Craigslist automators

[rezzy]

You could use something to make posting less work, but true automation is against their TOS and can get you banned or something.

They monitor that type of stuff heavily.

[Vivid Color Zack]

I'm not sure having one of my accounts banned on CL is that big of a concern. Realistically they are going to be pursuing the companies that are posting everything on there and post a million ads a day. They don't have time to worry about little old me.

I'm considering it still. I don't see 30 bucks as a major loss if it doesn't work out.

[vangogh]

$30 might not be a big loss, but the hit to your reputation may be worse. Good chance you'll be reported as a spammer and why risk that. I'll be honest. If I see your ad and I know it's auto posted I will report it. That kind of thing makes Craig's List a less useful site and I like using their site. It just pollutes the listings.

Also something that costs you $30 for what you're considering marketing, isn't likely to be worth all that much. $30 isn't what you're risking here. You're looking for a quick route to profit and that really doesn't exist.

[rezzy]

Zack, I understand the feeling of getting the great publicity through Craiglist. I agree it can be a great publicity method, I have also considered automating that process.

But who likes spam? No one I know wakes up and says I love spam email, telemarkters and the rest.

If you are purchasing a program, CL has seen it before and once they see it happening can quickly block off your IP. Web companies know the software packages people are using to submit information and they have built systems to thwart them. Akismet is the most famous spam system.

If you cant complete you own submissions, I say dont do it. It just isnt professional to spam a site in my eyes and CL will have the last word if you decide to follow through.

[Vivid Color Zack]

Fair enough, and good points.

I'll stick to posting my own ads then. If I'm targeting the whole US I don't see why I'm restricted to my own city to post in. That's my main goal is to reach a broader target audience, not post the same thing a hundred times in OC or wherever I want to post.

[vangogh]

If I'm targeting the whole US I don't see why I'm restricted to my own city to post in.

I agree and I think Craig's List would do well to introduce some more national categories. However in their defense, the site was always meant to work as a local classified. It's purpose isn't to let us advertise. I believe the site came about because Craig Newmark was having trouble finding an apartment and maybe a few things after moving to San Francisco. He built the site to help others find those same things when they moved into the area.

Craig's List really doesn't care whether you or I find it easy to market our businesses on the site. That's not it's intent.

[jonicode]

Turn away from such a spammy approach and don't look back. As a consumer, I am really turned off by such automated processes, that's why as much as possible I don't lean on such methods.

[Vivid Color Zack]

Hmm... I guess maybe it's a generational gap? I can't see myself not buying any product because of their web advertising tactics. I think the godaddy ads are stupid, but I like their services so I'll keep using them. I don't like carls Jr. calling out mcdonalds in a recent ad, but I'll still eat there.

I sincerely don't look at it as spam, which may be the other reason I'm disagreeing with you guys. I'm posting in relevant categories and I'm providing legitimate services. I think spam has to consist of useless, misplaced, irrelevant or completely false ads.

If you look at it in a broader scheme isn't a banner ad pretty much the same thing? Would any of you guys not purchase from a vendor because they chose to use banner ads to advertise?

I understand the purpose craigslist was built on but they have a "small biz ads" section for a reason so I don't see why they wouldn't be willing to support advertising of this type a little more. I think mostly it's preventative for others who would be "spamming" in a more traditional sense.

[Vivid Color Zack]

I'll be honest. If I see your ad and I know it's auto posted I will report it. That kind of thing makes Craig's List a less useful site and I like using their site. It just pollutes the listings.

Also, that reminded me, regardless if it's auto generated or not... competitors flag each others ads using "auto flag" software - craigslist is becoming a war-zone!!!

[vangogh]

That's true. It's ridiculous sometimes the lengths people will go in the name of competition.