Craig Newmark Interview – Founder of Craigslist.com
Today I asked Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist.com some quick fire questions to get to know more about the man behind the website! Craigslist is currently the 27th most visited website in the world according to Alexa and offers classified listings around the world. Recently I found Craig on Twitter and he seems to be rather active and answers questions, you can follow him here.
First off – can we have a little background information on you Craig – Where you live? How old you are? What motivates you? What inspires you?
Cole Valley neighborhood of San Francisco and I am 56 years old. Well, a guy said “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” People use the Net to make that real, and I want to participate, the trend needs nurturing and protection.
Why did you launch Craigslist? Where are you at now with Craigslist?
After seeing a lot of people help others via the Net, I decided that I should also help out.
You have inspired so many programmers to work on their own projects, what advice would you give to a programmer to take action and create something amazing?
Join an existing effort, Sunlight Foundation is a great example.
I also understand that you are more about helping people and causes then making money, how has running one of the worlds largest website’s allowed you to help others? Also, any causes you would like to mention that you have helped or believe in?
The site helps by helping others help others. It’s given me a bit of a bully pulpit to support people doing great work, like IAVA.org, Sunlight, Kiva, donorschoose.org, and other causes using the net.
Checkout my personal blog for more information…
The Internet allows you to live a different style of life, what do you love most about being a Internet Entrepreneur?
I’m pretty mobile, working wherever I can get on the Net.
Do you think that entrepreneurialism is something that is in your blood? Or is it something that can be learned?
No, I’m an accidental entrepreneur, but I did have the sense to know when it was time to get out of the way and let someone else with the skill manage and that’s our ceo Jim Buckmaster. Jim’s much more of a natural.
Is there anyone that you look up to and model yourself on?
Homer J. Simpson, George Canstanza
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Use my sense of humor.
How many hours do you work daily and what are your daily tasks for your sites?
Hard to say, very irregular eight am to eleven pm schedule every day, time off as needed.
What do you like best about the Internet?
Everyone can participate.
What do you like least about the Internet?
Trolls!
I understand you really like animals, tell us what you like about them and your interest such as urban bird watching
For reasons unknown, I love nature, when it makes itself convenient.
Where do you think the internet will be in the next 10 years?
Ubiquitous, delivered by smart phones.
About Michael Dunlop
I'm Michael, I created this site back in 2009 and since then it's received over a million visitors from all around the world. We offer tutorials and inspiration for online entrepreneurs wanting to achieve more.
23 comments so far… Leave a reply
Bites85
April 9, 2009 9:57 AM
This is very great interview Michael. Whenever i hear Craig's name, i get inspired by him. What a man, showed true dedication to his work.
meethere
April 9, 2009 4:07 PM
yeh, great interview and very inspirational.. He is an idol to everybody. :)
Steven
April 9, 2009 9:59 AM
Great interview, Craig is really clever!
Greg Ellison
April 9, 2009 11:15 AM
You should have asked him about the lawsuit about their erotic section on their website. You did another great interview. Greg Ellison
Michael Dunlop
April 9, 2009 12:09 PM
Wow that would of been a good question but I wasn't allowed to ask about some business related to Craigslist.com - I really wanted to learn more about him, about who he is.
Stuart Wooster
April 9, 2009 11:23 AM
Sleep, eat, interview! Simple and effective website :)
Daniel Matthews
April 9, 2009 11:24 AM
Wow... The people you are able to interview just shows that you are a master at networking Michael. Arguably the best attribute for any entrepreneur. Michael can you share your tips on how to approach and network with others alike and those we aspire to? Great interview. Danny.
Michael Dunlop
April 9, 2009 12:35 PM
Hello Daniel, I briefly went over this for you here: http://www.incomediary.com/forums/site-news-announcements/9-what-would-you-like-know.html#post133 Hope it helps! Michael
Shane - Inspiring your Success
April 9, 2009 1:33 PM
Very interesting interview! I love his advice about humour.
James Cunningham
April 9, 2009 2:51 PM
Seems a very good Interview. Very Inspiring.
Eric D. Greene
April 9, 2009 3:28 PM
I second the call to join Sunlight Foundation... Didn't realize he was on their BOD. Thanks for the interview! - Eric
Ananda
April 9, 2009 6:44 PM
You did again Michael! Great interview!
Nikolai
April 9, 2009 7:32 PM
Great interview! Had to laugh at the Homer J. Simpson part :) I'm really liking these interviews.
Dave Chewter
April 9, 2009 11:50 PM
What I like about Craig whenever I hear him speak is the fact he's so different to your average dotcom entrepreneur. He genuinely see's what he's doing as something for the social good, not just another way of making a quick buck. Having said that it's a shame you couldn't get a bit more depth out of him for replies, but I guess he spends a lot of time answering questions, so fair enough.
Michael Dunlop
April 10, 2009 12:07 AM
Exactly Dave, he is so different. Craigslist could be a power house for making a lot of money but he realy isn't about that which is so refreshing to see!
Bryce Warwick
April 10, 2009 12:11 AM
Another amazing interview. I'm impressed every time I land on this blog.
Albert
April 10, 2009 2:17 AM
How much money does he make and how does he do it? I don't see any ads or paid listings stuff on craigslist
Rick Kats
April 10, 2009 7:19 PM
he's an awesome guy, love his picture on twitter with Obama.
Michael Dunlop
April 13, 2009 4:38 PM
Does do well for his credibility :) I like the picture as well :D
Barry Dunlop
April 12, 2009 9:38 AM
A very clever man - and as mentioned above: he’s so different to your average dotcom entrepreneur And modeling yourself on Homer J. Simpson is inspired ;-)
Farrhad
April 14, 2009 11:39 AM
Craiglist is one of the most popular sites of all time. Was great reading this interview. Keep 'em coming Michael!
Angelia Soliman
April 23, 2009 11:07 AM
Craig is a very down to earth guy and I appreciate that about him.
jason
June 5, 2009 7:21 PM
Thanks for that interview guys. Its heartwarming to find people so successful yet thinking of other people. We need more people like you Craig. Thanks for the inspiration.
The comments are closed.