Dave's blog page
Observations, Facts and Fun around the Tech Industry
My Blogs will focus on a variety of topics including product stories, earnings reports, and news about the biggest names in tech and retail. Some of these stories have already appeared online, while others have been created specifically for this page. All of the content was created by me and expresses my own ideas and opinions. When factual data is quoted, links to source material will be included.
Music – Our Own Private TARDIS...
While the Doctor (Insert your favorite here; Eccleston is still top of my list, although Smith continues to grow on me) can frantically push buttons and turn levers to end up somewhere in time; usually to save the universe; we’re incredibly lucky to live in a time when we have basically unlimited access to just about any song, TV show, or movie ever made.
Like just about everyone else, I’ve spent the last few months binge-watching TV shows and listening to music. The shows provided new entertainment as I streamed lots of British cop shows, but I also stopped on an older series from time to time like Deadwood. (The recent movie was a great way to revisit those characters, but the show itself was incredible and remains an all-time favorite). As I watched the tension and underlying grudging respect between Bullock and Swearengen, I found myself mouthing the dialog even though I hadn’t seen the show in years. That’s when I started thinking about the influence movies, TV, and music held in our lives. The mediums are strikingly different in the way we perceive them, or in what they allow us to do.
With TV and film, I found myself instantly into the dialog, but it seemed all too familiar as the visual imagery hit me and took me by the hand. With visual media, we are being shown what we are expected to see; the piece works on basic levels, but we really can’t deviate from the visual presentation in front of us. The path through the show or movie is time locked, or a fixed point in time (Doctor Who fans will see what I did there). Visuals also suffer from the dated look of the older technology they were created in; so basically what we see is what we get. We follow the roadmap to the eventual conclusion which we already know.
Music however offers us the true TARDIS experience. Even though we know every word and nuance of our favorite songs, the moment we hear them we are instantly transported back to the point in our lives when we first heard the song. This to me is true time-travel. Every adolescent love or heart wrenching breakup is immediately deposited to the front of our brain for immediate consumption. Every party or bad joke shared with friends current or lost to the past comes instantly into focus.
Music can also create the feelings of melancholy as not all the memories are necessarily good ones. A departed loved one’s favorite song might bring up sad feelings, but you’ve still thought about that special person again so that in itself is a good thing. You may also find yourself at a bad spot in your life, but you can take solace in the fact that (hopefully) you’re overcome it and gotten on with your life so you can claim that victory.
All of media forms the backdrop and soundtrack of our lives, but music gives us the opportunity to stop and spend a few minutes revisiting the good, bad or ugly parts of our lives for reflection. Video can take you down the road, but music lets you get out and walk around a while.
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I recently received an Apple Store gift card from a family member, and since I didn’t need anything from the store, I thought I’d convert the Apple card to an iTunes card. The steps involved (with what to me should have been an easy process) were tedious to say the least.
I began the process by contacting Apple through its website. A day later I received a follow-up email requesting quite a bit of information regarding the original Apple card. Here is the text from that email:
In order to investigate this issue, please reply with the following information:
• The country the original gift card was purchased in.
• The first and last name of the recipient of the new code.
• The recipient’s phone number.
• The email address you want the exchange details sent to.
• The code or PIN that you'd like to exchange. In most cases, this code begins with X or Y.
• An image of the receipt with four visible corners. (If the document is too long, submit multiple images.)
• Images of the front and back of the gift card showing the card's value, activation code, and serial number.
Note: Supplying the requested information doesn’t guarantee that we'll be able to exchange your gift card.
As soon as I receive this information, I’ll investigate the options available to you.
I was especially taken back by the tone of the message; send us all this stuff and maybe we’ll help you, maybe not. I’m surprised they didn’t ask for my first born child. Maybe they did, but that requirement is buried in the agreement documentation we’re forced to sign when using Apple products or platforms. (South Park did a great bit on this a while back…)
The message was signed by an Apple customer service representative (Real name? Who knows?) located somewhere in the world, I guess. After his “investigation” which took several days; I was handed over to another customer service representative to continue said “investigation.” I was informed via email that Apple was looking into my issue and I’d hear back from them in a few days.
So, several days passed and sure enough my request to transfer the Apple Card to iTunes was finally approved. It really was touch and go there for a while….
I’m reminded of the old days of retail when trying to get a mail-in rebate required similar levels of documentation. The idea of course was to make people jump through so many hoops they’d eventually give up and their rebate would go unclaimed.
As for Apple; perhaps the best branded enterprise on the planet; a little bit of common sense customer service would go a long way.
Slammin’ Email Scammers
Hardly a day goes without some sort of suspicious email ending up in my Spam Folder. While most are not as obvious as the Nigerian Prince asking me to hold his millions for a small customs fee; they are all annoying, relentless, and potentially dangerous.
A Few Examples
FedEx seems to be a favorite platform for phishing expeditions with many messages starting with, “your package is missing or undeliverable.” They then ask you to login on a very real looking website using your FedEx credentials. They may also ask for banking info to cover extra fees even though FedEx packages are paid for prior to shipping.
LinkedIn is also a popular jumping off point for scammers as most people on LinkedIn have some sort of contact info on their pages. This is especially heinous since most people list contact info in hopes of landing a job. The scammers know this and exploit this information to gain your credentials with messages like, “your account has been breached” or “immediate action required.”
Amazon, eBay/PayPal, and just about every bank and financial institution are also prime hunting grounds for scamming and phishing operations.
Preventative Steps to Take
By following a few simple rules of thumb you should be able to easily tell real email messages from the fakes. Always check the name used in the email. I personally use an alias email on LinkedIn so when I see messages that use my email address and not the alias I know it’s a scam. Also, check the URL on any links before clicking on them. You probably have the correct links to any online company you do business with. If the URL in the email doesn’t match the one you know is real; it’s a scam.
Trust Your Spam Filter
Messages drop into Spam because they set off red flags within your mail program. If you can, screen the message in a safe window without opening it or clicking on any links in the text. If FedEx warms you about a package and you know you didn’t order anything, it’s a scam. By using good judgement and trusting your instincts you should be able to avoid any issues related to spam or phishing. Remember, when in doubt, just delete.
The telegraph was the first long distance communications breakthrough and laid the foundation for current devices like the telephone, fax machine and even the internet. Samuel Morse is credited with developing the telegraph in the 1830’s and 1840’s securing all of the device’s patents in his name; but he had a great deal of help from “unnamed” inventors. An October 2013 article in Smithsonian Magazine credits Leonard Gale, a chemistry teacher from NYU, Joseph Henry, an electromagnetics expert, and Albert Vail, Morse’s assistant as key contributors to the telegraph’s creation in the United States.
The Groundwork
The telegraph would not have been possible if not for two vital electronic discoveries in the early 19th century. History.com outlines the technologies needed to bring the telegraph to life. In 1800 Alessandro Volta invented the battery so electric current could be stored and used in a controlled environment. In 1820 Hans Christian Oersted successfully demonstrated the link between electricity and magnetism by moving a magnetic needle with an electric current. Other early inventors (in addition to the Morse group) instrumental to telegraph development include English researchers Sir William Cooke and Sir Charles Wheatstone.
Early Adaptations
The British team of Cooke and Wheatstone developed a system used for railroad signaling in Britain as featured in the History.com article. Their system consisted of five magnetically charges needles that could be moved around a panel of numbers and letters when charged with electricity. The Morse system was based on single circuit technology that worked by completing the electronic circuit between the sending station and the receiving station connected by lines or wires.
How it Works
The operator at the sending station pushes down an operator key that closes the electronic circuit and sends a signal through the telegraph lines or wires to the receiver. When the signal reaches the receiver it activates a magnet that pulls down the key at the receiver station completing the circuit. Pushing and then releasing the key on the sender’s side allows current to flow or be interrupted in pulses. This series of pulses is called Morse Code which assigns a specific pattern of dots and dashes to letters of the alphabet. The most easily recognized example of Morse Code is dot-dot-dot, dash-dash-dash, dot-dot-dot, or SOS. Sleewee.com provides a key to the International Morse Code system.
Beginning of the End
The telegraph succeeded in connecting the nation and contributed greatly to the western expansion. The device even helped President Lincoln communicate with his generals during the Civil War as outlined in a story on pbs.org. By the late 1860’s the Western Union Telegraph Company purchased most of the telegraph patents and controlled a good part of the telegraph and telegram industry for the next century and a half. Western Union played a vital role in the development of other technologies that sprang out from the telegraph as posted on the company website. A few of these accomplishments include the transcontinental telegraph network in 1861, the stock ticker in 1865, and the first commercial inter-city microwave communications system in 1943.
In July 2013 India shut down its state controlled Bharat Sanchar Nigam, Ltd. (BSNL) telegraph network as reported on gizmag.com. This was the last know wired telegraph system in the world. The telegraph is certainly a technology from a by-gone era, but many of the communication devices we now take for granted wouldn’t be possible without those dots and dashes.
Additional Sources:
I’ve Cut the Cord; Now What?
With the high cost of cable, many people are dumping the service all together. The next step is finding a way to enjoy your favorite shows while cutting your costs for TV programming. If you really don’t watch a lot of TV, you can probably get an antenna to receive local channels over the air for free. The signal strength of your local channels will be influenced by where you live. Another way to enjoy TV without cable is with a satellite dish and the Dish Network offers several packages and viewing options.
How Does it Work?
Dish Pro satellite dishes allow customers of Dish Networks to receive TV programming from satellite and local sources. Signals are received at the home through a small dish placed on the roof or outdoor balcony as long as a clear line of sight into the sky is available. Installation services are provided through Dish Network, but some customers opt to install the dish hardware themselves.
Getting Started
The Dish website provides all the information you’ll need to successfully install the satellite system. The first step is to go the support section of the Dish website and locate the dish angles you’ll need to properly aim your dish at the satellites in your area. There are three measurements used in aiming the dish; Azimuth, Elevation, and Skew. The correct angles are determined by where you live and displayed based on the provided list of zip codes.
Finding the Proper Alignment Numbers
Once you’ve located your zip code on the Dish website, you’ll see a list of numbers used to align the dish. Say you live in the San Francisco bay area and your zip code is 94901. Your Azimuth setting would be 158; Elevation would be 56 and the Skew would be 80 if using a Dish-500 model, or 87 if using a Dish-1000 model. These alignment numbers are provided for every zip code in the country, so finding the right set shouldn’t be too difficult. It’s important to remember which dish you’re installing as the Skew setting can vary by model.
Aiming the Dish
The dish should be mounted on the roof or south facing wall of the home with an unobstructed view of the southern sky as the satellites are located there. Be sure that no trees or buildings in the way as those obstructions can affect signal strength and cause reception issues. After the mast has been secured, attached the dish with the mounting brackets and bolts provided. You’ll need to use the guides and markings on the hardware to properly adjust the Azimuth, elevation and Skew settings for your specific area.
Additional Steps
After setting up the dish and running the cables to the receiver box you can use the on-screen menus to properly adjust tuning and signal options. Complete instructions, parts lists and FAQs can be found on the Dish Network website. A search through any search engine will also provide numerous links to instructions, diagrams and videos on proper satellite dish installations. Of course you can also just watch for special offers on installation promotions (many times it’s free) and let your dish be professionally installed.
Additional Sources:
Dish: 
Home Page
Dish: Support/Installation Manuals
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Whatever Happened to The iPod Classic?
In October 2001 the late Steve Jobs announced the first iPod. The device offered 5GB of memory (monstrous at the time) and was able to store up to 1000 songs. The slogan coined at that launch event - “1000 songs in your pocket” became the catch-phrase in iPod’s early marketing campaigns. The iPod had a great run for Apple, and still lives today albeit in the “Touch” version.
By Any Other Name
Prior to September 2007 all iPods were simply called iPods, but that all changed with the arrival of the iPod Classic. The Classic offered expanded storage (up to 160GB or approximately 20,000 songs) and enhanced the color options from the basic “Signature iPod White” to a slick silver or black design. In 2009 the iPod Classic made up the lion’s share of the nearly 55 million units shipped during the height of the unit’s popularity and sales totals.
iPhone (and other streaming competitors) Killed the Classic
While no jury would convict the iPhone in the demise of its popular cousin the Classic, the iPhone’s fingerprints could be found all over the weapon used to hasten the iPod Classic’s final fate. It’s also true that the iPhone had an accomplice in finally ending the Classic’s reign. Streaming devices could more than match the storage capacity of the Classic; and many users simply didn’t want to carry two devices; one for music only, and a phone for well, a phone.
The Classic Lives On in Secondary Markets
A quick search of eBay shows hundreds of iPods and iPod Classics in a variety of storage sizes and conditions. The prices average around $350 - $450 for a 6th generation Classic with 160 GB storage in relatively good shape. Apple sold the last of the iPod Classics for just $250 up until September 2014 when the device was officially discontinued. Another distinction the Classic carried to its grave was being the last Apple product to use the original 30-pin connector and click wheel. All Apple devices now utilize the Apple lightening connector for charging and connectivity.
What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Router?
Whether you own your router or use one provided by a cable company as part of your home entertainment package, there are several signs your device could be experiencing problems. The most common problems are internet traffic slowdowns, longer download times, frequent disconnects, and poor signal strength in various locations around your home or business. You may also notice certain router functions simply stop working.
How old is your Router?
One of the most common problems with routers is age. Since your router is usually always on, heat can wear on its internal components over time. Heat can also be a key factor in performance issues like intermittent connectivity and slower speeds according to an article in PC World. A simple fix could be moving your router to a different location where the air flow is better, or using a fan to provide cooling. Another problem with older routers is support of newer devices. The current standard in Wi-Fi is 802.11n and older routers may not be able to support these range and speed requirements for newer phones, tablets or laptops.
Slow Performance
If you’re experiencing a slowdown in performance there are several external issues that could be to blame. Most routers operate at 2.5 GHz as do many other household appliances. Cordless phones, microwaves, baby monitors and even garage door remotes all function on the 2.5 GHz band. Any one of these devices could cause router performance issues as outlined in a story on informationweek.com. Moving your equipment around is a quick fix method, and if that doesn’t work you can change the channel your router operates on. This is done by opening your router’s set-up controls in the program you installed when you connected your router the first time and changing it manually.
Go to the Lights
Your router has a series of indicator lights usually located on the front of the device. These lights will let you know if your router is operating properly. The indicator lights will usually show functions that include power, internet connection and Wi-Fi signal strength. A blinking light doesn’t mean the device is malfunctioning, but colored lights like amber or red indicate issues that require your attention. Keeping your router manual handy is an easy way to check what the lights and colors mean. If you don’t have the manual, you can check the manufacturer’s website. Most companies have downloadable manuals available in support of its products.
Conclusions
Routers are fairly robust devices, but like any other piece of electronic equipment they are subject to slower performance or even breakdowns over time. Many basic issues can be corrected by a simple reset; either turning the device off for 60 seconds and restarting it, or in more drastic cases rebooting the device to original settings. The reset button is usually located on the back of the device. On some brands you’ll need to insert a pin or other small tool into a hole on the back panel. If all of your basic troubleshooting methods don’t produce the required results, it’s time a new router. Many routers are priced in the $100 or lower range so replacing an older model can usually assure better performance and functionality.
Additional Sources:
PC World: How to Know when it’s time to Replace your Router
Informationweek.com: 7 Wireless Router Problems
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Amazon Raises Rates on Prime Services
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you’ll be noticing a $20 increase in your membership fees starting on June 16. If you’re thinking of becoming a Prime Member, the new rates for you begin on May 11. And while the increase may seem substantial, it’s only the second time Amazon has increased its Prime Membership fees since the program began in 2005. The last increase took place in 2014.
The $100 Cost Barrier
The “Magic” $100 price point could have significant impact on new memberships or renews, but the company feels it will be able to sell the benefits of the program to customers with little or no difficulty. The gamble had better pay off for Amazon, especially since Prime customers tend to spend nearly twice as much as non-Prime Membership consumers.
Millions Affected by Cost Increase, Most are US members
In late April 2018 Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced that Prime Membership reached just over 100 million paid subscribers worldwide. Since Amazon’s biggest customer base remains in the US, millions of Americans will be affected by the increase. The annual fee of $119 is still a better deal for consumers over the monthly program. If you’re a monthly Prime Member ($12.99 a month) you’re paying just under $156 a year.
Bezos Cites Increased Shipping Costs and Added Value to Prime Members
Shipping costs are at the heart of the increase; and new benefits that included Prime Video streaming, same-day shipping, rapid delivery and Prime Day were not enough to offset the higher shipping costs. According to Amazon, other services like Prime Pantry, Amazon Music Unlimited and Audio Channels still makes Amazon Prime Membership cost effective to consumers.
Latest Earnings Report Highlight the Company’s Shipping Cost Dilemma
Amazon announced Q1 earnings in late April with the company reporting its second consecutive quarter with $1 billion in profit. Subscription fees (including Amazon Prime) rose 56 percent to $3.1 billion over last year but this was offset by a 38 percent increase in shipping costs to $6.1 billion. Amazon believes most costumers will accept the higher rate to continue enjoying the perks Amazon Prime provides.
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The kabuki dance investors play with Apple Stock each quarter has a very familiar feel. Those in the “know” predict doom and gloom while Apple holds its cards close to the vest and eventually draws an inside straight. On Apple’s Q2 investor call CEO Tim Cook announced record March Quarter records in both revenue and earnings. Cook cited $61.1 billion in revenue; an increase of 16 percent over last year.
Revenue Pops across Multiple Categories
The iPhone improved by 14 percent while services were up a robust 31 percent. Wearables topped the revenue generation by improving almost 50 percent over last year. Greater China and Japan, two of the company’s largest geographic segments featured a revenue bump of more than 20 percent.
iPhone Sales Set New First Half Record
iPhone’s second half performance topped $100 billion in revenue beating last year’s totals by a cool $12 billion. This translates into Apple’s highest first half growth rate in three years. iPhone also grew in the very important area of market share based on IDC’s latest estimates of the overall global smartphone market place.
iPhone X a Big Seller
While rumors of the demise of the iPhone X are prevalent in the tech media, Apple’s newest smartphone entry put up solid numbers in the March quarter. According to Tim Cook Apple’s customers chose iPhone X over all other iPhone models in each week of the recent quarter. This built on the phone’s popularity going back to the December quarter when the iPhone X was first released.
Apple Services also Gained Across the Board
With the availability of Apple Pay leading the way Q2 was Apple’s best ever quarter in the services segment. Apple Pay got a major bump due to the launch of Express Pay in major transit systems worldwide. The Beijing and Shanghai markets started using Express Pay this quarter. These new markets represent the number two and three largest transit systems in the world. Apple already controls market share in the world’s number one commuter market place, Tokyo.
What This Means
Apple continues to beat street estimates and Warren Buffet’s recent purchase of 75 million shares pushed its stock to an all-time high in early May, 2018. After weathering a static period of development, the company has returned to its strength with the proven performance of the iPhone X. Watch for the rumors to start any day now around a new device or service.
Information for this story came from the transcript of Apple’s Q2 conference call to investors on May 1, 2018.
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What is Flipkart and Why Does Walmart Want It?
Flipkart is India’s largest e-commerce company and it offers Walmart a unique opportunity to gain a substantial piece of a 1.3 billion person emerging retail market. The move also provides Walmart a shot at tweaking massive online competitor Amazon which already owns a substantial slice of India’s online market share and has also expressed a strong desire to purchase Flipkart.
India - The 3rd Largest Piece Behind China and the U.S.
While Walmart maintains the title of world’s largest retailer, it has experienced difficulty when competing with Amazon for online market share both here and overseas. With India in play, Walmart stands to gain ground in a region where it currently has no online presence. This is a critical piece since Walmart will better be able to navigate regulations and laws being a new company in the country instead of an established one like Amazon.
Flipkart’s Investors Falling into Place
Three of Flipkart’s largest investors; Tiger Global Management, Softbank, and South Africa’s Naspers Ltd. Are reportedly onboard with Walmart’s acquisition plans. The size of Walmart’s final position in Flipkart has yet to be determined, but estimates are in the 60 to 80 percent range. Walmart’s offer for Flipkart will probably top $12 billion for controlling interest in the Indian start-up.
Amazon Not Taking the Move Lying Down
Amazon had previously tried to purchase Flipkart and vows to ramp up competition if Walmart completes the deal. Amazon has already established a solid presence in India and has been breathing down Flipkart’s neck taking the number two slot (behind Flipkart) in online business. Amazon has recently earmarked a $5.5 billion investment in the country so the battle lines have been drawn. Amazon knows the online landscape better than most but Walmart brings a vast presence and decades of marketing and retail experience to the region. If this deal goes through, it has the potential to change the face of retail and e-commerce on a global scale.
Additional Sources:
MSN/Money: Walmart Close to 12 Billion Deal for Flipkart
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What Does Yahoo Do When Someone Reports They Are Being Impersonated?
Our online identity is one of our most valued possessions. It’s hard to function these days without leaving some sort of digital footprint; from online banking to something as simple as email. We trust our service providers to protect our online security, but what happens when something goes wrong? Yahoo has been a part of the online digital landscape for quite some time, and it has a variety of safeguards in place when fraudulent identity situations arise.
Ways to Tell if You’ve Been Hacked
There are several tell-tale signs you’ve been hacked as outlined on Yahoo’s website:
- Changes have been made to your account information.
- There are logins from locations you don't recognize in your Login Activity page.
- Your account is sending spam.
- There are messages in your sent folder that you didn't send.
- You're receiving multiple failed delivery messages.
- You aren't receiving expected emails.
The Yahoo website recommends changing your password immediately if you feel your account was accessed without your permission. This should be done immediately if you have even the slightest suspicions concerning your online identify according to Yahoo. You should use the “Change your Password” link on Yahoo or use the “Yahoo Password Helper” if you don’t have access to the site.
Yahoo’s “Terms of Service”
All Yahoo subscribers must agree to the company’s posted “Terms of Service” prior to creating a Yahoo identity and using that identity for email, purchasing, or other online activities. The policy posted on Yahoo’s website clearly states that, “You agree not to use Yahoo Services to impersonate any person or entity, including, but not limited to, a Yahoo! official, forum leader, guide or host, or falsely state or otherwise misrepresent your affiliation with a person or entity.”
Message Board Impersonations and Harassment
The Yahoo website has specific instructions on what to do if you feel you’re being impersonated or harassed on company message boards. Yahoo subscribers are instructed to use the “Reporting Form” available through a link found in the “Privacy and Abuse” section on the company website. You should include examples of the posts on the board including the name, URL and Message Board Post Number and the Yahoo user name of the person who is impersonating or harassing you.
Impersonation Issues with Email
Yahoo’s reporting policy regarding email is similar to its Message Board process. Subscribers who believe someone is trying to use their online identity or representing them in a Yahoo email are instructed to use the “Incident Form” also found in the “Privacy and Abuse” section on the website. Yahoo does take precautions concerning emails by utilizing DomainKeys as covered in its “Help” section. DomainKeys let senders digitally sign emails sent to Yahoo accounts and verify the sender’s authenticity. The technology also encrypts messages so its origin (domain) can be verified.
Get all the Facts
The privacy portion of the Yahoo website outlines the process for investigations into possible online impersonation. Yahoo cautions that due to the popularity of several online aliases, similar online IDs are sometimes created. The Yahoo website instructs subscribers who feel that they are being impersonated to gather specific examples when someone else is representing themselves as you. Yahoo states that it needs this information to investigate and take actions necessary as outlined in the company’s posted policies.
Unfortunately, online impersonation and hacking are part of the digital landscape. By creating more complex passwords and monitoring our online identities closely we can help to reduce the risks of fraud and harassment.
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Craigslist was started by Craig Newmark in 1995 as an email newsletter of San Francisco events. From those modest beginnings it has grown into a worldwide Internet powerhouse with more than 50 billion page views per month. Craigslist claims people can find just about anything on its site; but jobs, housing, goods and services, personals. Local activities and advice make up the majority of offerings found there.
More than a Message Board
Craigslist isn’t just the world’s most popular online message board; the site has crept into the Pop Culture landscape by spawning a web-based TV series, a popular documentary and a full-length made for TV movie on one of its darker episodes. The website hasn’t changed much since its launch, and the company has consistently rejected efforts to add banner ads or pop-ups for increase profits. This “Robin Hood” persona has only added to its Pop Culture street cred.
Craigslist TV
Craigslist TV is a web series that follows actual Craigslist users from the time they post their ads through whatever happens to them along the way. Launched in 2010, the series focuses on Los Angeles based users who must opt-in at the time they post their ad to be considered for the show. Craigslist claims approximately 1000 people per day seek the opportunity to “star” in their own episode based on a personal ad. To date, the show has featured topics that range from date-seekers to casting calls for ninjas and is now in season three.
Craigslist Joe
The community aspect of Craigslist was put to the test by Joe Garner who teamed up with Zach Galifianakis for a documentary called, ”Craigslist Joe” in 2012. Garner, 32 wondered what would happen if he were to suddenly lose everything; where would he go, and what would he do? In a true test of social media, Garner began a 31-day trek across the country relying only on Craigslist Ads for food and shelter. He soon found that the “Free” and “Ride Share” categories would be the pages he utilized the most. Garner also stressed the importance of being careful when using Craigslist, especially the “Ride Share” section. He suggested meeting in a public place and checking out the person as fully as possible before accepting a ride.
The Craigslist Killers
In April 2009 police responded to the murder of 26-year-old Julissa Brisman in an up-scale Boston Hotel. Brisman was working as a masseuse for men she met on Craigslist. Police were able to track her killer though cell phone and email records and arrested Philip Markoff, 23 within a week of the murder. Markoff (who later committed suicide while in custody) would become known as the Craigslist Killer. A TV movie titled “The Craigslist Killer” aired in January 2011 on USA Network.
A second “Craigslist Killer” was sentenced to the death penalty in April 2013 in Ohio. Richard Beasley, 53, has convicted of killing three transient men who responded to ads for work on Craigslist in 2011. The victims; Ralph Geiger, 56, of Akron; David Pauley, 51, of Norfolk, Va.; and Timothy Kern, 47, of Massillon were killed during interviews for work. A fourth man, Scott Davis, now 49 escaped and testified against Beasley. Beasley’s co-defendant, who was 16 at the time of the crimes, was too young to face the death penalty. Brogan Rafferty was sentenced to life in prison without the chance of parole for his part in the murders last year. There are many other documented crimes linked to ads on Craigslist and the company has stated it cooperates with law enforcement when asked.
A Town Square for the Digital Age
Craigslist connects people around the world with 700 local sites in 70 countries while maintaining a local flavor in all of its markets. It has changed the way people gather for events, search for living spaces and personal items and is one of the largest job boards in the world. It has expanded into the social media arena and is interwoven into the fabric of most major cities while serving as a destination website for millions of people daily.
Additional Sources:
ABC News: The Conversation: Craigslist TV
ABAJournal: Connecting the Digital Dots to Catch the Craigslist Killer
Daily News: Richard Beasley, “The Craigslist Killer” gets Death Penalty
Address: Novato, CA 
Email: