I have listed a few times on craigslist and I noticed that not all my ads get the same amount of spam, anywhere form 0% of responses to maybe 80-90%. I don't do this enough, and haven't been methodical enough to come to any conclusions.
What do all you heavy CL users here do to cut down on the spam?
Also, how does everyone list a phone number? I tried writing part of the number out in words, is that too much of a PITA for buyers? I didn't get any phone spam.
You can block all email coming through via ads. Many people like to deal exclusively though emails I know. I would prefer it, but with the spam it's not worth it for me.
Bottom line, if you're really interested, you will call. If you get VM you will leave a message. If the seller is interested, he will call you back.
I put my phone number in my ads. No area code, as I'm looking for local buyers. When someone not local makes the effort to find the area code and call, it means they are smart enough to talk to me. 
Some people list their phone number like this: 458one769 or 4five817six9.
If they can't figure it out you don't want to talk to them.
I have never had any spam calls. What would a spam call be anyway. Would I get to talk to a Nigerian Prince directly?
I sell and buy a bunch on CL and have had an overwhelmingly positive experience and have met a bunch of cool people. There were some iffy characters and one outright weirdo but hey, it's the classifieds.
-James
