File Under "Inappropriate!"

What is the weirdest thing you have ever seen on Craigslist? (And don’t say your apartment!?) One time I saw an ad from a dude who was selling a red bicycle but would only sell it in-person to an “Asian girl.” I too enjoy meeting Asian girls, but I have to say that his sales technique was awful. Another time I saw a post for some Zubaz pants—also pretty weird, but for different reasons.

For one reason or another these weren’t covered by the New York Times, probably because they didn’t involve i-bankers potentially being sexist. Misogynists who wear suits to work sell papers, that’s just the way of the world. Hence, this ridiculous story.

Apparently, a woman posted a personal ad last month claiming she was a “spectacularly beautiful” 25-year-old seeking a husband who stacks at least a half mil a year, because “$250,000 won’t get me to the Upper West Side.” (Quick tip: A $2 ride on the A train got me there! I had a bagel, walked around…then I just went home.)

Her post blew up in the blogosphere, eventually garnering an email from a man who allegedly fit the bill but viewed the proposal as bad business: “In economic terms, you are a depreciating asset and I am an earning asset. Your looks will fade and my money will likely continue into perpetuity… You’re 25 now and will likely stay pretty hot for the next 5 years, but less so each year. Then the fade begins in earnest. By 35 stick a fork in you!” Who uses that expression, “stick a fork in you”?

The signature at the bottom suggested that he worked for JPMorgan’s i-banking division, which helped the exchange become a bonafide “forward it like it’s hot” phenomenon and landed many higher-ups in some aqua caliente. As it turns out, the JPMorgan employee didn’t write the email, but his signature remained at the bottom.

Two lessons to learn here:

1) Use Work Email Wisely “Your work computer does not exist as a tool for forwarding jokey things,” according to a dude consulted in the article. That might be a bit of blanket statement—you don’t want to be the office stick in the mud if others are sending hilarious emails, but show a bit of judgment with forwards and reply-alls. (Apparently this is even a problem for the Department of Homeland Security). For some easy rules of thumb, check out our survival guide for Email, Internet, and Phone Use in the Workplace.

2) Craigslist is sketchy During my senior year of college, a girl posted an ad for the Boston area soliciting sex in her college library, and I’m pretty sure I know the dude that provided his services. I’ve also seen people solicit dates for parties using specifications that make the “depreciation asset” commentary seem benign. Basically, there are some insane humans on Craigslist. All the more reason to use Gradspot’s Roomate Finder, right!?

Be well and forward wisely.