On Ads, Ideas and The Next Big Thing in Online Dating

Thanks to a good friend of mine, I have recently become obsessed with the missed connections ads on Craig’s List. This is the section where you can place an internet ad to someone you saw while you were out but didn’t have the guts to approach.

Know a cute bartender? Place an ad for him! Want to bang the bank teller? This is the place for you! Were too drunk to remember who you made out with last night? Maybe he checks Craig’s List!

Here’s an actual example from San Francisco:

“Looking up and across the courtyard directly across from me. You’re sitting on the couch like I am, typing on your laptop. Come down and across to my courtyard or send a message and we’ll meet in the hot tub.”

No, not all of the ads are placed by creepy guys who are secretly watching their neighbors. But you get the idea.

Checking the ads is a fun distraction. It’s also a little exciting. You never know if you’ll log in and see an ad directed at yourself. Well, if you are me, you know the odds are extremely slim. But for some people, the odds are good. They are especially good if you catch my good friend’s eye. He is currently running two missed connections ads. He is Craig’s List whore.

As I was perusing the ads last night, I got to thinking that perhaps there should be another section on Craig’s List. Sure, sometimes it is hard to approach someone attractive in public. So the missed connections ads make sense. But isn’t it just as hard to let someone know you are not interested?

Here is an example of what I have in mind:

“We had coffee at Starbucks on Saturday after meeting on Match.com (which stinks so I am canceling my subscription tonight). I was dressed nicely. You looked like you just rolled out of bed. You smelled like it too. I told you had to leave early to have surgery on my knee. I was lying. I thought you’d see through the lie and figure out I wasn’t interested in you, but you keep calling. And sending flowers. Please stop. I’d tell you this in person, but I am just too nice. I hope you see this!”

I just know this would be a hit. There is nothing worse than blowing someone off, especially if that someone is all puppy dog eyes and sappy text messages. And checking these ads would be such a rush. You never know when the person you are seeing might decide to break your heart on Craig’s List. Talk about a thrill!

Now, how do I get a hold of Craig so I can pitch him my idea?