If you are a regular poster to Craigslist, you have probably noticed that Craigslist has implemented a new captcha system over the past month or so.
At first, it might not look like such a big deal, but there are some very important changes that you should know about. Keep reading to find out to the way this new system tracks you, and can block your ads.
First, let me explain exactly what the new system is. It is a project called reCAPTCHA. It is a non-profit project that is digitizing books.
Basically, this project, which is being run by Carnegie Mellon University, uses some of the most powerful OCR software (programs that convert images to text) to digitize books. However, there are many mistakes these programs make because sometimes the scanned images are so hard to read.
So when you see 2 captcha challenge words on Craigslist, one in fact is the real challenge word and the other is a word that the OCR software could not decipher. Once enough people agree on this unknown word, then that word is now “digitized” and the book can be updated.
Sounds like a worthwhile cause to support, huh!
In helping to block unwanted postings, Craigslist is actually helping a very worthwhile cause – a win-win proposition.
So why worry?
There is one more little detail about this reCAPTCHA project that can cause all of your ads to be blocked.
See, this reCAPTCHA system has a very sophisticated filtering mechanism that increases Craigslist’s ability to block your ads – big time. reCAPTCHA not only tracks your IP address when you solve the reCAPTCHA, but it does so much more aggressively than Craigslist ever did.
So, if for example, your office shares an IP address and there are let’s say 50 postings per day from your office (not hard to imagine if you work in a real estate office), then reCAPTCHA will connect those postings much more efficiently than Craigslist did in the past. And that is bad news for your ads.
Also, reCAPTCHA uses a timing mechanism – it times how fast (or slow) you enter the reCAPTCHA. So if you enter it too fast or too slow, you can also get blocked.
Why bother using Craigslist if it is becoming so difficult?
Good question – why bother if Craigslist is making it so difficult to post your ads. Same reason as always – because when used properly …
Craigslist works!
Craigslist is the hottest market for active buyers and you need to tap into that market.
So stick with it, and if it becomes too much, you can always get help from my friends at BizBlitz Marketing.
PS: If this reCAPTCHA system is causing your ads to be blocked, or it is just too much hassle, you can still get guaranteed zero blocking and the best Craigslist marketing experts in the real estate industry on your side …
http://www.BizBlitzMarketing.com
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