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Exactly. Craigslist, like softpanorama or drudgereport, is refreshing in that it doesn't attempt to look like a 19th century circus flyer.

If only the web were rendered more like a generic latex article. No rivers, proper kerning, ligatures, optimal paragraph width, and - in general - respect for the traditional art of typesetting. Instead, the web looks like a menagerie of cereal box art.

"19th Century circus flyer". What a great way to summarize some of the kitschy looks out there, and the first thing to make me laugh out loud all day!

Compelling, tasteful, unique design is incredibly difficult. Some of this has to do with the tools we have available...

I don't understand. Why would improving the UX necessitate the quality of content going down?

They won't. Craigslist has to be minimal due to it's culture, massive traffic, and user expectations. So no shiny buttons everywhere or glossy logos.

Things will probably just be re-arranged.