Ghosting in the Classifieds

[rockitdog]

Anyone else fed up with getting ghosted when they are buying/selling in the MR Classified section? I've had the same person do it to me twice now. So irritating and down rude!

 

[arkitect]

Anyone else fed up with getting ghosted when they are buying/selling in the MR Classified section? I've had the same person do it to me twice now. So irritating and down rude!

I am sure I could Google it, but what exactly is "ghosting"?

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I am sure I could Google it, but what exactly is "ghosting"?

The term appears to have originated in online dating culture, but the behaviour it describes is as old as the hills.

In general, it would seem to have been used in romantic (or also in friendship related contexts), but the use of this expression (as in the post above yours) seems to have subsequently leached into ordinary (possibly transactional) relationships and contexts as well.

In essence, it means showing some interest in someone (or something), or encouraging such interest, then disappearing completely, vanishing into the ether, and severing all ties by ignoring - or not responding to - attempts at resuming contact. When it happens, it tends to be abrupt and unilateral.

 

[rockitdog]

I am sure I could Google it, but what exactly is "ghosting"?

In my case I'm looking to buy some Apple Store gift cards and have been approached twice by the same person who says they have some and when I agree to their price and am ready to purchase they stop communicating. This is the 2nd time this has happened with the same seller. First time was back in May and he did it again yesterday. So frustrating.