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Quote:At least 1,000 people packed the room for the South by Southwest Interactive keynote conversation in Austin, Texas on Monday between Craigslist founder Craig Newmark and Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales.

If there was a theme to the conversation, it was that communities such as Craigslist and Wikipedia depend entirely on the general trustworthiness of their users, despite occasional problems. And despite constant growth, those communities are becoming more trustworthy, not less, though they require constant vigilance, Newmark said.

He said: "This wisdom of crowds thing - it may be a cliché but it's mostly true. What we're talking about here is a democracy, and it works, but you have to be careful before it gets out of control."...

full article: http://networks.silicon.com/webwatch/0,3...184,00.htm

A related article:

Quote:Nerd values' are threatening the future of newspapers

I'M JUST a customer services representative,” asserts the balding, middle-aged systems design expert with a generous waistline. But as the entrepreneur behind the pioneering website that threatens the global newspaper business model, Craig Newmark is clearly no call-centre stooge.

Whether seeking an apartment or job, a lost friend or even a fleeting sexual encounter, Craigslist.org is the first port of call for 10 million people each month across 35 countries. One of the ten most visited websites in the world, Craigslist invites free classified adverts of unlimited words, taking payment for only a handful of job adverts...

Only limited commercialisation is envisaged. Charges to use Craigslist will be extended for property brokers but Newmark is determined that only landlords and employers will pay. Craigslist will expand to Asia, including China, where it can “help out folks like ex-pats”...

full article:  http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/arti...64,00.html

I used to occasionally run a 3 line classified ad in the Oregonian. That's not many words. Pretty much a monopoly in these parts. The type was so small that it was difficult to read. It used to cost me over $250 a month! Craigslist has been more effective and FREE! I can put in any amount of information, pictures and links. I love it!