Power Sellers Unite

b1rd · Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Posts: 7

I'm new here, I wanted to say this seems to be a great site. Kudos to the creator.

I've been running extensive tests in reference to CL's filers and their "ghosting" methods. I have been able to get around the ghosting for the most part after a few days of testing every variable I could think of. What I learned was interesting.

First, I was able to show using the same IP for every posting does not seem to have any relevance to whether an ad gets "ghosted." I bring this up because I've read many times over, speculation such as one ad per IP- per one email account, etc... I was able to get 50-60 ads live using the same IP. I might also add that I was using the same email address for 10-15 ads at a time, and still they went live as well.

The other thing I discovered is there does seem to be some type of auto-removal in play, after "x" amount of ads have been placed within a certain time period. I had heard that, but I have now been able to show it. I also learned that all of the previous ads will be removed at once as well. I am however able to immediatley repost without problems, and the subsequent ads go live.

My question is, does anybody have any idea how many ads, using the same IP, before they are removed? Not flagged, but removed all at once. Or the optimum time periods in between? I'm going to continue to see if I can narrow it down but from my tests, my guess is no more than 40 for the day with the same IP.

Today, I posted 41 ads over the course of an hour or so, allowing for some time in-between. I also confirmed they were all good. I checked the email accounts over the course of the next hour, confirming they were still on. A few had been flagged, but the rest were still there. 15 minutes after my last check, the remainder were all removed at once.

For those who may not be aware of this, the ads are removed, however there are no emails sent like when they are flagged. So even after you've put the ad up, confirmed it was not ghosted, that ad might have been removed without your knowledge unless you've personally checked.

I'm going to continue testing things in this area, but it would be helpful if anybody has some insight to this issue. I will certainly post back with anything I do discover in this area.

TIA,
b1rd

eqsecrets3 · Guest

Here's a general tip as a prolific craigslist poster. Focus on your title of your ad. Craigslist needs to make sure that not too many ads with the same title or keywords within the title are the same or too similar.

Craigslist seems to want variety in the ad titles.

Also, certain categories on craigslist (ex. jobs/sales) like to see certain keywords in the title (ex. sales, wanted, hiring) and don't like to see other keywords (ex marketing, surveys, data entry...)

Comments welcome.

b1rd · Guest Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Posts: 7

Hi, and thanks for the reply.

With my posting techniques, I can pretty much rule out the titles as the reason for being removed, as each one is totally unique in every way. I feel confident it has to do with the amount of ads during a certain time period.

Since my last bunch had been removed, I subsequently posted 17 more, and all are fine two hours later.

I should also add, for my own sake, that I am not one of those "spammers" hitting CL hard, over-and-over. I'm merely trying to advertise my service in the major cities across the U.S. once a day.

campu2 · Guest Joined: 17 May 2006 Posts: 334

"I'm merely trying to advertise my service in the major cities across the U.S. once a day."

This in itself is against the TOS

From craigslist TOS:

"You agree not to post, email, or otherwise make available

w) post the same item or service in more than one classified category or
forum, or in more than one metropolitan area;"
______________________________________

Personally, I don't care what you post or how many
categories/cities you post to. I would prefer craigslist
become less restrictive.

The site is designed for local sales/services only
and it doesn't appear craigslist is looking to make
any changes to allow advertising on a national basis.

I like looking for local deals on craigslist and
wouldn't want to see the categories flooded with
non-local offers.

My last suggestion to craigslist was that they add
a nation wide section for sales and services.

This would enable eBay style fixed price sales and
an opportunity for buyers to have items shipped
if they couldn't find it locally.

No response from craigslist. Not that I expected any.

PlanB · Guest Joined: 28 Aug 2006 Posts: 173

Obviously, YOUR definition of Spam differs from the norm. If I was Craig I'd just ban your ISP#. You best check TOS - Some violations carry a $1,000 fine for abuse of site - especially repeats. That's for each one! Heres an Idea, you want nationwide exposure? PAY FOR IT!

campu2 · Guest Joined: 17 May 2006 Posts: 334

b1rd; You are not alone. There are thousands of
people/businesses who would like to advertise
nationally on craigslist.

Craigslist has listings for thousands of U.S. cities
(large and small). Not to mention cities around the
world.

Hard to understand why they are against creating
ONE additional section for national sales/services.

Maybe it has something to do with eBay owning 25%
of craigslist. Free listing of national sales on
craigslist would probably cripple eBay.

b1rd · Guest Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Posts: 7

Thanks for the replies (I think :oops: )

Quote: › docWrite("quote")Obviously, YOUR definition of Spam differs from the norm
Perhaps.

However, in my defense, I never said I did not "spam" the site per se. I said I was not one of those jerks "hitting the site hard." I am well aware of their TOS, and with respect to that I am in fact guilty.

My service is simply designing image ads to help others promote their business or service more efficiently and more professionally. I can appreciate that there are some that hate guys like me on the site. However, there are also some that actually appreciated my services. Many actually.

Anyhow, again thanks for the replies and <suggestions> :wink:

b1rd

mongoose · Guest Joined: 05 Feb 2008 Posts: 2087

Your signature indicates that you are a support specialist, yet you are an advocate for spamming a public site which has specific rules against such spamming. It's as though you and eqsecrets3 above are working in tandem to offer a spamming service. You also brag that there are "many" on this site that want your spamming services. If you're not selling (at least trying to) spamming services what are you trying to sell to members of this forum?

Spamming is spamming regardless of "how hard you hit it." It also doesn't matter which forum you use to spam about your spamming abilities - it's still spam.