Craigslist Touts "Enormous Reduction" in Erotic Services Ads

Still trying to convince us all that the erotic services section on their site really doesn't have anything to do with prostitution, or at least, has less to do with it than before, Craigslist today released figures showing percentage reductions in five major cities of from 90% to 95%.

The five cities in question are: Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, and Seattle. Oops, and Chicago sits right in Cook County, whose sheriff, Tom Dart, filed a lawsuit against the site for this same erotic services section.

Dart's lawsuit says that the site facilitates prostitution. No! Imagine that!

Here's what Craigslist says in their blog post:

Beyond the enormous reduction in ad volume, the ads that remain on the site are much improved in their compliance with our Terms of Use and local laws, in part due to screening measures developed in collaboration with the Attorneys General and law enforcement.

In this same timespan, craigslist staff have continued to work closely with law enforcement agencies across the country to vigorously pursue those engaged in the horrific crimes of human trafficking and exploitation of minors.

Finally, net revenue is accumulating from the fees now required of those posting under “erotic services,” 100% of which is earmarked for donation to worthy charities, and we will soon be in position to begin distributing these funds.

The site credited the "enormous reduction" on the joint effort with 40 attorneys general it announced in November 2008, which included the introduction of new measures including the requirement that require erotic services posters furnish a working phone number and credit card.

Looking at the list of erotic services on Chicago's site, for one, I'd hate to see how many ads they had before the 90% reduction.