Why I Still Like Craigslist
July 31, 2009 by Deb
Filed under Freelance Writing
Many freelance writers talk about Craigslist as if it’s the lowest common denominator when it comes to searching for freelance writing jobs. I don’t understand this. I find Craigslist to be a goldmine of opportunities. It gets a bum rap because it’s also a haven for scammers, spammers and trolls, but if this is the case, other job sites should be receiving the same bad reputation.
Lately I find more spammy scammy stuff on Hot Jobs or even Monster. Granted, they’re not as bad as Craigslist but the more “prestigious” job boards are sometimes filled with the same web content companies posting the same job and every city and state. I can’t do a search for “writer” or “editor” without coming up with a long list of opportunities coming from the same place. That’s more annoying than a spammy or scammy type of job ad that I can either ignore of flag on Craigslist.
Just about every single high paying client in my aresenal is a Craigslist client. Businesses and clients with big budgets use Craigslist all the time. Since they’re not job hunters, they don’t know about Craigslist reputation for spammy stuff. With so many legitimate opportunities being posted each day, we’re really doing ourselves a disservice to stay away just because of a few bad apples.
The people who vow to stay away from Craigslist because of the odd scammer are cutting off their noses to spite their faces – or as I like to say – treating dandruff by decapitation. (Ok, so Frank Zappa said it first, but I like to use it now and again). If you see a bad ad on Craigslist pass it by or flag it. By writing off the website entirely, you’re writing off a mountain of opportunities.
I shouldn’t complain too much,though. That just means there’s less competition for the rest of us.
Deb, I disagree with a lot of my best writing buds by agreeing with you. Making a section in my RSS feed reader for Craigslist ads from all over the U.S. and Canada was one of my smartest moves early on in my career. I’ve found several clients through Craiglist, including my highest paying regular. Sure, there’s a lot of chaff, but they’re fairly easy to weed out once you’ve browsed several thousand ads.
On the other hand, I don’t think Craigslist is necessarily the best way to find a job. I’ve had a lot more luck with referrals or approaching a company directly. But for writers who are just starting out, I recommend giving old Craig and his big list a chance.
I’m sure this is a loaded questions, but I’m curious if you have an opinion on any “best” way to find freelance writing jobs?
I have found some legitimate jobs via craisglist; including a book editing job I got when I offered to contribute some content to a book. I saw from the publisher’s preliminary materials they they could probably benefit from a copy editor and offered my services and they hired me!
I also have found spam and scams; in fact I just got bombarded with calls from a health insurance company that got my number when I applied for what I thought was an administrative assistant job! Grrr…I am reporting them to the Atty. General’s office.
But I agree, job listers don’t necessarily know the extent of scams and are just honestly trying to find help. I for one appreciate these listings as much as any others!
I’m with you, Deb. There may be some bum ads on CL, but in my experience they’re matched (and sometimes outstripped) by the good ones. Craig Newmark is still the man so far as I’m concerned.
I think it’s a hangover from a few years ago. Back then, there were NO decent gigs on Craigslist — it was all “write my college essay” or “ghostwrite my life story.”
But I’ve found major opportunities these days on Craigslist. Even top universities and corps are listing jobs.
AOK in my book.
Lisa