Guide Note

Craigslist is a network of online communities, focusing on free classified advertisements and forums of various topics.

Founded in 1995 by Craig Newmark the service is well known for its simple interface and the ability create a classified listing for just about anything at no cost.

Eventually some services like job posting in specific areas require payment but a majority of the many other sections are free to post a listing.

On August 13, 2004 it was announced that eBay had purchased a 25% share of the company.

Fast Facts

1. Private Company
2. Founded: 1995
3. Owner: Craig Newmark
4. CEO: Jim Buckmaster
5. Headquarters: San Francisco, CA, USA
6. Employees: 25
7. Won "Best Community Site" at the 2001 Webby Awards

On May 26, 2008 a seven-day-old baby was offered for sale on Craigslist for $10,000 by her parents. The parents said the ad was a hoax but were arrested on public mischief charges and released after telling the police the ad was a hoax. They're now being investigated for human trafficking.

Craiglist has had its share of controversy since it's inception in 1995. For one the web site has been accused oh helping landlords participates in discriminatory selection of tenets. Several criminal charges have placed because of users activities on Craigslist, mostly related to prostitution activities. The service has also been used by identity thieves to steal the personal information of unsuspecting users. On April 30th, 2008 eBay filed a complaint that their 25% share of the website was reduced when executives unfairly awarded themselves more stock.