You are absolutely right, it is totally evolution. I agree 100% re eBay (I think Dave mentioned that too…). The whole “buy it now” thing on eBay is so frustrating, I definitely prefer the way eBay used to be.

I do not doubt that it is working for Central Builders, I agree with you there. I also agree that things evolve, but often, not for the better.

If Craigslist does evolve to be a commercial advertising platform, then someone will come along and take its place with the free non-commercial ads. Maybe I should follow Dave’s idea and create my own list too. “ScottBlogsList” and see what happens… sounds like a lot of work… maybe I will leave it to Dave.

Let’s say tomorrow, as Dave said, walmart, canadian tire, and all the retail outlets flooded craigslist with ad posts – would you be happy about this? Would you spend the time to filter them all out? Perhaps you would. Perhaps you would say “this is wonderful, I am so happy to see all these extra advertisments, thank god for free speach”. Out of 25 people so far who have voted in my poll, only 1 person has voted “yes”, that commercial ads should be permitted – I suspect that “yes” came from you.

Dave: I agree with Austin, Start your own site, I’ll come and use it.

Its not a question about what the rules permit, but about what is sensible, and to me, and at least some people who have commented here, posting free ads for new merchandise on a used, non-retail platform, does not seem sensible.

I am hesitant to post a comment to my own blog, but wanted to say thanks to those voicing their opinions. While I don’t agree with all of them, I think its great to get the full range of opinions out there. Here are my thoughts thus far:

Mark: Spam is not limited to email, Spam by definition is essentially flooding the internet with multiple copies of the same message, unwanted messages, etc. That said, you are partially right by citing the Craigslist definition. Now, when it comes to filtering out “spam” posts, these commercial ads are likely not considered to be miss-use by Craiglist – hence they remain online. That said, just because Craigslist allows it, it does not make it good for their users, as if users are annoyed, they will stop using the site. Perhaps Craigslist needs to reconsider their rules?

Joel: I for the most part agree with you. If they didn’t post so many ads, nobody would really care. Its the numbers that I think bug most of the people that are bothered by this.

KM: I agree, I also feel this is not the right place for their ads, and yes, they are easy to by-pass. They do have fliers, but I think they could definitely use a website, surprised they don’t have one (and the corporate Home Hardware site kinda sucks) (Interestingly enough, while looking to see if I Could find their site, I found that they are posting ads on another local classified site: http://www.usedcourtenaycomox.com/classified-ad/8695501)

Austin: I am not sure that anyone is really whining – well, perhaps some are, but more discussing this. Yes, some retailers may have better deals, but its apples & oranges. If I am looking for a used anything, then I don’t really want to see ads for something new. It’s almost like if I went to a car dealership and wanted to buy a 2000 Mazda, then the salesman throws a 2009 in my face. It’s just not what I’m there to see. (not the best analogy I know). I think the whole thing comes down to principle. This single miss-use is trivial, who cares really. But if it keeps going on, the miss-use from others will grow, until it becomes common place.