I told my mom about Craigslist a few months ago. She wanted to sell some stuff and I suggested she check it out. She didn't have a digital camera, so I ordered her one from Amazon. This was just the beginning.
In the past month, I've heard of the many stories mom has had selling her stuff on Craigslist. From the Nigerian scam artist (that we craigslisters know so well) asking her to quote her shipping her couch sectional set to Nigeria to two firemen who exchanged yard work for her bookcase set. Mom is getting the full Craigslist experience, I only fear the day she stumbles into the casual encounters room (which I only once dared to enter).
I've known about CL from almost the beginning. My first job after college was in SOMA in San Francisco at a 3D VRML company. I was the bottom of the totem pole, but I worked with some interesting people. One of them turned me onto Craigslist - Linda Branagan. I got on the list when there were 4 categories and still SF focused. I experienced the evolution - the explosion into multiple lists, going to the web, more categories, more cities, fees for job postings and beyond. I'm like a lot of people; I've gotten jobs, bought and sold cars, motorcycles, found sublets and more on it. My move to LA could not have happened as smoothly as it did without craigslist.
But now, it's changing my life yet again. All my childhood possessions are for sale on the Kansas City Craigslist. My mom is closing up house and moving to the West Coast. The bedroom set they bought for me in the 1970's is for sale. Along with a lot more stuff mom doesn't want to move.
It's an interesting feeling, my mom using craigslist. Technology has come so far in 10 years and is getting integrated into humanity. Perhaps even some day evolving us. But for now, you can buy the bed nine year old Heather slept in, on Craigslist, an email list a 22 year old Heather used 10 years ago.
Don't forget, I'm also selling all of your favorite Judy Blume books, too!!! You failed to let me know if you are OK with all of these things going to someone else for their Sweet, Beautiful Daughter to enjoy!
AND re: the casual encounter room ... who needs it?! ........When they come to pick up their purchases and see me, they ask me out!!! Best to be selling "man things" like specialized tools for this "ploy" to work!!!
Posted by: Mom | July 14, 2006 at 07:35 PM
Just found your blog! I really enjoy reading your words...Hope u dont mind if i stick around for awhile...............
Posted by: Michael:) | July 14, 2006 at 11:29 PM
Mom, I shouldn't be surprised by your tactic. No wonder you're so hard to get a hold of!
Michael, sure, stick around.
Posted by: heathervescent | July 15, 2006 at 08:46 AM
I can empathize with a childhood being bartered away. My parents sold the family home to move into a condo not so long ago. My mother had the audacity to try and sell the giant bins of Legos I had so lovingly collected as a child. I remember standing in my parents driveway, making a seven year old girl cry, accusing her of trying to "purchase my childhood." Hey, a man can't think rationally when Legos are involved.....
Posted by: Stan | July 24, 2006 at 08:20 PM