Last week I sold a bicycle to a stranger I found on CraigsList.
There was, of course, no real way of knowing if who showed up at my door with cash would be a maniac. However, after a phone conversation, we each thought the other sounded ok, so the name and address and directions were offered.
Near the appointed time of 2 PM, I put the bike in the hallway so he wouldn't see what stuff I had in the apartment, and waited. I met him in shorts, t-shirt, no shoes and a mini-sledgehammer about 4 feet away, out of sight behind the apartment door.
He got off the elevator. He was a boy, eager to ride, nothing more. A good deal---brand new bike for cheap. Nice dude.
We both relaxed, transaction completed, both on our way.
Now, a report of a man stabbed to death after meeting a young man for rough sex in NYC. Got me thinking.
Any good/bad internet meeting stories here?
I've actually never really had a "bad" encounter from CraigsList. I've gotten some good-paying writing jobs, I've bought and sold many an item, and it's all been ok.
The worst that ever happens is the person says they'll come and buy what I'm selling, and doesn't show up and doesn't call. That's why, when I'm selling something now, I do not "hold" the item---whoever shows up and buys it and takes it out of here gets it.
You?
There was, of course, no real way of knowing if who showed up at my door with cash would be a maniac. However, after a phone conversation, we each thought the other sounded ok, so the name and address and directions were offered.
Near the appointed time of 2 PM, I put the bike in the hallway so he wouldn't see what stuff I had in the apartment, and waited. I met him in shorts, t-shirt, no shoes and a mini-sledgehammer about 4 feet away, out of sight behind the apartment door.
He got off the elevator. He was a boy, eager to ride, nothing more. A good deal---brand new bike for cheap. Nice dude.
We both relaxed, transaction completed, both on our way.
Now, a report of a man stabbed to death after meeting a young man for rough sex in NYC. Got me thinking.
Any good/bad internet meeting stories here?
I've actually never really had a "bad" encounter from CraigsList. I've gotten some good-paying writing jobs, I've bought and sold many an item, and it's all been ok.
The worst that ever happens is the person says they'll come and buy what I'm selling, and doesn't show up and doesn't call. That's why, when I'm selling something now, I do not "hold" the item---whoever shows up and buys it and takes it out of here gets it.
You?
