You want what for free?

[Dreamstalker]

Just saw a CL posting from someone who wants her computer set up (OS, security stuff, in-depth tutoring) but refuses to pay for it...and basically insults any respectable tech who reads the ad.

I have been known to do setups for free/barter if someone is in a legit financial bind, but after reading a wall-o-text which includes 'NO PAY do not ask a bunch of questions [the ad is vague enough that anyone who does reply would need to ask questions about it] I need to meet with you period no immature or mean replies they will be deleted'...mmmk, I'm sure someone will get right on that. You get what you pay for, and if you don't want to pay...

[Ellf]

That reminds me of the Craig's list ad I saw for a "Web Design" job where they wanted to pay someone 7.25 an hour to make a website for them.

There was an almost immediate response that said "No respectable web designer would work for 7.25 an hour."

[MoonCat]

Just saw a CL posting from someone who wants her computer set up (OS, security stuff, in-depth tutoring) but refuses to pay for it...and basically insults any respectable tech who reads the ad.

I have been known to do setups for free/barter if someone is in a legit financial bind, but after reading a wall-o-text which includes 'NO PAY do not ask a bunch of questions [the ad is vague enough that anyone who does reply would need to ask questions about it] I need to meet with you period no immature or mean replies they will be deleted'...mmmk, I'm sure someone will get right on that. You get what you pay for, and if you don't want to pay...

Sounds a little fishy to me. "do not ask a bunch of questions"? Would you even be able to set up her equipment without asking questions?

[Dreamstalker]

No. The only 'details' s/he gives is "i got a new computer and need everything set up". Insisting on the only contact being face-to-face and no questions...nope, nothing wrong there

...and the original posting's been taken down already. Either they found a sucker (doubtful), someone flagged it or they didn't like my publicly calling them on their delusions.

[fireheart]

Or it could be that someone's got hold of stolen property?

[Dreamstalker]

Oh yeah. There have been a lot of fishy postings in the computer gigs section along the lines of 'i forgot my computer/bios/email password and need someone to crack it'...sure (if you forgot your computer password what are you using to post this ad and why say to email replies if you're locked out of your email?)

I may have the tools to do it, but without rock-solid proof that you actually OWN what you're trying to get into, no way (not that I'd do it for A. Random Moron anyway, too many ways it could go bad for me).

[It shouldn't]

Years ago I replied to a job ad for a office person, book keeper, receptionist. "Pay depending on experience"
I had experience in all of that. He wanted to pay $6.50 (min wage back then)
I politely said "No, thank you."
His reply: "But you can use this job for the experience."

"I HAVE experience. Hire a high school kid. But wait, McD's pays more than that."

[PepperElf]

Oh yeah. There have been a lot of fishy postings in the computer gigs section along the lines of 'i forgot my computer/bios/email password and need someone to crack it'...sure (if you forgot your computer password what are you using to post this ad and why say to email replies if you're locked out of your email?)

I may have the tools to do it, but without rock-solid proof that you actually OWN what you're trying to get into, no way (not that I'd do it for A. Random Moron anyway, too many ways it could go bad for me).

exactly. i've mentioned before that we had a guy on my second ship do that. he brought the computer to our workshop to get it unlocked, but the tech called security first and found out it was stolen.

where i last worked we won't do it unless the customer has an id card we could make a copy of for our own protection. and if we suspect it's stolen we could refuse service

[Argabarga]

In a similar vein, I remember the "Headlines" skit that Jay Leno had once had a classified ad that said, (as best as I can remember)

Wanted: Babysitter for single child. 5 days a week from 8am to whenever. (Yes, it said "whenever", there was no posted end time) Must provide own transportation, food and clothing, no overtime will be given.


Leno's take on it was "Call em' up and ask for "Ebaneezer"

[Dreamstalker]

A website I'm on for sitters has a number of job postings with laughable pay; I once found a petsitting job that was only paying $10/day for in-home care for four pets, three of which had medical needs (pills, insulin, sub-q fluids). Then a week later they posted something bitching about how they couldn't find anyone and the site sucked (are you sure the site's the one with the problem?).