So I recently posted an ad on Craigslist:
WANTED: Free Exterior Paint--WHITE and Dark Blue, & Plywood & Shingles
Hello, I am looking for exterior paint for our backyard fence, mailbox housing, porch swing, and a child's play house. I am looking primarily for white, but if you have dark blue (think TARDIS blue if you know what I mean ;o)) that would be most welcome. My husband and I are both out of work and would like to update the yard while we are home, which includes re-painting our fence and other wooden exteriors. We are also trying very hard to create a playhouse for our children (ages 4 and 1) out of completely refurbished/leftover materials, so if you have any lumber (plywood or 2x4's) or shingles that would be most welcome.
We will take partial gallons of paint if need be, it doesn't hurt to mix them all together. Anything you have, please think of us!
Thank you so much for your time.
To which I received an email several hours later:
Hello, I am looking for exterior paint for our backyard fence, mailbox housing, porch swing, and a child's play house. I am looking primarily for white, but if you have dark blue (think TARDIS blue if you know what I mean ;o)) that would be most welcome. My husband and I are both out of work and would like to update the yard while we are home, which includes re-painting our fence and other wooden exteriors. We are also trying very hard to create a playhouse for our children (ages 4 and 1) out of completely refurbished/leftover materials, so if you have any lumber (plywood or 2x4's) or shingles that would be most welcome.
We will take partial gallons of paint if need be, it doesn't hurt to mix them all together. Anything you have, please think of us!
Thank you so much for your time.
To which I received an email several hours later:
SCREW THE PAINTING LOOK FOR WORK NO JOB NO MONEY NO HOUSE !
Nice, huh? I emailed back, trying to keep my temper in check, and I think I did an okay job. Considering we are in danger of losing our home and we're doing everything we can to stay here and provide for our family, including looking for jobs. I guess taking advantage of the time we are home together as a family is horrible, unthinkable, and makes us irresponsible. Some of the people skipping happily across Craigslist who feel that it is their duty to comment upon everyone's decisions can be quite cruel. I understand that it is a publicly-moderated site, but I wish people would stick to flagging illegal posts instead of branching out into self-righteous commentary.
Nice, huh? I emailed back, trying to keep my temper in check, and I think I did an okay job. Considering we are in danger of losing our home and we're doing everything we can to stay here and provide for our family, including looking for jobs. I guess taking advantage of the time we are home together as a family is horrible, unthinkable, and makes us irresponsible. Some of the people skipping happily across Craigslist who feel that it is their duty to comment upon everyone's decisions can be quite cruel. I understand that it is a publicly-moderated site, but I wish people would stick to flagging illegal posts instead of branching out into self-righteous commentary.
You know nothing about our situation past what I've supplied on Craigslist. Maybe you should keep your mouth shut until you can show some compassion, kindness, or assistance. And this goes as well for other emails you are planning on sending to people whose families are suffering and searching desperately for work.
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