Craigslist's New Classified Rival: Facebook

Look out, Craigslist: Facebook is developing a classified ad service, insiders say—and unlike Craigslist, it would target ads at interested users. Dubbed Marketplace—like an earlier Facebook venture—for the time being, the service could be used for anything from hawking second-hand furniture to advertising apartments. To sell a couch, notes the Daily, you'd have to pay a few dollars. But housing posts would be free, and could be directed to friends who live in the area in question. Those friends could then share the ad with their own buddies.

The service also plans to allow job postings, which could be targeted only at friends whose profiles suggest they're qualified; for instance, they have the requisite degree. There is also set to be a "projects" section, which would follow the lead of Craigslist's "Gigs." It would offer users a chance to mention ventures that they might like help with; users could also offer tips on projects, whether digital or hands-on. (More Facebook stories.)