON!!!!
November 6th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
craigslist FAIL!
November 6th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
I THINK CHARGING FOR EROTIC IS FUCKED UP AND NOBODY IS GONNA POST ON C.L CAUSE HOW U GO FROM FREE TO 5DOLLARS THATS CRAZY AND YALL KNOCKIN PEOLPLES HUSTEL
November 6th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
This is outrageous,I thought the Es list was open to those who choose to use it and be discreet,but now you tell us that you’re working with the police to pretty much violate our privacy and find things about the people that we thought you kept private,now they will just post other places on craigslist.
You will definitely lose a lot of customers with this decision. I hope you know what you doing.
November 6th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
There we go again, internet Nazis. Whats funny is, how can craigslit PROVE what actually goes on behind the closed doors of adults. Im all for keeping children safe, so if thoes types of ads are posted take them down. However massages and fetishes and paying for a person’s time is NOT illegal. What i cant understand is, why even have an “erotic services” section? Doesnt “service” mean you pay something and “erotic” mean sex? maybe craiglist should be investigated for providing a place for people to “PAY FOR SEX” since they provide the place, and charge the money for the activity to take place. Just a thought.
November 6th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
As long as have horny men on the planet it will be women charging for releasing men’s sexual needs and it will be men paying them for that.
November 6th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
I JUST THINK THIS IS A BUNCH OF BS. AMERICA IS SUPPOSED TO BE A COUNTRY OF FREEDOM,HOWEVER THERE ARE PEOPLE CONTROLLING EVERY MOVE WE MAKE. THE EVERYDAY USERS OF CRAIGSLIST , SUCH AS MYSELF, WOULD SURELY FLAG DOWN ANY EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN, AND THE OTHER ISSUES LISTED LIKE ONE OTHER PERSON SAID WE WILL JUST FIND ANOTHER WAY TO POST OUR EROTIC SERVICES, SO REALLY IT DOESN’T MATTER JUST ANOTHER MONEY SCAM ON US IN THESE HARD TIMES!!!!
November 6th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
This is some bull crap. There is tons of missing babies, unsolved homicides, …….and some of everything else going on. Why don’t the freaking POLICE go out and try to do something about that? Craigslist is now the interenet POLICE! Lets BOYCOTT Craigslist everybody! This is some Freaking ^%#^^!!!
How about it guys!
November 6th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
I personally think this is stupid. If you were worried about people esploiting children on this website you would cancel the site or at least disable the link to erotic services, instead you want to charge to post. It’s all about money and that’s ok just dont blame it on something else.
November 6th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
I can understand why craigslist.com wants to stop illegal actvity, but this credit card verification and five dollar charge for posts in erotic services is going to have two negative results:
1.Thos people 18 and older, who willingly and legally offering their time and companionship through the erotic services section will stop posting because they don’t want their credit card information and bill linked to that service section if they want to be discrete. Plus those people might be worried they could wind up paying 5 dollars that someone could take away by flaging their ad before it has time to bring them business.
2. There will still be people willing to post ads offeirng illegal activity; they will simply use stolen credit card numbers or numbers from prepaid greendot cards. Or they might avoid paying all together and go straight to the personals section to post for free in casual encounters.
November 6th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Yes time to BoyCott Craigslist.
No refunds if your ad gets flagged off. The competition flags ads off all the time. There are even programs you can get to flag people. So I guess a lot of people will lose their 5 dollars over and over and over again…
BOYCOTT
November 6th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Yep, just another way to harass… People are gunna do what they choose NO mATTER!! CL used to be a way to express yourself…without JUdGEMENT… I think their breeches got too TIGHT! Funny, when people get some fame. GOOD OR BAD…they tend to forget WHO PUT THEM THERE!! The lil people who supported them and used their services…US! Boycott, of CL is the only way!
November 6th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
I am an escort also part time just to cover bills I’m not able to cover with my regular paycheck. I haven’t done anything illegal. I go out on dates with guys who need a female by their side or spend quality time with guys. Nothing sexual. I have seen the ads on craigslist where females are prostituting and i’m all for stopping it. but i still dont think craigslist should punish everyone for that by making us pay a fee. i dont even have a credit or debit card, so i cant even post anymore. I think that’s some bullshit. FUCK CRAIGSLIST!!!!!!
November 6th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
GREAT!! If you EVER answered the “help abuse” emails that 30 or more posters have sent regarding the ERS section in BILOXI/Gulfport area,you’d know that ip changers are used all over,and community flagging is a joke!! nOW LEGIT ESCORTS such as myself will need to pay each time we are flagged,right? You should get a few staff to review the ad before some jealous jerk can boot it off. Im going elsewhere,myself…
November 6th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
As an adult advertising rep who sells advertising for several venues, I’m most ecstatic to see CL go. I’ve been imploring Craig for years to charge for the erotic services section and apparently what I could not accomplish law enforcement finally has! Cl enabled virtually every good-looking party girl from the New York City area to become a prostitute. Underage pimps used to fill the rooms at 32nd St. hotels with their “girlfriends” while they posted their CL ads in the computer room or at internet cafes across the street. Craig is well rid of this albatross. I suspect that law enforcement basically told him if he didn’t cooperate, they’d attempt to prosecute him as a pimp of sorts - albeit one who let the girls keep all the money. Personally, I stopped selling CL ads a long time ago and with the current requirements in place am hoping for a surge in demand as the girls can no longer freeload their ads free-of-charge from Mr. Newmark. For people who view this as unnecessary and inappropriate censorship…if you’d seen what I’ve seen, you might just want to make an exception here.
November 6th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
you could charge a penny then….
November 6th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
yeah yea yeah see what happens when young bitches do stupid sh*%. Thanks anyways. Who didnt know that this was coming??????
November 6th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
!!! GOT 2 B ABOUT THE MONEY !!! WELL I GUESS THE STREETS ARE NOW SAFER THEN CRAIGSLIST!!! THEY ARE NOT GET N MY NAME , ADDRESS VISA , OR INFO . NO WAY !
November 6th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
This is disgusting! What is next, Craigslist, handing over names and email addresses of gay people (from the M4M and W4W section) to the government? What about those names and email addresses of people who say things critical of the government? This is a slippery slope. Thank you for speeding up the transition of the USA into a true facisitic state. Why don’t you instead go after those Nigerian assholes who spam me every time I place a Craigslist ad.
November 6th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Freedom of Speech ? What is it, never heard of it. Good job Craigs. You are my number ONE, Not Any More. Instead of women working in secured places you just forced them onto streets. Instead of all those money going to pay the rent they will pay their Pi-daddys.
November 6th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
This is not going to protect anyone. It’s going to violate the privacy of many people. Craigslist should hire lawyers and fight against doing this. Craigslist is moving beyond safety into colluding with these attorneys general for the creation of a totalitarian government system in the United States.
November 6th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
HONESTLYEVEN IF YOU DID DO THE CREDIT CARD INFORMATION OR WHATEVER THE CASE MAY BE, ITS NOT GONNA STOP PEOPLE FROM POSTING. WOMEN TO MEN POST EVERY DAY.. ALL THE TIME. ALL IT DID WAS CUT A FEW. BUT CREDIT CARD. YEA ANY ONE CAN GET ONE OF THOSE PREPAID CREDIT CARDS.. DONT YOU THINK.. AND SO JUST HOW MUCH INFORMATION WOULD YOU HAVE THEN.?… YEA I DIDNT THINK SO.. EITHER.. BUT EITHER WAY YOU HAVE A WHOLE LOT OF PEOPLE WHO IS UNDER BUSINESS AND YOU ALREADY KNOW ITS NOT THE BUSINESS.. LMAO.. WELL ONLY IDIOTS HONESTLY WHO POST ON THE ES. WITH THERE OWN PERSONAL CARDS ARE NOT THAT BRIGHT..
November 6th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
So, here’s $5 betting a new site will emerge and do everything the old craigslist did and more. I’m all for enabling law and order the tools needed to catch criminals but not at the expense of privacy. Even so, prostitutes have been advertising for years on CL and they finally got shut down, highlighting the near futility of trying to police the internet it’s too big and broad to be governed and before you know it they’ll have their hands full dealing with a new site and CL will be yesterday’s news
November 6th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
This does not prevent escorts from going into other categories like long term relationships and casual encounters soliciting sex using words like generous gentleman.
November 6th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Honestly, I agree with wolf. This is rediculous. You are jeopardizing the privacy of the whole due to the infractions of a few. What really disturbs me is the fact that the entire paragraph is severly vague as to what you consider “illicit activity.” I hope you do something about this but in the mean time I will be reposting this page publically so that people know that you’re violating their privacy.
The police can use the site anonymously to catch these people anyway. Don’t use a nuclear bomb to take care of a mouse problem.
November 6th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
this is the dumbest shit i’ve ever heard … u have to pay to post on a free site ….
November 6th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
this is the most ridiculous thing I have heard so far. Most of these postings are legitimate erotic services and not illegal activities. you all need to find a life of your own and stop getting into others.
November 6th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
I agree to BOYCOTT CRAIGSLIST
November 6th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Thinking of the 5th Amendment and the right to freedom of speech and press. The consider the notion of caving in to the police establishment is not about public safety.
It has more to do with the ever expanding powers of law enforcement and the intrusion of privacy upon ALL American citizens.
Will it stop at erotic services?
Maybe. . .
Law enforcement needs power to catch those who choose to use CL to harm children and commit cyber crimes on victims world wide.
However, the police will be seeking additional information from craigslist if they believe sex workers, hookers, providers, hobbiest and so called pimps as well as excort services(whatever name they want to call those so-called players of the game) are using the CL forum to market, promote, advertise, organize or even hook up.
The power goes to the people who use the medium for positive means of expression and discovery.
We must all keep in mind that ALL expression under the Bill of Rights are PROTECTED for EVERYONE.
November 6th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
This is soo sad.
November 6th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
WHY SHOULD THE EROTIC SERVICES HAVE TO PAY TO POST. WHY NOT CHARGE EVRYONE? WHY DO YOU ONLY WANT MONEY FROM WORKING GIRLS? SEEMS LIKE SOMEONE ON THE HIGH END HAD A BAD EXPERIANCE…
IM WITH BOB. WE SHOULD BOYCOTT CRAIGSLIST!
November 6th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Well I am so dissappointed in you as a us citizen. You just think the craigslist girls are all prostitutes and thats where you are wrong. Why dont you think about this for a minute: Half these girls on here do what they have to do to survive including myself for the fact being that they had once made a mistake a has now scarred their criminal records and cannot land a decent worth while job to support themselves or a family. So whats your solution??? throw them into jail??? thats really solving the damn problem. Maybe pull your heads out of your tight A#$%es and maybe solve the prostitution problem by offering these girls a fricking halfway decent job disregarding their criminal background and forget that we as americans make mistakes and can move forward not backwards. Helloooooo what the hell do you think your going to solve by ruining them even more by busting them and throwing them in jail is going to do?? They just get out and do it again because they cant get a decent job. I am one to speak because I sit in that exact boat and you people dont help the matter but make it worse. You should be ashamed of your selves!!!!!
Sincerly a former craigslist Girl Sandra
November 6th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I think you are a bunch of uptight hysterical prigs, not to mention sell outs. While I strongly agree that human trafficking and child exploitation are reprehensible and should be punished to the fullest extent of the law, this does not give you the right to violate the privacy of sex workers by insisting on a credit card number. This will not end up well for them or for you.
Craigslist used to be a wonderful edgy internet forum. Now it has become America On Line 2.
And by the way, you have done precious nothing about the scam ads that riddle the apartments for rent sections. If a young teenager can make short work of rooting these out, so can you.
This is a dark day for craigslist. Shame on you!!
November 6th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
I feel I should respond, especially after getting a private email from someone who said this is against “economic freedom”. He seems to be championing the deceitful tricks spamming software employs; I don’t think that should be dignified by a response. However, concerns here about how this affects sex freedom IMHO *are* worth discussing.
For the record: I’ve been active in sex-freedom communities (if you want to call them that) since 1986. I was at the 1987 March on Washington for GL rights. I edited one of the first positive books about bisexuality with contributions from self-identified bisexuals. (That was while living in the hostile territory of Cincinnati, not my current home of San Francisco.) I recently circulated a petition in favor of Proposition K decriminalizing prostitution. I’m openly poly. I attend (and throw) play parties. My boyfriend is a manager at a sex club. And on and on. I’ll put my credentials in this area against anyone’s.
I also used to be the Executive Director for a (now-defunct) antispam organization. While there, I insisted that we NOT define spam by content, but rather by method. But whenever government acted, it had to do so in response to how *existing* laws were being broken. Government staffers, in short, can’t be an activist for future laws — that’s the job of the electorate and the elected.
In this action, CL is going after the real problem — the devaluing of the site through automated spam. It’s focusing on the area where the problem is the worst, and where it can get government backup. Of course I’d like to see these rules applied throughout the site — and I believe we eventually will. But it has to start somewhere. Ironically, I recently complained to CL about spammers in a CL real estate board. I hope (and believe) that these actions will eventually help solve that problem, too.
As for charging for erotic services listings: Suck it up. These are commercial messages, and CL is a privately owned service. Don’t like it? Go elsewhere. Your boycott is welcome.
I’m also, BTW, a frequent browser and poster in Casual Encounters, and I’d welcome more posting restrictions (and fees) there. It would be worth it for the site to have value again. Don’t you think?
November 6th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Im an escort and I think the whole idea is just CRAZY, I have been in this business for 3-years and Craigs list isn’t the only place to advertise, so I guess myself and the other working girls will just pack up and move on. What we do is sometimes misunderstood and if you’re not in our shoes you dont know the whole truth, about what we do. And I have always thought that the government is against escorting in all 49 states except for Nevada, because they’re not making any money off of us. But this will totally not stop me from working, I love what I do and there is always a way to out smart L.E.
November 6th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
and how to pay for my post
November 6th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
I am just wondering how the flaggin will now work. Because I am not paying five bucks to have somebody flag me five minutes after it is posted. This seems pretty crazy. To pay for something that isn’t even guaranteed to get out to people….
November 6th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
I understand that child trafficking is an issue… but why is escorting such a crime? Companionship for consenting adults…?! This is silly
November 6th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
i with the boycotting craigs list erotic service its against our rights and our privacy so im game for boycotting this site untill they change it back to the way it was before today.
bye bye craigslist…………..
November 6th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
its ok you can try to do what ever it is you would like to stop us from using erotic services all you are doing is pushing people to go back to dating ones and that on here where people do not wanna see us. why would we go pay $5.00 if we can post somewhere else on this site??? and why would we pay that because alot of these girls get jelouse and flag for no reason. so even if we dont post things we should not we will be waisting are money still on getting flagged
November 6th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
WOW…craigslist is on some new and crazy things I see…working with the police setting people up,9really seting people up to make them looking like they doing more then massage…don’t get me wrong you do have full service girls but not all them are.. I know of a police officer who arrested a girl off craigslist and she also have recorded with a hiddin security camara, officer said she did oral sex when she really did a massage only, I seen the tape he was lieing his crooked ass off set the girl up like that….good luck craigslist for makeing the most stupit move on the net, one more thing mr. crook officer don’t know she was tapeing and at the front door of her place it also say its under 24 hour watch by security camara so she can use it in court,….but I bet you this people watch watch the stock market, craigslist going down, they will loose lots of users and money..I sell and buy from craigslist..I guest its back to the free sites…like ebay and myspace for erotic services….I’m done with this site 1 to many crazy rules, plus I’m not getting set up by the no good crook police officers special in illinois…..
November 6th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
i think this is stupid a escort service is legal but now men are not going to post becouse they will be scared come on this is childish
November 6th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Wow, this is crazy….who would’ve thought you all would cave? That is ridiculous. I’m saddened by the fact that an honest working girl can no longer make money without giving up her annonymity. Most women who use the erotic section aren’t hurting anyone, they are just trying to support their families…..shame, shame
November 6th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
yea I will put it out there craigslife is a deadsite now..and cant be trusted..and to seek a new site like myspace and ebay…guys I will open a site on the best sites to go to……I’m with the boycott…i’m done with this site…craigslist dont try to erce this message and find out wht I do…not ,my IP address and its a new email……
November 6th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
So Craigslist has buckled & become just another agent for a more & more repressive government. So now Craigslist is assisting law enforcement…. Isn’t it law enforcement’s job to enforce the laws? Craigslist used to be a place that promoted free speech & stood up to those who want to repress everything. Bye bye, to everything Craigslist stood for.
The saddest part is this will do nothing to stop the spam ads that have been ruining the Erotic section. They’ll continue to find ways around the blocks. They will use false information. This new change won’t effect them, but it will make the people who used to post, who followed the rules, think twice about using Craigslist.
November 6th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
So much for our rights, this is how it happens. One small step at a time, our right to FREE SPEECH has just been slamed. I also am a provider here on CL, I offer nude massage, I pay my bills, my rent, buy my food and support my family from this income. With out it, we will likely be HOMELESS with in 60 days. I only have enough savings for that long, that is if I only pay the rent and power bill. I am blown away with this announcement. I have no idea how I am going to survive.
THANKS CL.
Bellingham
November 6th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
sorry I gots to get my story right the crook officer said he asked for oral and he gave her $150, she took the money the took out his badge…when she told his she do not do any type of full service and u can here that on tape him to but not what he clamed court will see that…
November 6th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
how will i feed my family they should have posted a warning
this is a sad day i hope some girl can make it we do not break the law
November 6th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
I dont agree with this at all.. I don’t feel that this is a proper way run an online business to punish everyone for other people’s wrong doing. I am completely upset about this whole situation and feel that it should be reprimand immediately.
November 6th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Personally, I think its GREAT that CL is cooperating with law inforcement. There are a lot of scams and criminals out there taking advantage of people. I was robbed at gunpoint by someone (”Britanie” with Cyren Entertainment) posting an ad and I don’t want it (or something worse) to happen to anyone else.
November 6th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
i thin that its retarted for you to have to pay….
do you no how many scams are going to follow this????
how are you going to protect are credit card information??
i think this is dumb and i will never use craigs list again.
and as far as the erotic services they’ll just post some where else.
the only reason all the people be on craigs list is for the eroctic services.
its dumb and so is every one who supports it
November 6th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
It seems to me that it’s one thing to charge landlords and business owners a fee for posting, because these people all ready have the economic advantage in society. By stark contrast, the vast majority of people who make a few extra bucks by posting their (legal) services in the ES section are doing so out of economic necessity…it’s one way to stay afloat in a day and age when pay for a “real job” is stagnate and all other costs (rent, food, gas, other necessities) are continuing to rise.
Today’s press release claims that “phone verification resulted in an 80% reduction in ad volume, and significantly increased compliance with site guidelines.” If it was so successful, then why the need for these further measures?
If one posts once every 48 hours, that means that the ad will cost $75 per month, which seems a bit excessive for an ad that may or may not result in much income. If one is spending $75 per month for an ad listing, one might expect that they would receive both (at least minimal) customer service as well as wide promotion to relevant audiences and potential clients to be included in that price. It doesn’t appear, though, that the additional cost is likely to result in any upgrade in the level of service provided by the website.
November 6th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
this shit sucks
November 6th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
You people are angry with CL for wanting to enforce the law?! Do you realize how pathetic that sounds? Whether you agree with prostitution being illegal or not is irrelevant - the fact is it is not legal. If you’re so concerned, fight to change the laws and quit whining. Then your precious erotic services will be back in force.
November 6th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
I dont think you should charge for the posting on erotic ads.
November 6th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
What a bunch of rotten smelly horse pucky…
November 7th, 2008 at 12:06 am
this new 5 $ fee erotic service section has just destroyed my wife and my profession,we both do erotic massages and do not sell sex in any way.we post in erotic and i see all the prostitutes on there thats why we pay police isnt it so they can get out the doughnut shop and go investigate whos doin what with stings on cl erotic prostitutes. i live in michigan and here you dont have to have a massage liscense or place of bizness to do it if we do get certified its 2 years of classes and money ! they should make it esier for ppl like my wife and i to be legit and pay taxes for our massage work so they can get paid that way e bay owns 25 percent of craigslist and has now started their own rip off site no erotic secion from what i saw but i have read online they have one..where ohh where can us cl erotic service providers go to get work.beware if you do pay the 5 dolla fee its basically entrapment cuz they will have your info and be able to try to bust you for this B,S Crime.what a dissapointment guess ill be posting our ads in other sections of cl and competitor sites.seems like every 1 freedome we gain 10 more freedoms are taken away, i hope obama turns this slavery were all stuck in around.hope hes not the antichrist!
November 7th, 2008 at 12:15 am
This is sad, as an exotic dancer, with the economy as bad as it is, already, not making ends meet, and I work full time…no kids, and yes I have a college education. I now have to pay to use craigslist. DISAPPOINTING.
I will now steer all of my friends, family and acquaintances toward other sites. thanks alot netcops. i might as well move out of this communist country.
November 7th, 2008 at 12:15 am
with a section titled ‘erotic services’, why wouldn’t one assume that is a platform for to illicit sex? What exactly is an erotic service? It would be very helpful if craigslist would make it clear as to what is acceptable. Otherwise, why not just get rid of this section altogether? The newly implemented requirements will only lead a situation where those with good intentions will run into trouble with the law. Instead of involving law enforcement, the people at craigslist should have a better strategy for filtering out the unacceptable ads. It just sounds lazy on craigslist’s part.
November 7th, 2008 at 12:18 am
Im sorry but this is just wrong yes its great cause it gets rid of the pimps and such. But was this not done to stop human trafficking and minnors being posted? Great so you have just pushed these people to the streets where is is completely unsafe AWESOME!
Im a escort my self and use craigs list. This is my only source of income. Im a escort because im trying to pay my way through college sense i have no other means to get into school. Im not a crack head, i dont do drugs, i rarely drink,no kids. Just a young girl trying to pay for her school.
Im sorry but you guys have just shot your self in the foot with this.
Maybe if you got some damn moderators on the site we would not have so many issues?
November 7th, 2008 at 12:22 am
ok the bottom line is craigslist wanted adult oreinted ads such as escorting
which in geneal is pretty u borderline llegall why did their so called users want this ? money period you notice you dont see
legal adult services entertainment such as adult webcams or movie sites which provide a safe outlet in a users home without going out
getting robbed or worse. just a blantant attempt at free speech violation by craigslist and yes ive adverstised my adult website via ers for 3 yrs and
i would gladly pay for adversting here but with their unfair flagging system no way will they get my
cc info they should close the section all together
or come up with fair policies for legal adult entertainment
November 7th, 2008 at 12:28 am
I’m a provider and i cannot believe that CraigsList is charging to advertise lying about giving 100% of the proceeds to charity! What charity?
We’re just trying to survive through this tough economy, paying for university & bills as my day job doesn’t get me through the months.
So many people believe in website & it seemed to allow people to be free in a place where police shouldn’t have the right to such personal info or details of trying to remain discreet & anonymous. THIS AN OUTRIGHT INTRUSION OF ONE’S HUMAN RIGHTS. Are the owners of CL just going to sit back and do nothing abt this and just collect money? I feel sad & betrayed by CL…o:(
WHY DON’T WE ALL BOYCOTT CL FOR A FEW DAYS AND SEE THE RESPONSE?
IS ANY UP FOR THIS PROPOSAL? Responde by leaving a response!
November 7th, 2008 at 12:30 am
Hmm..for those of us that are legitimate LMT’s this is going to kill the therapautics secion.
November 7th, 2008 at 12:30 am
I think it’s fantastic. I post my 100% legal business in the Erotic Services section and the posting is pushed off the page in a matter of minutes from the flood of illegal posts. Get the sketchy prostitutes off the board and let it be what CL intended.
November 7th, 2008 at 12:55 am
I think its great myself. I tried getting a massage once just to find out that the person just wanted to “get in the sack” and it really annoyed me so much that I think I would rather get one of those electric stick on the chair back massage things.
I do think that it would be a great idea to implement one more ever so slight security feature. Dont know if its possible. Make craigslist one of those websites where you have to enter your ID from either your state ID or your drivers license (there the same) to age verify that you are even old enough to browse craigslist. After reading the extra long terms of service, I did specifically see that yes craigslist is not meant for anyone under I think it was 18. Why not implement a check page where you have to enter your state ID/license number BEFORE you can enter the website. Sounds simple enough. That way every time you visit theres nothing you have to worry about since you would have your name logged and IP address logged each time you visit. I would think it would stop almost all questionable garbage that I hear that happens due to the rude people that sometimes troll on craigslist.
I love craigslist for bartering and buying and selling. Much better than eBay and even more better than using gas to drive to the flea market.
Keep it up you folks who keep this site up and running! Hope you all figure out a interesting way to keep out the twits that can possibly ruin it for the rest of us!
Westminster, Colorado
November 7th, 2008 at 1:18 am
I guess the question, is does prostition create anarchy? I have lived in other countries that it was socially acceptable. Europe. My gosh is someone want to fuck then let them have it , they will find it one way or the other and if they cant find it they will probably be go to nocking heads or cause all kinds of agression out. The romans did it all the time, why ,it worked, from my experience in mt , It may save a marriage. There are other things Montana should pay attention too. If a guy needs to go there than let it. Why not let it happen on craigs list, why get the Law envolved? Bust the bad stuff that fucks people up, a little healthy love does not mess people up, it makes them relaked. It seems like a easy one ,I lived in amsterdam, everyone so relaked. It really is a normal human function, look at the past history.Guys dont fight and rob banks and do destruciton when they have some love. so why go againts the grain of the past. it worked, pay attention to something that is truly hurting our society. best of luck
November 7th, 2008 at 1:24 am
This is proof that we have entered into a new world.. Be careful who and what you vote for. This just creates another unregulated pocket of illegal sex trading. This is going to divide 1 community into several underground societies.. I have only been using CL for 3 months but has been a help to my program.. But Thats Ok.. The Blocks are gonna be Packed now.. Remember i said it!! P.I. TONY
November 7th, 2008 at 1:25 am
this is bullshit
November 7th, 2008 at 1:30 am
Seriously?! First prop 8 passes in California, institutionalizing hate against already marginalized Americans, and now erotic services is discriminated against. So disappointing. I’m really sad that craigslist went the way of discrimination in this. I would understand if there was an across the board fee, but it’s only this particular service.
I also agree with John above, who said that posters will now go to other sections to post erotic services. I don’t like seeing things that don’t belong in the section I’m looking for something in, whether it’s under jobs or for sale. I think this is just going to increase the frequency of people being unable to find what they’re looking for on craigslist because the section is full of other unrelated posts.
So disappointing.
November 7th, 2008 at 1:31 am
Well this just puts us back at Square 1. The girls that use CL are on the way BACK to the TRACK.. All the old Pimps that have a cell phone full of clients are back in Business.. All the RENEGADES are homeless now.. They used to be able to spend all the money, come home and post for free but now tht thats over.. Pimpin is BACK..
November 7th, 2008 at 1:40 am
I guess more people will be using prepaid credit cards. this solves nothing and does nothing but irritate the people who arent on there to cause trouble.
November 7th, 2008 at 2:16 am
the economy is bad as it is… why did you have to do it at this exact time??
November 7th, 2008 at 2:55 am
This is really stupid. The way EVERY assault on internet privacy and rights get’s started is some lame ass politician or district attorney up for re-election SCREAMING about Child Porn and Exploitation. It’s a feel good demagogic stance, that marginalizes service providers, drives them back into the domain of PIMPS… Now with the economy in the toilet, this may be the only thing that a women can do to stay off welfare and cover her rent.
If the police were serious about this, they could bust everyone on erotic services. Instead they’ve used public humiliation and embarrasement to have Craigslist do the job for them!!! How does it feel to be a SHILL for Law enforcement of Victimless crimes??
Shame on CL for caving into the demogogary and puritanical “SIN BASED” morals of a deviant religious minority, all leading to victimization and exploitation of women/men trying to do the best they can.
In case you didn’t notice, the conservative RIGHT WING just got trashed. Maybe it’s time for a new CEO at Clist as well.
November 7th, 2008 at 2:59 am
I have long applauded Craigslist for offering its erotic service forums and links to sex-positive sex work rights groups like Sex Workers Outreach Project and the Erotic Service Providers Union, and am very sad to see this happen. While giving net revenue from the ad fees to charity shows some good intent, I agree that it is caving in to the morality police. Besides, if the point of requiring a credit card is to increase accountability, why not just make the posting fee $.01 instead of $5.00, or $5/year instead of $5/post? The higher the fee, the higher the percentage of remaining advertisers are likely to be offering illicit services, since those services command higher rates than legal ones due to the black market created by their criminalization. Please reconsider this move and maintain your company’s reputation as a sex positive place to connect.
November 7th, 2008 at 3:33 am
I think charging people is terrible and you are going to loses a lot of advertising now that you guys charge for the ads!!!
November 7th, 2008 at 3:54 am
I do escorting. Professional. My friend does Welding. Professional. Both jubs require that a certain amount of knowledge is known and both jobs are available on CL. However, why am I being charged when he isnt?
Both of us make a profit. Both of us work for pay. There is no real difference between the two of us with the exception on how our income is generated. So do tell me why im being charged every time i wish to make a post?
November 7th, 2008 at 4:02 am
Your classified ads women for men will now be overwelmed.
November 7th, 2008 at 4:14 am
Jim, Why did you let those mf’s pressure you in doing this? If the police think a ad is illegal let them go after the poster. You have now opened up a new can of worms,they will stop at nothing now!
November 7th, 2008 at 4:30 am
loved how you convientily didnt leave my comment up cenorship lives boycott this crap site!
November 7th, 2008 at 5:10 am
You guys are going to far…working with the police? Where’s the privacy? Things are going to start feeling lonely around here. Everyone, stay away from CL. Ill never support it, ever again!
November 7th, 2008 at 5:40 am
Will anyone Let me Know where the next hotspot will be to advertise for free? I am sure that I am not alone in this venture.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:43 am
erotic services is not for all, but, phone sex operators are LEGAL and LEGITIMATE erotic services, who have been the only ones shut out with the registered email proceedures, NOT the hookers, go figure!!
why can’t craigslist make a page, same as every page but the location be ‘usa’
meaning what ever is posted is offered all across the usa?
this not only would help legal erotic service providers, but your tupperware ladies and avon ladies,,and much more.
charge me 5.00, I dont mind, as long as my ad will stay, but, make YOUR job easier, and create ONE page location of usa.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:48 am
I am glad to see that there are laws in place to protect children, however, I do not agree that Craigslist should impose such penalties on ALL of its erotic services. Why not create different categories (subdivisions) under erotics services and allow those women who desire a ‘category’ that does not allow or accept prostitution. I provide a service (bodyrubs) that has absolutely nothing to do with prostitution, but I have been linked with all of the other people who offer illegal services.
Food for thought… If men can not use the services that are advertised on CL, they will end up finding those same services on the street somewhere. This is problematic because of safety concerns such as robbery and assault, not to mention increases in the transmission of STDs/AIDS.
To all of my clients in the MD/DC area…Look for my ad in eros.com that is soon to come. I will be leaving CL within a month. My number is the same.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:58 am
I don’t have a problem with paying the $5 fee but lets say what happens if a competitor flags my ad and then I have to repost and it keeps getting flagged and I have to keep reposting say 3 times…for a total of 4 postings…does that mean everytime I repost I have to pay the $5?
November 7th, 2008 at 7:06 am
We have the C.I.A. the F.B.I. the N.S.A. and Now the newest Law Enforcement agency. Craigs List. Anyone in their right mind would run from the likes of this site. How dare you to come to the public like some puritan.The owner of this company has his balls in a vice and lets hope the people speak out about the constitutional violations and squeeze real hard.It is one thing to protect children and other forms of exploitation but c/l has opened a can of worms here that will surely bite them in the ass. Hopefully class action suites,and other legal actions will deplete their resources and sink them.It would be poetic justice.I encourage anyone whos information is shared by craigs list, personal/financial etc, to file a suite if anything to hit them where it hurts in the pocket.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:11 am
As an erotic services advertiser and provider I say, yes, finally! Let’s get rid of the garbage, trashy ads by making them pay and free up visibility for those of us who are legitimate. Way to go Craigslist and I will gladly pay $5 to advertise!
November 7th, 2008 at 7:17 am
nice work… freedom isn’t about having a venue provided to break the law. Most of them hoochies in the CL erotic services section are diseased thieves looking to wreak havoc. See ya hoes.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:22 am
does this mean we still get flagged?
November 7th, 2008 at 7:28 am
This creates a monster. There are already escort ads in other sections of Craigslist. Essentially, the whole thing just went in to an uncontrolable tailspin. If you’d just left it alone you would have at lease known what you had.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:31 am
i wish you would do something about all the fraudulent posting in the computer services section also! tons of companies posting everywhere claiming they are local by using remote forwarded telephone numbers! then they post the same ads in every major city!
November 7th, 2008 at 7:46 am
I am a struggling mother of two. My husband died 4 months ago and I moved to RI. I was a supervisor for my company and I had just bought a condo & a brand new car. Soon after I moved my company lost one of its biggest accounts and 40 of the employess got laid off including myself. I got into a serious car accident 1 week later and my car flipped over on the highway. I was at a complete loss. What was I to do with a brand new condo 2 children no car no job and no support system. Welfare was not an option. So I posted on erotic services. And I had an overwhelming reponse. And believe me I looked for a job. THERE ARE NO JOBS BY THE WAY…. ANyways Ill get to the point. For the past 2 months I have had enough money to pay my bills, support my children, and go back to school. Craigslist has given me the oppurtunity to better the lives of myself & my children. These are actions between 2 consenting adults. And yes I believe exploting minors and human trafficking is completely wrong. And it needs to be stopped. But how about those of us that aren’t hurting anyone? I consider myself a good person & a good mother. No I didnt picture myself doing this but I am and its not hurting anyone. ANd when I graduate from school Im not going to look back. Im just letting the people out there know & understand a lot of us have a family to support in a state where there are no jobs and not many options. So I end this with I dont agree with the decisions these people are making I believe there are much bigger fish to fry then to monitor craigslist ads all day & I feel sorry for them.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Well I must say. This has motivated me to actually go out and look for a bartending job while pursuing my acting and writing craft. Honestly I’ve been comfortable with doing just this for too long to make “ends meat” no pun inteneded. I have two interviews today at a bar and restaurant since I learned of this yesterday.
Since I never had a pimp or a drug problem I can move forward. For me this is a blessing in disguise.
The phone number thing was teetering on boundry time for me but for me it’s just not worth attaching my name to my CC card and all that for me.For some girls fine but it’s time for me to shake up some martinis instead. Thanks CL for the extra push in another direction
November 7th, 2008 at 7:51 am
I am an escort as well, and I am also VERY displeased with craigslist trying to shut down “crime” on thier website. I have been using craigslist to advertise my services since I have been in business, always pleased that I could post for free, since other erotic service advertising is relatively expensive… Providence and Boston Pheonix charge over $200 per ad.
I do understand that craigslist doesnt want children exploited, and I respect that.
I just have a note: if I am paying for these ads, why are they still subject, then, to flagging? If I am paying you for advertising, and any random joe (or usu a fellow escort trying to make her ads stand out) can just delete my shit, why would I continue to pay and post with you?
I am also boycotting craigslist, at least until they learn how to do business.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:57 am
This is just another way for the big company to get richer. BOYCOTT CRAIGSLIST.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:59 am
you puttin up prices is not helping anyone make any money
November 7th, 2008 at 8:03 am
how could you do this to the people that come to craigslist. everyone has their own reason for doing what they do and giving the police the right to know information is wrong. i’m so disappointed in all of you.
November 7th, 2008 at 8:09 am
I have done a documentary on Rhode Island’s legal prostitution. Every spa in RI uses Craig’s List for advertising, and it is legal. I urge everyone to take a look at the web site and trailer on youtube. See one state where the activity is legal and make a decision for yourself. Hear from the women who are “behind closed doors”. Watch the fight for and against prostitution laws.
http://www.happyendingsdoc.com
http://happyendingsdoc.wordpress.com
http://www.youtube.com/happyendingsdoc
http://www.myspace.com/happyendingsdoc
November 7th, 2008 at 8:21 am
HOW SAD THIS IS. I USE TO LOVE CRAIGSLIST. BUT NOW I WILL JUST TELL ALL MY FRIENDS NOT TO TRUST THEM ANYMORE. NEVER GIVE INFO TO THE POLICE. WHO KNOWS HOW FAR THIS WILL GO.
November 7th, 2008 at 8:22 am
I am a Prostitute in Norfolk, Va and Craigslist is how I pay my bills. Now that they have decided to charge 5.00 per ad, I don’t know how I am going to live and take care of myself. I wish they would just leave us prostitutes alone….if we want to suck dick, eat ass, get fucked, and fuck niggas, its our choice! I am sick and tired of the bs in the commonwealth!
November 7th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Damn guy’s this is bullSh*t.I am an escort and single mother and this is how i provide for myself and kids.Now i have lost everything recently and trying to keep a room and food for me and my kids is hard enough yet now i cant even make any money.And these so called charities that are supposed to help are all full of themselves.So escorting is how i survive right now.And now you want to police the ERS.If you are so involved in eliminating illegal services,then answer this,WHY DO YOU HAVE AN EROTIC SECTION?Dont invade our lives and prevent us from doing what we do.Get rid of it if you say you care about illegal activities.Answer is you just want to use us to make you pockets fatter thats all.I mean come on “Buckmaster”stop spending your income on us and maybe you would have money.DONT HAVE AN EROTIC SECTION IF YOU DONT WANT THESE ACTIVITIES ON YOUR WEBSITE.Its all about the money thats all.Stop telling us lies.And 5.00 per ad!! Come on there are places to advertise for for unlimited ads for $35.00.You have just screwed your own business.Go to eros.com guys and get what you need or many other websites.
November 7th, 2008 at 8:24 am
AND DONT TRY AND NOT POST MY AD AS I WILL SUE YOU FOR VIO;ATING MY FREEDOM OF SPEECH
November 7th, 2008 at 8:25 am
wow, must we all move to nevada , i strongly disagree with this recent action and wholeheartedly would love to rid the world of people who expliot children. however the adults of the world who are not hurting or bothering anyone will forever be persecuted by those who have no reason to intrude on someones private life. see ya in vegas
November 7th, 2008 at 8:25 am
i hate backpage.com and now cl asks us to pay $5 to post, wonder how long this will last? I am soooo pissed off!! CL has so many issues getting your pic to show, and get a good post, I better not get ripped off, I hope there is someone to contact if I have a problem, thus far, there is no #er to call for help, I will just be S.O.L!!!
-Good Luck girls!!
November 7th, 2008 at 8:25 am
You made a name for yourselves, then went and screwed the entire public charging for postings. I knew it was a matter of time, though come on. First it was, give us your telephone number to verify an account (which I am sure is not only for statistics, though now to give to law enforcement), Now you expect people to pay for postings as well. We’ll see.
Remember there are so many geniuses out there (and I know a lot of them) who can build and host a website just like Craigslist and very simply make Craigslist extinct. Once word gets out that Craigslist is doing people wrong, well blame yourselves.
November 7th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Let’s look at what’s really going on! This whole new safety effect is not what so ever about cleaning up craigslist and making it safe! It’s all about money. The erotic services section is a huge $$ making business and being it is legal behind closed doors in RI, why the …. are we users being charged for it. And if you must charge, why are you people demanding our personal credit card info with no other alternitive to posting. This is nuts and it’s WRONG! CL acts like you don’t want us providers here posting. You make it so hard with all the phone verifying, flagging, suspended accounts and now you want daily access to our credit cards? Guess it’s time to send my loyal customers else where to access my adds. I hope everyone else does so as well. Iv’e been on here for over a year now and I’ve seen some crazy actions take place by cl. But this by far is the dumbest move you guys ever made. SO LONG CL. I hope you and the attorney general are very happy on your empty board together.
November 7th, 2008 at 8:44 am
This is nothing but a bunch of hyped up crap. I have sorted through the erotic services section for years as a hobby. NEVER ONCE have I seen a poster who appeared to be underage. one time about a year ago I did see one pervert advertising for girls under 18 I flagged the ad and forwarded the link to police department in the jurisdiction where the ad had originated. (Phoeniz,Az) if you listen to this crap you would think that hundreds of underage girls are posting on here on a daily basis and craigslist is a hotbed for child sexual activities. WHAT A BUNCH OF CRAP !! as a father of two pre-teen girls I would notice something like that in a heartbeat. I have however seen hundreds if not thousands of ad’s for drugs and girls hinting they will trade sex for drugs. nothing is said of this.
just another hyped up excuse to violate peoples privacy rights, thats how i see the whole issue.
November 7th, 2008 at 8:48 am
i am very happy with Craigslist.
November 7th, 2008 at 9:05 am
What about the ones that keep flagging the ads for no reason other then keep you off CL so they will get more work. Will the poster have to pay another fee to repost even if there ad followed all the CL rules?
November 7th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Hmm, so if we post an ad in certain sections and as long as the ad is not illegal then I take it, it will not be flagged? Paying $5.00 to post and have your ad flagged when it meets requirements is BS. Will I get a refund if I post and my ad is flagged? I doubt it.
Sara
November 7th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Right on Bob F, I join your boycott.
Blumenthal: “Requiring phone numbers, credit cards and identifying details will provide a roadmap to prostitutes and sex clients - so we can track them down and lock them up.”
Pathetic that…
November 7th, 2008 at 9:19 am
It’s about time someone made Craigslist step up and take notice of these things! I for one am hoping and praying that they will now also step up and do something about the bestiality ads. In most states, California included, there are laws governing and prohibiting bestiality. It is animal abuse only equalled by Michael Vick’s dog fighting ring and the poeple partaking in this behavior have no clue, no idea of what it is doing to their pets! Exploiting animals in this manner, just as evil in my opinion as these other horrible exploitations that CL has now agreed to take a stance against.
November 7th, 2008 at 9:21 am
I have not bought minutes for my phone—-this must be why I cannot even log in to CL to post an ad—-and now it will cost money to post in the erotic section—-just another way to hurt the economy overall. And I cannot believe CL is doing this. Furthermore, I have never read any ads that exploit children on CL. I used to think it was the best site but certainly do not anymore. I am not a hooker but provide foot fetishes. However I am not going to pay to post an ad so CL can kiss my ass and the person who posted about letting law enforcement get all involved is correct. They are often the real crooked bastards.
November 7th, 2008 at 9:23 am
P.S. Since law enforcement places ads on CL, posing as hookers, etc to entrap, I suppose the taxpayers will be footing the $5.00 fees bills! Too much!
November 7th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Wow! So Craigslist finally sold itself out to the feds! Now us escorts have to find another place to advertise and probally won’t be able to pay our bills now because 70%-80% of our business was from CL. I also used CL for a variety of other services, not just my business, but now I will definately not be comming back. I’m in shock….how shady of you guys! Freedom of speech just doesn’t exsist anymore it apparently! F**k you guys!
November 7th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Sad Sad Day. F-In Obama