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“Craigslist and I are now friends”

I was a skeptic of Craigslist. That was until recently‚ when I used it to sell a guitar. I had heard about the Craigslist killer‚ and all the people who have  had weird experiences on it. I was that paranoid person who would never buy or sell on Craigslist. My husband could deal with it. I mean‚ I cannot be bothered with something awful happening to me. Well‚ that is where my paranoid mind goes. I had always heard about the horror stories of Craigslist.

What I realized is‚ if I do not act like the dumb girl in the horror movie who opens the door at twelve am at night‚ and let the killer waltz right in‚ then I am probably going to come out alive.

Jamie Lee Curtis in “Halloween.”    As one can see‚ she is going to go up the stairs‚ and right into the killer’s arms.

So my husband gave me the run down on the do’s and don’ts of Craigslist. He has been an avid user of the website for years‚ and has learned how to be a crafty bear. He did not want me to fall into the same pitfalls he had fell into in the past. Here is the list.

1# I would not be the dumb girl in the horror movie who opens the door at midnight. Make sure you meet the person in daylight‚ around people‚ and at a public place.

2# Ladies‚ we all know there are some real creepers out there. So bring your mace and stuff it in your purse. I highly doubt you will need this if you are in a public place during the day. It does not hurt to play it safe. No one needs to try and be a hero today.

3# Only deal in cash. Nobody wants to deal with the guy who is trying to give you some fake check and has no money in their bank account. We all know there are those weasels out there.

4# To the ladies‚ if you all are selling furniture‚ and do not have a life mate‚ have one of your friends or trusty neighbor come by when the person picks up the furniture.

5# Make sure you take clear pictures of your product. Nobody likes a bad surprise when one is excited about checking out a power-win item‚ and can only see a glimmer of the object.

So there you have it people. I am no longer in fear of Craigslist. I sold my guitar to a lovely teenage boy who wants to learn how to play. I felt good giving it to someone who would thoroughly enjoy the guitar. Craig Newmark had the idea that most people are generally nice‚ and just want to find a good deal. I am glad I got out of my narrow thinking and gave it a shot.

I am curious to know what your Craigslist experiences have been. Do tell if you like.