Craigslist Hall of Shame

[14049752]

The thing about craigslist that's really pissing me off lately; The people who spam the hell out of the site, changing just a few words, posting the same ad. Flagging them as spam doesn't do any good... There are a couple of local companies and a few nationwide spammers that do it, but there's no way to stop them. One day last week a local shop posted 7 ads in the same day.

 

[bagellad]

"
Computer Tech Will Come to You

Ad ID: 128262155
Visits: 9
Address: Kingston
Date Listed: 21-May-09

Only $25/Visit
Call Josh.
613-888-8876
Email:Josh@digital-recruits.com

"

http://kingston.kijiji.ca/c-services-computer-Computer-Tech-Will-Come-to-You-W0QQAdIdZ128262155


Shoot for the stars josh.

 

[NYJimbo]

http://longisland.craigslist.org/cps/1262195055.html

Fixing computers, GREENLAWN,CENTERPORT,HUNTINGTON AREA.

-15 BUCKS FOR MALWARE REMOVAL, AND INSTALLATION OF ANTI-MALWARE PROGRAMS, will ensure proper security-based technology is installed on computer.

-10 BUCKS FOR HARDWARE INSTALLATION, (not including power supply,motherboard installation-25 bucks)

Will work only with: Windows 2000,XP, Vista.

-Computer optimization available!- 15 dollars! Defragment, registry cleaning, removal of temporary files, error check.​

This clown will go to your house and install hardware for $10.

Can you imagine doing a real virus clean after traveling to somebodys home for $15 ?

 

[angry_geek]

I specialize in PC repairs of all types. If your in need of any of the following services give me a call or drop me an e-mail. I have been in the business for many years.

Network installation including wireless hook-ups.
PC repair and/or diagnosis, also upgrading current desktop and laptops
Software installation including operating systems, anti-virus, etc
Software training includes microsoft office suite, photoshop, etc...

If there is something not listed that you need help let me know and I will see if it's in my ability's.

I have very resonable rates starting at $10 per hour with a 2 hour min charge.

For more information or a quote call: 618-983-3839 ask for Michelle
livingstons.sbg@gmail.com

They also have ads for daycare and yardwork.

 

[angry_geek]

I wonder what their phone greeting is, I can imagine it being something like;

Thank you for calling Computer Repair, Daycare, and landscaping, how can we help you?

You can get your lawn mowed, diaper changed, and computer fixed with one call! Of course you would have to risk a curious 2-year-old getting hold of your laptop and feeding it apple juice.

 

[angry_geek]

Ability to run, terminate, and test CAT5 and CAT6 wiring.

That's crazy! I pay my cable monkeys at least $20.00/drop each. They easily make $30.00 - $40.00/hour depending on the job. College students love it.

 

[Luis]

I almost spilled coke (The drink) all over my laptop from laughing at this.
"I have muliply computer certifactions and I can fix 99% of hardware and software problems I encounter"

Actual Quote from Ad. Please visit his site for an extra dosage of incompetance

 

[14049752]

I almost spilled coke (The drink) all over my laptop from laughing at this.
"I have muliply computer certifactions and I can fix 99% of hardware and software problems I encounter"

Actual Quote from Ad. Please visit his site for an extra dosage of incompetance

I love that his "Quilafacations" (or however he spelled it) link only takes you to a video page of some music.

 

[angry_geek]

Check out his site. He's also a DJ!!

 

[Luis]

Based on the ads on craigslist, It makes me feel better about my chances of success in my town lol. There is an ad for access database building for 10/hr!!! I can't beleive how short some people sell themselves.

I know that I myself was offering service for 45 + 10 an hour but in my head the logic seemed to work. but still 10 and hour for database design? wow.

I'm starting to wonder if advertising in a cesspool like craigslist could be more harmful than helpful. At the very least in my city's section, it is constantly flooded with people like these, and unfortunately I think our demographic appreciates lower cost than better service. At least the first time around. sad.

I can't wait to get my site up and start advertising. I was even considering applying at a computer repair store but most places ask for A+ cert, and I don't take that course til next semester.

 

[thebeardedone]

I love that his "Quilafacations" (or however he spelled it) link only takes you to a video page of some music.

LOL! Thats what got me going

 

[14049752]

Found this one on Myspace, via Craigslist:

"I Build and Fix Computers for cheap. if any one has questions you can call my # xxx-xxx-xxxx. If you have any Questions that I can't answer visit myspace.com/XXXXXXX or click the link on my friends list of his page he should be able to help if i can't. If you call my home phone please ask serious questions dont try to prank my phone cause i can block numbers."

 

[Luis]

You know I hate laughing because these people are trying to do right, the thing is that everyone thinks they can operate a business.
It's not enough to just know how to fix computers. Its about establishing yourself, and presenting your "business" in a professional manner.
I have seen many sole proprietorships boom and i've seen plenty of corporations fail.

I don't think that being incorporated, having a mysite.com email address, or even a dedicated phone line is necessary to be a good computer tech or business owner.

I found a guy on craigslist yesterday who posted that he only had 6 months of experience!!! I felt bad because he was already getting flamed by some jackass so I sent him an email welcoming him to the industry and inviting him to join technibble. No response yet though. Ill post if he replies.

I love this thread, always good for a laugh

 

[thebeardedone]

I found a guy on craigslist yesterday who posted that he only had 6 months of experience!!!

That's more experience than some techs around here (where I live).

The whole thing just really gets you down.

 

[14049752]

You know I hate laughing because these people are trying to do right, the thing is that everyone thinks they can operate a business.

I disagree. The people we're laughing at aren't necessarily inexperienced, they're just flat out unprofessional hacks, fly-by-nights, or morons.

Almost all of the ads posted here are terribly unprofessional. The people posting them weren't trying to do right, if they were they'd spend some time and actually DO it right.

 

[NYJimbo]

------------------------------------------
http://longisland.craigslist.org/cps/1277000158.html

i can fix any kind of software problems from computers and with fully satisfaction just bring your computer to me at this address 26 virginiadr, elmont, 11003, ny and just call me at 516-734-1653 or e mail me at jnasir20@yahoo.com i'll do it on cheapper rates then others

-------------------------------------------

UPDATE:

This guy seems to have realized his post was pretty lame so he "improved" it:


http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/cps/1335063101.html

i can fix any kind of software problem in the computers with fully satisfaction that includes windows, antiviruses and other services u have to bring your computer to the given address and before coming here just call me on 516-734-1653 or e mail me at junaidnasir14@yahoo.com so i can be at home on that time my home address is 26 virgina drive, elmont, 11003, ny and in cheap rates then others thank u

.

 

[14049752]

He wants you to show up at his house, unannounced. Wow.

It's ok, his mom will be there to answer the door.

 

[Luis]

------------------------------------------
http://longisland.craigslist.org/cps/1277000158.html

i can fix any kind of software problems from computers and with fully satisfaction just bring your computer to me at this address 26 virginiadr, elmont, 11003, ny and just call me at 516-734-1653 or e mail me at jnasir20@yahoo.com i'll do it on cheapper rates then others


•Location: elmont, long island
•it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

PostingID: 1277000158
-------------------------------------------




He wants you to show up at his house, unannounced. Wow.

I always have fully satisfaction among my clients. lol
He didn't even leave his name. someone should call and ask.

 

[Luis]

@Pyramid

I never took this thread as a means to alienate or put anyone down. It's just funny. I'm sure everyone else who has posted in the thread feels the same. These Craigslist ads show techs on this site the way NOT to advertise thus it is as educational as it is entertaining.

In fact I have invited a local startup tech that advertised on my local craigslist board to join TN for a little more help. I don't think there is any elitism (or whatever) going on here.

Just my two cents.
Plus I don't think your raining on anyones parade, you're entitled to your opinion just as anyone else on this forum. Thats what makes a forum work. Discussion, whether positive or negative, is the engine that drives this community.

 

[anonymous Mac Tech]

All,

Sorry to rain on the parade here, but what does this thread of whining, mocking, and negativity serve really?

9 pages of "look how cool we are and how much the Pizza Techs suck"...are you guys kidding me?

Nothing to debate about, just techs sharing a laugh talking shop. Its not necessary to turn every thread into a pizza tech/elitist debate. There's plenty of other threads with that going on. No offense but just like if we think someone is asking a really novice question we should keep quiet, I think the same applies to your post.