For many of us, Craigslist is a valuable part of our lives: we use it to buy and sell, hunt for apartments and even look for jobs. But could you turn to Craigslist for your very survival?
That's just what Joseph Garner did. With no money, no contact with family or friends and only the clothes on his back, he spent one month relying on connections made through Craigslist for food, shelter and travel. And he recorded it all (naturally with a camera operator found on Craigslist). The resulting film, Craigslist Joe, documents his trip across the country and into the lives of dozens of kind (and sometimes wacky) people he met along the way.
You'll be amazed at all Joe accomplishes during his journey, physically and emotionally. There are definitely tough times and some seriously bizarre (yet hilarious) encounters, but he proves that people, even in tough financial times, are truly happy to help someone in need. It's a testament to the idea that technology, if we let it, can foster connections and create community. Media is a powerful tool, but the inherent value of social media is the "social," and, when given the opportunity, caring and generous people will always take care of each other.
For screenings, click here. No screenings in you area? Get it on iTunes starting August 2.
(Image: Cragislist Joe, lithograph series by Conception Studios, LLC, Video: YouTube, Craigslist Joe)
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We could very well be witnessing a prequel to the Craigslist Killer.
This guy is brave, not just for trying to live this way but for trusting so many strangers.
I find it funny that the very first comment is one about fearing strangers. How many terrible, murderous strangers have you met in your life? Nearly everyone I've ever met has been kind.
I must admit, I'm a craig's list junkie and love it when I get a GREAT deal. I do research though..I've found that some folks try to sell items for more than what it would be new but it's a great source of inspiration.
I'm surprised to see that he survived even with food so I'm anxious to see the film on 8/5 in San Francisco.
I hope AT has a follow up after each showing. I'd be curious to hear what folks thought of the film.
Regarding the 1st comment: Yes, it's always been a concern of mine whenever I go pick up a craigs list find who I'm going to run into. I never go into the apartment or home but as TIAMAT_THE_RED said, everyone I've met has been very kind. I've run into folks who looked up-set when I decided against the item once I've seen it, but never has anyone been rude or nasty; one guy felt creepy but it could have been he had a bad day.
If he had nothing but the clothes on his back, how did he access Craigslist?
I love, love me some Craigslist. But I do strongly believe in Craigslist Karma - call me crazy, but the energy you put out (in your ad, or responding to an ad) is the energy you get back.
Be kind. Be responsible (i.e. don't be flaky). Be explicit about your expectations without being too wordy. And most of all, be respectful of peoples time, money and lives.
I have a friend who has been couch surfing across America for months. He posts updates on Facebook and always has exciting adventures and difficult setbacks to share.
I think it takes a lot of courage to rely on the help of others. Technology is definitely making it easier to travel this way, but the other important ingredient is a willingness to be vulnerable. Not just for the travelers, but for the people who open their home and hearts to them. I think I lot can be gained from that.
@Polly S. - The website says he had a "a laptop, cell phone, toothbrush, and the clothes on his back."
I've never found anything on Craigslist that I would want. Must be something wrong with me.
Another good Craig's List doc is "24 hours on Craigslist". It has some nice human interest stories.
I think I watch way too much Criminal Minds, because safety was my first thought, too. This is awesome---I'm glad he was so open to meeting people and apparently getting to know them a bit and helping them, instead of only seeing how much they could help HIM out.
This sounds so interesting. Having bought several items on Craigslist I'm always a little fascinated at the stories behind the exchange... Why don't you need this _____ any more?
Before our landlord cut us off, I was accompanying my husband all over Northern California in his quest for small, strange Japanese motorbikes in various states of disrepair for his "collection". We've met so many people we would never have otherwise encountered--country dudes, junkie artists, beach dads, suburban gay couples with a biker past--and been into so many strange homes, garages, and even a houseboat. All thanks to the magic of the Craigslist used motorbikes section. We're moving to a new house with a bigger garage soon, and as much as it annoys me that we already have 15 nonfunctioning mopeds, I'm excited to resume roving CA and CL in search of more. This movie looks awesome.
This I want to see.. And it will be at the Uptown Theatre here in Seattle ...yeppie.. I of course forgot to see what date.. But, I want to get the tickets..
Sounds really interesting. Anything revolving buying, selling, and travelling sounds like fun.
"There are definitely tough times and some seriously bizarre (yet hilarious) encounters, but he proves that people, even in tough financial times, are truly happy to help someone in need."
As long as they are young and cute. Age Joe by 30 years and I suspect his experience would be radically different.
Seems like it will be an award winning film. Couchsurfers also seems dangerous in theory but some how it works out for masses of people.