24 Mar 2009, Posted by Matthew Reinbold in New Work Ways, 1 Comments

The Craigslist Software Business Model

Craigslist is a site that allows anyone to post free classifieds. It also has RSS feeds for its various sections allowing for asynchronous polling and mashups of various category data. One of those categories is computer gigs. Despite long ago having time to entertain such work evaporate under the shine of existing clients (a renewable resource btw) I continue to follow – because of the absurdity.

Amongst other legitimate offers (install a new hard-drive, tutor on excel) about once a week an entrepreneur offers what I’ve come to call the Equity Special:

• I’ve got an idea guaranteed to make millions!
• Nobody else is doing it
• I can’t post the idea here because someone will take it.
• Normally I kick ass at everything but my Intertube skills are a bit rusty, which is why I’ve resorted to panhandling for talent decided to make someone unbelievably wealthy.
• Program the entire thing on spec and we’ll be [A. partners]/[B. co-owners]/[C. BFFs] …forever!

In other words – I’ve got an idea that nobody else thinks is worth doing, I’m too paranoid to have gotten feedback on it from anyone who may help, my personal network is anemic so I’ve resorted to a free classified ad, you’ll endure the upfront costs for murky future reward, and I have nothing to entice you but your own sense of greed. Finally, this morning somebody distilled the true sentiment of the Equity Special into its truest form:

Puppet Wanted To Do My Bidding
I’ve devised a devious plan of stunning brilliance that’s astounding in its intricacies and require the services of a loyal sycophant to execute it properly. To apply, please submit an essay of 250 words or less extolling your qualifications to be designated as my compliant minion.

This scheme does not involve any illegal activities nor is it sexual in nature. Oh, and it doesn’t pay anything either.

Sadly, this post has since been deleted while other, more obtuse versions of the Equity Special remain up.