Steven Ortiz is My Hero

All Steven Ortiz needed was a cell phone and a dream. For two years, the 17-year-old scanned Craigslist for opportune bartering scenarios. Starting with an old cell phone, he made a series of strategic trades, including swapping up for an iPod, a laptop and a dirt bike. Fifteen consecutive trades later, and that old cell phone had turned into a Porsche. Read more here: Autointhenews.com
That's impressive. And while I don't have Porsche dreams (okay, I do, but I'm not going to pursue it), I think there's something to this bartering thing. The Internet has enabled us regular folks to trade just about anything. Cash is no longer relevant and all you need is an item someone else might want. Here are some of the sites I found (I haven't tested them yet, so use your discretion):

Swap Treasures (General)

Trade Away (General)

Mama Barter (For Parents)

Paperback Swap (Books, Links on Site for Sister DVD and CD sites)

Of course, if you want to follow Steven Ortiz, head on over to Craigslist. Maybe in two years, I'll wave at you as you ride past in your sports car.

-Leah