Deborah posted Feb 17 2016
New Host Forum -- Stories, Memories and LaughsIt looks like we will soon be losing New Hosts Forum in its present incarnation, as Airbnb is shutting down these existing groups as of February 25th, or so is the plan. (Note that we are shifting over to our new site for New Hosts Forum at
www.globalhostingforum.com )
New Hosts Forum started in November 2013, when Glenn began the group. In I believe it was May 2014, or so, Andrew and I were brought on as additional organizers. (Glenn hasn't been active on here for about the last year or so, but he's still around!) From the beginning with Glenn's excellent leadership the group got off to a very good start and in time became one of the most active and useful of the Airbnb Community Groups. I have been delighted over the last 2 years at the level of involvement of so many, and the wonderful contributions of so many wise and experienced hosts, as well as delightful new hosts with great questions/ideas and comments. The high quality of contributions has been continually amazing to me, and the group has essentially run itself with barely any need for moderation. THere have been funny stories here, sad ones, stories that make us angry, and stories and situations that make us incredulous. We have definitely seen the whole gamut of hosting experience here on New Hosts Forum!
So I thought it would be a nice way of saying goodbye to this group in its current form, if we could share some of the things we have enjoyed about this group -- such as stories we heard here, help we got, friends we made, or community we found. If you have anything to share about how this group has been helpful to you, or what you have liked about it, we invite you to tell those stories!
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Nic and Rach
Nic and Rach20 hours ago
I am so sorry that I have not continued or participated for at at least 3 or 4 months or so,and also disappointed that Andew did not win and so I preoccupied myself and tried to be busy doing some work and renovations we travelled and went to Rome, Florence ,cinque Terre and the Venice area it was great and now we are finally back to hosting
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Patricia & Gerard
Patricia & Gerard18 hours ago
First I'd like to thank the moderators and all other wise contributors for their red flags, hints and tips and for the sometimes very clear words on how to deal with problematic guests and awkward situations and/or how to prevent them.
We only started hosting last year and I still consider myself a newbie. While getting our listing ready I would immerse myself in the questions and problems presented in this group and I picked up so many helpful answers and suggestions while at the same time hoping I'd never encounter some of these less desirable guests. It also gave me the confidence to call the ABB helpline recently and to insist that an IB reservation be cancelled which had been made by a couple trying to "smuggle" in their 3 year old child. I'm not sure I would've have dealt with this situation the same way and with the same confidence if I hadn't read all your words of wisdom. So, yes, it's a shame that these groups will disappear from the official ABB website but I will definitely follow you to the new forum and hopefully many others will do so as well!
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Hassen
Hassen14 hours ago
Indeed this forum was of great support to me as I joined abnb almost a year ago learnt so much from all mainly frequent participants and moderator. Many thanks. All I look for from the new site is to deliver as much wisdom and tips allowing the community to continue sharing experience between now all users not only hosts. Farewell to those who will not be joining.
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jennifer
jennifer13 hours ago
I wish to thank all the veteran hosts for all they have so generously given here in this forum. You have made me a better host from day one . I catch up on all posts, and every bit of advice and experience has prepared me to better serve my guests and protect myself in some cases. THANK YOU.
So hard to believe this forum won't be here anymore. The access between the main site and this forum is paramount to the last minute problems that come up for new hosts. Senior hosts provide invaluable experience to newbies, how many disasters have been averted or quelled because of the open forum here?. I should think that would be of great value to Airbnb. I wish they would reconsider the decision to end it.
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helga
helga12 hours ago
It was great fun to fall into the Chaos of Anecdotes first and the well ordered environment of New Host Forum a bit later, following the group of usual suspects to this place. I had had a look on the forums when Airbnb started the platform and into some other boards now and then. This combination of experience and brand new questions, fun and serious advice was unique, most forums are not captivating. This one got me addicted and prevented a lot of depression ;-) It was like finding a whole crowd of friends - very strange for me who never has more then a very few at a time. I hope we can stick together on the new group, where you did an incredible amount of work, Deborah. - I'm curious too how long the CC will be going. If one compared number of posts by day, the numbers can't be convincing. If they had to calculate costs per problem solved, the CC must cost a fortune compared to NHF.
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Queenie & Ted
Queenie & Ted11 hours ago
I love this forum! I get to live vicariously through the good and bad experiences of other hosts. Fortunately, early on I adopted the house rules of Deborah and Andrew and have been able to keep the 'crazies' out of my house! I've learned as much from the experiences of the newbies as I have from the advise given them by the truly experienced hosts.
I also appreciate that this forum has a record of civil conversations. The moderators have done an amazing job of keeping out advertisements and maintaining decorum (most of the time!). So many laughs and gasps! I'm looking forward to seeing you all in the new forum!
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C C
C C10 hours ago
The best part of NHF for me has been reading Andrew's words of wisdom--like panning for gold--and finding it! But reading anything from Deborah has been a treat on so many levels! When I first started, business was very slow & my first guest said in private remarks that she hated my house. I was worried about cleanliness ratings, since dirt & leaves get tracked in a little bit, as I don't have a concrete driveway. I decided I was going to hang it up, and came on here to say so. A wonderful commenter came on and pointed out that my guest was new herself--it provided me with a bit of perspective. This commenter also took the time to email me directly, suggesting different things, including to change "new carpet" in my title. (I'm still scratching my head over that one--and I still disagree.) Anyway, this wonderful commenter turned out to be Deborah herself--what a perspective you get with time! I went on to make more money doing Airbnb than anything I've ever done, partly because Deborah swiped me up and saved me!
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helga
helga10 hours ago
That comment would be a fitting introduction for the new forum !
C C
C C9 hours ago
Thanks, Helga! High praise!
Nic and Rach
Nic and Rach6 hours ago
I agree with Helga and way to go CC
Deborah
Deborahin a few seconds
I am so flattered CC, what a delightful thing to say about me swooping in and saving you. I dont' cut much of the superhero figure in tights, but there you go, apparently someone has seen me flying through the air, kryptonite notwithstanding...
Mig
Mig6 hours ago
I have only been a member of the forums for a year. This one in particular has been instrumental in shaping the way I host. Prior to finding this forum I made every mistake in the book and hosted by the seat of my pants. I hope to see you all on the other side.
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Nathalie et Claude
Nathalie et Claude4 hours ago
Merci Deborah et Andrew. And all the regular members for sharing their experience and tips.
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