Greg's Corner

Updates from Greg Collier Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

• 

  Greg Collier 7:18 am on July 14, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

  When Greatness Combines 

  Last Thursday, Geebo was a part of something special.

  On July 8, 2010, over 75 leading human rights and anti-trafficking organizations converged on the Craigslist headquarters in San Francisco, CA, to protest Craigslist’s blatant facilitation of the sex trade industry. We stood alongside prominent groups and individuals such as Equality Now, End Child Prostitution and Trafficking (ECPAT-USA), Center for World Indigenous Studies, So optimists International of the Americas, Nevada Coalition Against Sexual Violence, Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres, Asian Americans for Community Involvement, Gloria Steinem, author Victor Malarek, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, and Congresswoman Jackie Speier. It was truly empowering.

  The mission and purpose of the protest hosted by the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW) and Prostitution Research and Education (PRE), was to convince Craigslist to eliminate their pseudonym-friendly “Adult Services” section. In Craigslist’s own hometown of San Francisco, over 18,000 advertisements were posted in October 2008 on their Craigslist “Adult Services” section for prostitution. Of course, they were “cleverly” classified as “escort”, “massage”, “erotic”, and “adult” services. There were also a few for “adult entertainment”…to really throw people off. The scariest part of those 18,000 postings is that it is only one city. And only one month.

  “A majority of men buy sex online many of whom are trafficked or prostituted by third parties. By continuing to allow sex ads Craigslist is continuing to support prostitution and sex trafficking under their Adult Services Section,” states Dr. Melissa Farley, PRE Executive Director. This needs to stop.

  We may have made a significant step forward last Thursday… but we have a long way to go. Until Craigslist removes their “Adult Services” section and begins to monitoring submissions, we will continue to speak up. And until sex-trafficking ends, we will continue to fight. Victory will be found in perseverance.

  Guess who hasn’t caught on though? Craigslist. In true Craigslist form, no one has even been available to comment on last week’s protest. Bawk-bawk.

   

  Leave a ReplyCancel reply
• 

  Greg Collier 9:57 am on July 6, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

  You, Me, and Our Human Rights 

  

  Did you enjoy your 4th of July celebration? I am humbled in appreciation of the men and women who protect my freedom every day. For me, exercising my protected freedoms is the best way to give those brave soldiers the credit they are due. Agree with me? I thought you might!

  The spirit of the 4th of July has invigorated me and I will be joining other human rights activists in exercising our First Amendment rights in protesting Craigslist’s exceptional human rights violations. You should join me!

  On Thursday, July 8, 2010, the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW), Prostitution Resesarch and Education, and numerous other co-sponsors will protest Craigslist’s facilitation of sex trafficking at Craigslist’s office, 1381 9th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122.

  Nearly 100 different human rights organizations will be there, lending their spirit and expertise. Speakers will also be presenting from noon until 2pm about Craigslist’s reckless disregard for human rights and their perpetual contribution to the sex trade industry.

  Geebo was asked by the main rally organizers, Prostitution Research and Education, to be a guest speaker. We are honored accept the invitation! Being a part of such a collective efforts is powerful. This is the type of power to be celebrated.

  Busy Thursday afternoon? Postpone it. We are all victims when we stand idly by.

  Nowhere near San Francisco? No problem. Show your support for the human rights movement by exercising your First Amendment on your favorite social network. Facebook status updates and Twitter posts are a great way to get the message out. Be heard in any way you can.

  I look forward to your support on Thursday. Let freedom ring.

  To learn more about this Thursday’s protest in support of human rights

  To learn more about the PRE

   
• 

  Greg Collier 6:00 pm on June 6, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

  “G-Rated” for Greatness 

  A classified postings site with a conscience? You bet!

  I recently did a phone interview with KMTR News Source 16 regarding the G-rated content on Geebo. I detailed Geebo’s review process to explain that, yes, a classified postings site can provide job listings, resumes, real estate and even personal ads without crossing the line into explicit material.

  This is a quick, yet powerful piece about the social responsibility and utility of Geebo. Take a moment, and take a look.

   
• 

  Greg Collier 1:02 pm on May 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

  High Road Regular 

  When was the last time you asked someone how they were doing, and kept listening long enough to hear the answer? Not sure? Not surprising.

  Life moves pretty fast sometimes. Only you, however, have the ability to slow it down. Don’t worry I am not advocating a huge lifestyle change, just a reality check.

  We live amongst an incredibly diverse group of people, all of whom have different life experiences and expectations. While you may floor it through an intersection when the light turns green, the driver in front of you may not. It doesn’t mean that where you are going is any more important than where they are headed, but maybe that your life experience regarding driving is vastly different. Perhaps they were in an accident at this particular intersection, or were lectured by t heir parents about waiting a few extra seconds because of potential red-light runners. Tolerance is key; it will also save you a fender-bender.

  Air travel is championed as convenient, but who hasn’t been inconvenienced by the old couple or mother with a child in front of them in the security screening line? I  know I have. You check your watch, your cell phone, the giant clock hanging over the security center, to see how long this is really taking them. Whether you are two hours from take-off or twenty minutes, the annoyance level is the same. Instead of rolling your eyes, sighing loudly, or discussing the situation at an unusually high decibel with the equally annoyed passenger to your left, exercise tolerance. If you are lucky, someday you too will be part of the old couple holding up the line, or the parent trying to remove their ornery child’s shoes. 

  Tolerance is also in need of liberal application in social situations. Reasonable minds can differ…and unreasonable minds can differ even more. While it is never fun to have your beliefs, convictions, or self criticized, it is going to happen. While it may seem easiest to be rude, snide, or obnoxious in response, you are only perpetuating this person’s unreasonable view of you. Recognize that you are hurt by what has been said or done, but that it is not going to be what defines you. By being the “bigger person” you remind those around you of why you are so great. If the other person doesn’t pick up on this, it is their loss…both literally and when it comes to Karma points.

  I am working on being a high road regular. It isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it. Give it a try…the worst thing that could happen is that you might actually improve someone’s day.

   
• 

  Greg Collier 8:58 pm on May 10, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

  365 

  How do you measure a year?

  Rape? Murder? Child trafficking?

  No? Well, you aren’t Craigslist.

  Last year, a Massachusetts medical student was charged with murdering a masseuse he found via Craigslist and their “Erotic Services” section.  Craigers (Craig Newmark) and Bucky (Jim Buckmaster), the brains and braun behind Craigslist, re-named the category “Adult Services”, promised to monitor ALL postings, and considered this “PG” replacement satisfactory. 

  Satisfactory to whom? Not the children being trafficked online, facilitated by Craigslist’s “Adult Services” section. Ernie Allen, President of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, stated that “workers at the center have been able to identify some missing children-mostly young girls-by matching their photos with images posted on the site.”

  Were the monitors on vacation? Did people ignore the warning screens and post illicit material anyways?

  Those who have been murdered, raped, and stolen from have not been Craigslist’s “problem.” Defenseless children are, unfortunately, no different to Craig and Jim. This “dangerous duo” believes that they have fulfilled their legal obligation. It is obvious that they have not. Beyond legalities though, Newmark and Buckmaster have ignored their moral obligation to protect those who cannot protect themselves. This obligation transcends business…it is what makes people uniquely human.

  In the wake of their substantial “Adult Services” revenue, Craigers and Bucky have opted for their own happy ending at the expense of others.

  At Geebo, we measure a year in our growth, community outreach, and socially responsible imprint.

  To each, their own, I suppose.

  One year later | craigscrimelist is discussing. Toggle Comments

   
• 

  Greg Collier 9:50 am on April 19, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

  Tip #3: Create a Stand-Out Resume 

  In today’s job market, you need every advantage you can get – and your resume is an important part of that equation. In most cases, this is your first opportunity to make a good impression on prospective employers so, in order to get an interview, you really need a resume that will stand out from the pool of applicants applying for the same positions.

  Here’s my advice for creating stand-out resumes:

  1.  Customize your resume and cover letter to each job advertisement you respond to. Emphasize the skills and past accomplishments that best match the skills and experience asked for in the job description: devote more space in your resume to these areas, and spell them out in greater detail.

  2.  Make sure your resume is both well written and visually appealing. If writing is not your strong suit, consider hiring a professional to help. For design assistance, Microsoft provides several resume templates built in to Word, and there are more on the Microsoft.com web site. In addition, RockportInstitute.com offers a great set of web pages on writing a masterpiece of a resume.

  3.  Consider posting your resume online. There are several ways to do this. You can use a site like VisualCV.com, share your resume via Google docs, or add it to your blog. You don’t have a blog? Blogger.com and WordPress.org provide free, easy systems for creating a new blog in minutes.

  4.  If you work in technology or new media, a video resume may be a great alternative for you. For examples, check out the many video resumes posted on YouTube.

  5.  If you work in a field that values creativity, consider creating a resume that shows off your skills in innovation. One jobseeker, Ed Hamilton, achieved near-celebrity status for creating his resume in Google Maps. And animator Shea Richardson posted an animated YouTube video to serve as his cover letter.
  

  I hope these ideas are helpful to you in creating your own stand-out resume. And I wish you all the best in finding that next great job!

   
• 

  Greg Collier 11:54 am on April 18, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

  Get Inside My Head 

  Ever wondered how Geebo became socially responsible, culturally relevant, and developed the ability to facilitate you and your business? As Geebo’s man behind the mission, I provide these answers and more in an exclusive interview with Robert Scoble.

  Back in March 2010 I had the opportunity to sit-down with Robert at his home in Half Moon Bay, CA, to discuss why Geebo is different than Craigslist. This interview took some serious guts from Scoble, being as he is from “the valley,” and good friends with Craigslist founder, Craig Newmark. I credit Robert for taking the time to get both sides of the story.

  While the differences between Geebo and Craigslist are vast any many, I specifically discuss Geebo’s personal dedication to protecting, managing, and accommodating the diverse needs of our users with Scoble.

  As the main attraction in the Scobleizer Channel’s “tech geek interview with business innovators”, I detail Geebo’s path, progression, and power as both a community connector and a classified site. During my interview with Scoble, I also covered the early days of the internet boom and the more recent developments regarding social networking, internet safety, and more.

  Come get to know me by checking out my exclusive interview with Robert Scoble on the Scobleizer Channel.

   
• 

  Greg Collier 5:03 pm on April 17, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

  Follow Us on Facebook 

  Everybody tells you to follow them on Facebook. We want you to interact with us on our brand new Facebook page! Whether you’re job hunting or bargain hunting, we will be posting everything Geebo has to offer on our Facebook page as well. So become a Facebook fan of Geebo right now by clicking on the Facebook icon and make sure to tell your friends too.

  
   
• 

  Greg Collier 12:24 pm on April 14, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

  Tip #2: Improving Your Odds 

  If you are wondering how position yourself more effectively in today’s competitive job market, you are not alone. As I travel around the country, I get more questions on this subject than any other. The good news is that there are a few strategic practices that will put you ahead of the pack, and help you find that next great job. Here they are:

  Set Goals
  Set daily goals and stick to them. Researchers at the University of Missouri studied 327 job seekers, ages 20 to 40 and found that starting a job search with plan (such as sending out three resumes per day, networking with three people each day, making five phone calls each day, etc.) led to greater success.

  Narrow Your Search
  It may be counterintuitive, but think about it: in the end, you only need one job. Most job hunters try to send out as many resumes as they can. This is a big mistake. Instead, spend more time on pursuing those few job openings represent a great fit with your skills, interests, and experience.

  Google Yourself
  Pay attention to your Google “resume.” Do you know what shows up when someone types in your name and city, or your name and job title or former employer? Research commissioned by Microsoft found that while only 7% of jobseekers thought that information about them online hurt them, 79% of hiring managers actually looked up online information on job applicants. Most said that what they found affected their decisions and 70% said they had actually rejected candidates because of what they found.
  Quick tip: You can save time in keeping track of your Google resume by setting up a Google Alert. Every time a new source includes your name, Google will send you and email with a link. To set up Google Alerts, go to http://www.google.com/alerts.

  Stay Positive
  A Georgia Institute of Technology study found that certain behaviors increase the chances of finding a job, even during economic hard times. This study found that people worked harder at their search and had more success if they were: 1. Optimistic (even to the point of being able to view their job loss as an opportunity to improve their position); 2. Confident in their job search skills; 3. Extroverted; and 4. Organized. They also found that people who changed their daily routine – adding more exercise or church activities, for example – were more successful in finding new jobs.

  I hope that these strategies will be as helpful to you as they have been for other jobseekers – and I wish you all the best in finding that next great job!

   
• 

  Greg Collier 9:49 am on April 3, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

  Tip #1: Looking for a Job – In All the Right Places 

  

  The Internet is obviously the best place to look for job advertisements. But which sites are the best to use? Most people, if asked, will come up with the same three or four names. And that’s a problem. Because if you’re looking where everyone else is looking, you’re really just ensuring that you have a lot of competition.

  The solution is to expand your reach. Find sites that advertise jobs you don’t see on all the other sites. So, for example, if you are 18 to 35 years old, and looking for an entry to mid-level position, you should know about Geebo.com because we have carved out a particularly large niche for those jobs.

  Another tip: Look beyond the job advertisement. Use the Internet to gather important background information on the company you want to work for. What’s this organization’s mission? What’s new there? Where are they headed?

  Next, network on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc. with people who work at this company, and ask them specific questions related to the job you’re applying for.

  Once you’ve got plenty of information on the job opening, the organization, and the people who work there, you’ll be prepared to craft a resume and cover letter that will stand out from the pack. And when it’s time for the interview, you’ll be very well prepared to talk about how your skills match their needs.

  One last tip: While well worth the effort, I realize that all of this research, resume-writing and networking is time consuming. To keep from being overwhelmed, I recommend that you set reasonable daily goals. And at the end of each day, keep yourself motivated and encouraged by jotting down your accomplishments. In today’s job market, finding a great job is hard work. But take heart. That hard work will pay off.