If you have never used craigslist.com, you are missing out on one of the best, most useful sites on the internet. Craig's List can best be compared to a super-sized, online version of a community bulletin board you might find at your local supermarket or laundromat. If you need help finding something, or getting rid of something, Craig's List is for you.
When you visit the site, you will quickly discover that Craig's List is actually a collection of sites. Each metro area has their own site and has several categories you can browse. You can buy or sell cars, instruments, furniture, tools, computers, books, boats, tickets, jewelry, or toys. In addition to these categories, you can also look for an apartment, a friend, a significant other, look at community announcements, enter a discussion group, or find a new job. There's also a section for people in bands to find bandmates, along with help for other creative individuals. There are lots of possibilities and many uses for the site.
Over the years, I've used the site to find tenants for my apartments, and to look for things I needed. At one point, I contemplated getting a piano for my classroom. After looking through the listings, I found several pianos, and many of them were free. The only catch is that you had to take it away yourself. That's the other great thing about Craig's List: It has a community feel, and lots people looking to give away things they don't need anymore.
As you can tell, I'm a fan of Craig's List, and if you haven't checked it out yet, I would encourage you to do so soon. With that said, be careful. If you are buying something on Craig's List, don't pay for any items until you get them, and when you meet the person, bring someone with you and meet in a public place, if possible. Also remember to question a seller's motives. There's nothing wrong with healthy skepticism. Craig's List also has a personals site. Be careful about protecting your privacy, and be sure that any meeting occurs in a public place.
As with any web site, Craig's List has positives and negatives. You will meet some great people and find some great deals, and you may also meet some strange people, or others who are dishonest. With that said, Craig's List is an indispensable source to use when ever you are looking to buy or sell something, need services, or are just looking for a place to discuss a topic.