Post by High Priestess on Feb 21, 2016 17:54:02 GMT
Mario a year ago
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-99814
Decent Photo Profile
HI All,
I notice on the list of members to this group that not all have what i would call a genuine photo of themselves. As a host I never ever accept a guest that only presents with a random photo......for example in this group alone a short search will present with members that look like boats, waterfalls, blurry underwater images, mountain ranges. Another female has presented a smoking modelling bikini shot which I might assume should be for another type of website group (no disrespect intended) .......you get my drift right. So do you think that we should be obliged to present a human realistic photo of members who are guest and hosts alike. For example how the hell am I going to get a water fall into my apartment
14 comments•11 likes
Following
Like
Nic and Rach
Nadeen
Susan
Sookyoung
Carrie
+6
more
Nic and Rach
Nic and Racha year ago
www.airbnb.com/rooms/4791493
www.airbnb.com/users/show/16283898
Check this out ! I included this on my bucket before I depart and awish list to see .. My wife said, Do you really want to go to Ibiza, ES or you just want to see the one in the picture.. and I said : both !
Reply Like 5 replies•1 like
Carolyn
Carolyna year ago
Omigosh! Hello Sandra!
Mario
Mario a year ago
I see your pair of 8's and sow you a pair of 9's.... www.airbnb.com.au/users/show/22307797
Mario
Mario a year ago
"Show"
Marianna
Mariannaa year ago
Lol to this
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
"Brooke is an amazing person who will go the extra mile to make your stay at her place incredible and memorable."
Mario
Mario a year ago
I would just go for Sandra !! Forget Ibiza hahah
Reply Like
Carolyn
Carolyna year ago
Hey Mario, I agree~I think hosts should have actual clear photos. If I were a guest, I think I would appreciate that.
Reply Like 1 reply
Mario
Mario a year ago
I would not stay with a host that did not have a photo eirther.
Deborah
Deboraha year ago
I agree this is definitely a problem. We as hosts are saying we want to know our guests, tell us about you, you will be staying in our home so we want to know something about you and see a photo of you please, and then our photo of ourselves is a dog? Or a pony in a pasture? Or a beach umbrella? Or a waterfall? (And I think Sandra is renting something else besides her home....)
In part to address this problem of hosts who want guests to be forthcoming, not being forthcoming themselves, those hosts who want to become members of another Airbnb forum, New Hosts Forum, are required to have a profile photo that actually depicts them, and shows their face clearly. A surprisingly large number of hosts when asked to post a photo of themselves, show their silhouette, or take a photo of themselves with their back to the camera, or show only their eyes and nose and not the rest of their face, or are so far away in the photo that all we can see of them is a small little blur and some clothes, like a distant rag doll. Such prospective members are declined as we don't feel this is the way to present yourselves either to guests or to the host community, and it doesn't reflect well on Airbnb as a whole when guests do this.
We do have some exceptions -- for instance in some countries the government has become so absurdly focused on the "crime" of renting out one's home that police are involved. But in most cases hosts will not go to jail if they have a guest stay over so we ask hosts to please show us who they are - the guest will feel more comfortable too.
Reply Like 8 replies•2 likes
Rick
Ricka year ago
some hosts are uneasy because of the jurisdiction they live in---they are afraid that the authorities will come after them if they can see a photo clearly (I really don't approve of hosts "hiding" in this way---but I think it's fairly common in some cities where airbnb is under scrutiny)... I had 2 guests recently stay with me....an Asian woman & an African American woman---their photo was a blonde woman in a yoga pose (face not visible--but a very attractive woman, nonetheless)...Then they had the nerve to say in their review that I was "all business"---dunno what they expected---this was a stand alone entire house rental---maybe they wanted a buddy to show them around??
Garrett
Garretta year ago
"And I think Sandra is renting something else besides her home...". Way to go with the libelous comment
Deborah
Deboraha year ago
@garrett I tend to be generous by approaching things with a sense of humor.
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
I think she's wearing clothes – just not very many. Fewer than Brooke. It really contradicts her listing.
Garrett
Garretta year ago
A sense of humour? Suggesting on a public forum that an identifiable individual is a prostitute is funny? Are you available for parties?
Deborah
Deboraha year ago
@garrett What??!? I think actually the host may be a very astute businessperson. In addition to accomodations she is perhaps selling hopes and dreams. She knows the value of hopes and dreams, long unfulfilled fantasies and knows that many value those things far beyond mere accommodations. Imagine the crestfallen faces when eager guests arrive to her place, and meet her for the first time, looking into the smiling eyes of a kind, handsome, 65 year old matron, graceful and charming, wearing an elegant business suit. As she takes them on a tour of her place they find the accommodations excellent but their face is still downcast. She will have the last laugh.
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
Garrett
Garretta year ago
So now she's a hooked and a fraudster?
Susan
Susana year ago
What do you think of my photo? I tried a portrait but feel too 'exposed'. Is it a good compromise? It's not a waterfall. It's me opening our door for guests. And a friend-guest took this snapshot.
Reply Like 4 replies
Carolyn
Carolyna year ago
Lovely photo Susan, and very appropriate I think (:
Susan
Susana year ago
Thanks Carolyn!
Sheryl
Sheryl a year ago
I love the black and white presentation. So classic and classy.
Susan
Susana year ago
Thanks Sheryl!
Mario
Mario a year ago
If you were a guest seeking your accommodation, do you feel the photo is appropriate ?
Reply Like
Marianna
Mariannaa year ago
My photo is stuck sideways and I don't know how to turn it the right way round!
Reply Like 2 replies
Nic and Rach
Nic and Racha year ago
Your photo is perfect ! a good exercise for my neck ..: '
Mario
Mario a year ago
It's cool....
Salvia
Salviaa year ago
Having a digital reputation is vital nowadays and has its pro's and con's. Years back I had a serious stalker experience which has made me VERY reluctant to reveal personal information or photos. I totally understand if someone does not feel comfortable with it but I STRONGLY vote for HAVING A CHOICE. (As one consequence of this attitude I accept guests without verified ID or photo and take the possible bigger risk.). Maybe some feel better if (new) hosts (!!!) are accepted only after they have been approved by some guest reviews?
Reply Like 2 likes
Christina
Christinaa year ago
I think hots and guests should have a clear photo. For me, it's good to know who my guest is so I can recognize them, ESPECIALLY if I am picking them up at the airport. I have taken guests without a clear photo, but I definitely prefer it. I think hosts should do the same.
Reply Like
Allison
Allisona year ago
I do have a profile photo with my face, but I can understand why some people choose not to, and I think it's important to understand the sensitivity around that.
Mario, it's not so much protection against guests that we have approved, but of the unknown others we don't. Or for some, a hard to shake person from the past. In my small town, you can Google my first name, city and occupation and my name is in the first page of results. With that, a person can quickly search our county records and come up with an address. I can understand some reticence to that level of exposure, especially those who have had stalker or unwanted attention previously.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Stefania and Robert
Stefania and Roberta year ago
European law now forces google to remove all private information in the search . My picture and personal details were stolen and, since I live in Europe, I requested google to remove them
mark
marka year ago
I fall into the the category Deborah talks about in her reply. There was also a similar thread in the "products and improvements" group. This is my reply ...
I had my face picture on my profile from day one. And up until a few weeks ago I would have been in the chorus of "Yes - hosts must have a picture" That all changed however, when the local government said is was to be crack-down on and prosecution of "illegal hotels" - ie Airbnb hosts. Additionally, the police here are obliged follow up ANY complaint laid with them. All a neighbor (who knows my face and sees my listing) has to do is lodge a complaint and I will have the police on my door. As an expat non-Asian living here I tend to stand out, making me easy to identify, thus making me very very easy to find. Something I would really prefer not happen as a host. The whole concept of airbnb is a legal grey area. Obviously, when legislation was written no one had thought of Airbnb. I do not want to be the test case for it. Owning property here does not make me a resident and I could well be deported - as I have made my life here - that would be a problem.
As soon as I get a inquiry I usually explain why I don't have a picture. If a booking comes in that we accept - then is send an email with my picture.
Is this ideal?- do I like it? - do I have other options if we want to keep hosting? - No.
Would I prefer my on my profile (damn handsome creator that i am)? - Yes. And that is why my face is a sea kayak...
(p.s. I don't want anyone reading this to think Taiwan is some kind of police state - nothing could be further from the truth. It just the way the legal system works.)
Reply Like 2 replies•1 like
Nic and Rach
Nic and Racha year ago
Hey Mark, In your case for me, I can see where you are coming from and I can definitely understand and since you have establish yourself a super host and Airbnb verified you are legit and I don't think you will have any issue or problem of booking specially for hosts who are not a big fan of no photo profile-no booking. but I am a fan of yours LOL
mark
marka year ago
Nice and Rach, that is very kind of you and has made my day!
Carolyn
Carolyna year ago
Good reasoning, Mark. I'd say, in your situation, you're being smart, and I guess it's good we all do have a choice as to what picture to display. As you say, not ideal though....(:
Reply Like
Sheryl
Sheryl a year ago
I have wondered, many times, why some hosts who are very generous in sharing experiences and advice, would not introduce themselves "personally". Now I know! I prefer to see any host with whom I book. But I do have a better understanding now of why some hosts don't post a photo of their face.
Reply Like
Stefania and Robert
Stefania and Roberta year ago
After my identity was stolen in internet I am concerned to write down my personal details on the web. I think giving the credit card details, email and telephone number is enough to confirm the person. I personally don't like website like FB that are asking for government ID identification.
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-99814
Decent Photo Profile
HI All,
I notice on the list of members to this group that not all have what i would call a genuine photo of themselves. As a host I never ever accept a guest that only presents with a random photo......for example in this group alone a short search will present with members that look like boats, waterfalls, blurry underwater images, mountain ranges. Another female has presented a smoking modelling bikini shot which I might assume should be for another type of website group (no disrespect intended) .......you get my drift right. So do you think that we should be obliged to present a human realistic photo of members who are guest and hosts alike. For example how the hell am I going to get a water fall into my apartment
14 comments•11 likes
Following
Like
Nic and Rach
Nadeen
Susan
Sookyoung
Carrie
+6
more
Nic and Rach
Nic and Racha year ago
www.airbnb.com/rooms/4791493
www.airbnb.com/users/show/16283898
Check this out ! I included this on my bucket before I depart and awish list to see .. My wife said, Do you really want to go to Ibiza, ES or you just want to see the one in the picture.. and I said : both !
Reply Like 5 replies•1 like
Carolyn
Carolyna year ago
Omigosh! Hello Sandra!
Mario
Mario a year ago
I see your pair of 8's and sow you a pair of 9's.... www.airbnb.com.au/users/show/22307797
Mario
Mario a year ago
"Show"
Marianna
Mariannaa year ago
Lol to this
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
"Brooke is an amazing person who will go the extra mile to make your stay at her place incredible and memorable."
Mario
Mario a year ago
I would just go for Sandra !! Forget Ibiza hahah
Reply Like
Carolyn
Carolyna year ago
Hey Mario, I agree~I think hosts should have actual clear photos. If I were a guest, I think I would appreciate that.
Reply Like 1 reply
Mario
Mario a year ago
I would not stay with a host that did not have a photo eirther.
Deborah
Deboraha year ago
I agree this is definitely a problem. We as hosts are saying we want to know our guests, tell us about you, you will be staying in our home so we want to know something about you and see a photo of you please, and then our photo of ourselves is a dog? Or a pony in a pasture? Or a beach umbrella? Or a waterfall? (And I think Sandra is renting something else besides her home....)
In part to address this problem of hosts who want guests to be forthcoming, not being forthcoming themselves, those hosts who want to become members of another Airbnb forum, New Hosts Forum, are required to have a profile photo that actually depicts them, and shows their face clearly. A surprisingly large number of hosts when asked to post a photo of themselves, show their silhouette, or take a photo of themselves with their back to the camera, or show only their eyes and nose and not the rest of their face, or are so far away in the photo that all we can see of them is a small little blur and some clothes, like a distant rag doll. Such prospective members are declined as we don't feel this is the way to present yourselves either to guests or to the host community, and it doesn't reflect well on Airbnb as a whole when guests do this.
We do have some exceptions -- for instance in some countries the government has become so absurdly focused on the "crime" of renting out one's home that police are involved. But in most cases hosts will not go to jail if they have a guest stay over so we ask hosts to please show us who they are - the guest will feel more comfortable too.
Reply Like 8 replies•2 likes
Rick
Ricka year ago
some hosts are uneasy because of the jurisdiction they live in---they are afraid that the authorities will come after them if they can see a photo clearly (I really don't approve of hosts "hiding" in this way---but I think it's fairly common in some cities where airbnb is under scrutiny)... I had 2 guests recently stay with me....an Asian woman & an African American woman---their photo was a blonde woman in a yoga pose (face not visible--but a very attractive woman, nonetheless)...Then they had the nerve to say in their review that I was "all business"---dunno what they expected---this was a stand alone entire house rental---maybe they wanted a buddy to show them around??
Garrett
Garretta year ago
"And I think Sandra is renting something else besides her home...". Way to go with the libelous comment
Deborah
Deboraha year ago
@garrett I tend to be generous by approaching things with a sense of humor.
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
I think she's wearing clothes – just not very many. Fewer than Brooke. It really contradicts her listing.
Garrett
Garretta year ago
A sense of humour? Suggesting on a public forum that an identifiable individual is a prostitute is funny? Are you available for parties?
Deborah
Deboraha year ago
@garrett What??!? I think actually the host may be a very astute businessperson. In addition to accomodations she is perhaps selling hopes and dreams. She knows the value of hopes and dreams, long unfulfilled fantasies and knows that many value those things far beyond mere accommodations. Imagine the crestfallen faces when eager guests arrive to her place, and meet her for the first time, looking into the smiling eyes of a kind, handsome, 65 year old matron, graceful and charming, wearing an elegant business suit. As she takes them on a tour of her place they find the accommodations excellent but their face is still downcast. She will have the last laugh.
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
Garrett
Garretta year ago
So now she's a hooked and a fraudster?
Susan
Susana year ago
What do you think of my photo? I tried a portrait but feel too 'exposed'. Is it a good compromise? It's not a waterfall. It's me opening our door for guests. And a friend-guest took this snapshot.
Reply Like 4 replies
Carolyn
Carolyna year ago
Lovely photo Susan, and very appropriate I think (:
Susan
Susana year ago
Thanks Carolyn!
Sheryl
Sheryl a year ago
I love the black and white presentation. So classic and classy.
Susan
Susana year ago
Thanks Sheryl!
Mario
Mario a year ago
If you were a guest seeking your accommodation, do you feel the photo is appropriate ?
Reply Like
Marianna
Mariannaa year ago
My photo is stuck sideways and I don't know how to turn it the right way round!
Reply Like 2 replies
Nic and Rach
Nic and Racha year ago
Your photo is perfect ! a good exercise for my neck ..: '
Mario
Mario a year ago
It's cool....
Salvia
Salviaa year ago
Having a digital reputation is vital nowadays and has its pro's and con's. Years back I had a serious stalker experience which has made me VERY reluctant to reveal personal information or photos. I totally understand if someone does not feel comfortable with it but I STRONGLY vote for HAVING A CHOICE. (As one consequence of this attitude I accept guests without verified ID or photo and take the possible bigger risk.). Maybe some feel better if (new) hosts (!!!) are accepted only after they have been approved by some guest reviews?
Reply Like 2 likes
Christina
Christinaa year ago
I think hots and guests should have a clear photo. For me, it's good to know who my guest is so I can recognize them, ESPECIALLY if I am picking them up at the airport. I have taken guests without a clear photo, but I definitely prefer it. I think hosts should do the same.
Reply Like
Allison
Allisona year ago
I do have a profile photo with my face, but I can understand why some people choose not to, and I think it's important to understand the sensitivity around that.
Mario, it's not so much protection against guests that we have approved, but of the unknown others we don't. Or for some, a hard to shake person from the past. In my small town, you can Google my first name, city and occupation and my name is in the first page of results. With that, a person can quickly search our county records and come up with an address. I can understand some reticence to that level of exposure, especially those who have had stalker or unwanted attention previously.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Stefania and Robert
Stefania and Roberta year ago
European law now forces google to remove all private information in the search . My picture and personal details were stolen and, since I live in Europe, I requested google to remove them
mark
marka year ago
I fall into the the category Deborah talks about in her reply. There was also a similar thread in the "products and improvements" group. This is my reply ...
I had my face picture on my profile from day one. And up until a few weeks ago I would have been in the chorus of "Yes - hosts must have a picture" That all changed however, when the local government said is was to be crack-down on and prosecution of "illegal hotels" - ie Airbnb hosts. Additionally, the police here are obliged follow up ANY complaint laid with them. All a neighbor (who knows my face and sees my listing) has to do is lodge a complaint and I will have the police on my door. As an expat non-Asian living here I tend to stand out, making me easy to identify, thus making me very very easy to find. Something I would really prefer not happen as a host. The whole concept of airbnb is a legal grey area. Obviously, when legislation was written no one had thought of Airbnb. I do not want to be the test case for it. Owning property here does not make me a resident and I could well be deported - as I have made my life here - that would be a problem.
As soon as I get a inquiry I usually explain why I don't have a picture. If a booking comes in that we accept - then is send an email with my picture.
Is this ideal?- do I like it? - do I have other options if we want to keep hosting? - No.
Would I prefer my on my profile (damn handsome creator that i am)? - Yes. And that is why my face is a sea kayak...
(p.s. I don't want anyone reading this to think Taiwan is some kind of police state - nothing could be further from the truth. It just the way the legal system works.)
Reply Like 2 replies•1 like
Nic and Rach
Nic and Racha year ago
Hey Mark, In your case for me, I can see where you are coming from and I can definitely understand and since you have establish yourself a super host and Airbnb verified you are legit and I don't think you will have any issue or problem of booking specially for hosts who are not a big fan of no photo profile-no booking. but I am a fan of yours LOL
mark
marka year ago
Nice and Rach, that is very kind of you and has made my day!
Carolyn
Carolyna year ago
Good reasoning, Mark. I'd say, in your situation, you're being smart, and I guess it's good we all do have a choice as to what picture to display. As you say, not ideal though....(:
Reply Like
Sheryl
Sheryl a year ago
I have wondered, many times, why some hosts who are very generous in sharing experiences and advice, would not introduce themselves "personally". Now I know! I prefer to see any host with whom I book. But I do have a better understanding now of why some hosts don't post a photo of their face.
Reply Like
Stefania and Robert
Stefania and Roberta year ago
After my identity was stolen in internet I am concerned to write down my personal details on the web. I think giving the credit card details, email and telephone number is enough to confirm the person. I personally don't like website like FB that are asking for government ID identification.