Craig's list can be a great source of work and connections or it can be a real waste of time. The key is to know what is really meant by what is writen in a post. For example: The ad: Looking for a designer to build a site like You Tube. Pay is in revenue share once the site takes off. What it really means: This person has no concept of whaat is involed in buildding and promoting a site like that. They are wasting your time. The add: I have the next best idea on the internet and need someone to design it so I can get investors. Payment is equity stake. What it really means: This person wants you to develope(do all the work) an idea on speculation. If it was such a great idea, investors should be lining up. Please contibute your "between the lines" hint.
It is the same for any add. Just look at each one and figure out if it is so good why do they want your help.
The ad: I need a site built that I can easily update myself What it really means: I don't want to learn how to use one of the many cms webservices already available, so I want you to teach me web design.
In most of the listings, the lister has no idea of what he wants. And thats why they are there, looking for someone dirty cheap who can outsource all those for a good price and teach them how to do what.
lol i really like this thread. although people silently probably know the things you pointed out, its good to be bold and to point out exactly what certain phrases probably mean.
WANT WEBSITE FOR FREE MUST BE ECOMMERCE AND PROFESSIONAL between the lines: I'm a cheap bastard who hasn't got the brain cell required to realize web design is a valuable service that should be paid for by people without the skill to do it themselves.
The ad: Our web guy just skipped out on us without finishing. We need someone to finish our site What it really means: Remember there are two sides to every story. They couldn't or didn't pay the designer or were hell to work with. Avoid this ad like the plague.
The ad: Ambitious young female illustrators and graphic designers wanted What it really means: This guy is confusing Craig's List gigs with eharmony or an escort service.