We've taken a break from discussing spectrum and stuff and moved on to good things the Internet is used for. Up there, we've got Craig Newmark of Craigslist.
Newmark opened by talking about all the good things on Craigslist and people in general, and that the percentage of "bad people" out there is very small and disproportionate to the press they get. "People are ok."
Newmark really didn't talk much about Craigslist, and preferred to mention that most of his work is with "customer service" and that he wants to speak up on behalf of people that are doing good things, such as the Sunlight foundation. He pointed out that last night he thanked Howard Berman for his support of the new GI bill.
When asked why he doesn't run Craigislist, he said "frankly, as a manager, I suck...it's important in many aspects of out lives to get out of the way..."
He considers all the attention he gets to be a bit surreal, but is considerably humble and low-key. I note that his business card says "Customer Service Representative and Founder." That's it.
When asked if he had to pick his top two internet issues, here is what he said:
First off, he mentioned the Sunlight Foundation and Larry Lessig and their efforts to change Congress, but also took the time to defend lobbyists, who for the most part are just trying to do their job for their clients, as opposed to those who give the industry a bad name via astroturfing and whatnot, and called for more transparency. He doesn't want to tar the entire Lobbying industry. When asked where he puts telecom lobbyists, he talked about his efforts to deal with them on abuse support issues for customer service, and that alot of these companies are "trying to do the right thing" and that the "big problem...is the lobbyists who have dine astroturf work have confused the discussion and pissed off a lot of people...and it's hard to discuss the issues in a way that can solve problems."
On Net Neutrality, Newmark realized that both sides know they need to do things differently, and that if people on both sides sit down and talk "without people who try to set up arguments" than things could get done. His pet issue is the handling of abusers by ISPs and "how they deal with bad guys." Newmark says that many telecoms and corporations have understaffed abuse departments, that they know it, and want to do more to protect people and help the good guy.
When asked why he just doesn't walk into the CEO's office, he said that he's still trying to learn corporate culture, and by dealing with the workers, he learns things that are more important.
He doesn't have a personal assistant, but has a travel agent. Wow, this guy is humble, and great. (I'm hoping he'll give me a few minutes later today).
If he wasn't doing craiglist, he has no idea what he would do, but he believes the company would do just fine. He'd simply spend his time on his other personal efforts.
When asked what the role for government regulation of the 'net, he said that the goal should be to "maintain a level playing field..."
He pointed out that despite his libertarian leanings, there are areas (like roads and health care) that Government should play a role, especially when companies make profits using public resources (i.e. airwaves). He noted is that the telecoms realize they are using the public airwaves, and know they need to do right by the public. Newmark is "all for them making a profit in a non-abusive manner."
When talking about corporate culture, he cited Scott Adams as one of the most important corporate psychologists of our time. Genius.
Also, Newmark noted that despite eBay's ownership of a stake in Craigslist, the two companies don't interact much and they get along. With regard to his effect on newspaper classified revenues, the myth that Craigslist is killing them is just that, a myth, says Newmark. In a tip of the hat to my favorite TV show, ever, he pointed to David Simon's portrayal of newspaper life on The Wire as accurate.
Craigslist, to him, is about "doing what's right" and while that may be boring, looks to be doing quite well doing right and helping to do right.
One thing that really strikes me as great about Newmark is that he's so damn optimistic about people. When asked if he's naive, he said that his exposure to "the bad stuff' has made him aware of more of the good stuff and made him more optimistic about the vast majority in people.
"I wouldn't give my troubles to a monkey on a rock."
Bonus Round! Craig was nice enough to talk to me for a few minutes, and here he is...
