Why Is It So Hard to Meet Someone on Craigslist?

A few days ago, I decided to post a personal ad. As usual, there were replies from Spambots.

A LOT of Spambots.

It's gotten annoying, so consider this a lesson in what to look for before replying to a response to your personal ad.

For starters, check the e-mail address. 99% of people tend to use their e-mail account semi-publicly in one way or another. No history... most likely no person.

Also, I put in information relating to what I like and dislike and the instructions for replying were really simple: Make sure you mention something from the ad. Most spambots are incredibly vague.

So, bad e-mail #1:

From: "Gaye Woomer"

Hello
I saw your craigslist post.
Im starting to look for someone. Im very fun to be around. Heres a pic
http://i40.tinypic.com/jslkkn.jpg I have more pics on
yourdatelinks.com. Its like a different myspace and free =). Search
for hugmexo24 to see them and add me. Hopefully we will chat.
Take Care

So let's kinda dissect this. For starters, there's a link to a pic on a free server. Fine, happens, not a bad idea. Then there's a link to a dating site that I recommend you don't click on. The obligatory screen name... and the bad spelling and grammar to make it seem "real".

E-mail #2:

From: "ashley.sanders2@gmail.com"

hey was browsing a few ads and was interested, if your interested let me know,my names carri im 23 years old, about 5'7" 115lbs, taking a break from school, just working now, in the area im kind of new at this i met one other person from here about 3 weeks ago and he turned out to be 17, i really hope that isnt a common thing, nor happens again, but i enjoy just hanging out, just let me know if u are interested i have a photo albumn www.mocospace.com/carri1212

This one looks like it was written by a teenager, but the person claims to be 23. Right. Awesome. Just who I want to meet: A 23-year-old who can't type like an adult. Obligatory porn link, great.

OK, for this one, I'm posting the subject line. Most of them were kinda bland (your ad, Craigslist post, etc...). This one:

Subject: Let's do this :)

From: "Flower Marjoram"

How's it going?
I am messaging you regarding your ad.
I find your message on cl nice.
I am nice looking lady. I am moving to your area in few days.
and searching for a man to show me around.
This way we could discover each other.
I am going to send you my nice photo when you reply.
I am coming from Europe.
See ya

... I Nigeria Scammer, how are you today? No, I... no, I don't want to meet you. Have fun.

Yep... meeting people on Craigslist. How easy does it get, right?

I did get one real response out of about 12 e-mails. I would post more, but really, you never know, right? Maybe one of the e-mails I think is junk might be from an actual person who wants to meet me. Or a stalker.