Post by High Priestess on Sept 25, 2015 2:46:45 GMT
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
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www.airbnb.com/rooms/4791493
[listing gone but shows young lithe scantily clad S]
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 !
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Omigosh! Hello S!
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I see your pair of 8's and show you a pair of 9's....https://www.airbnb.com.au/users/show/22307797
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Lol to this
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"Brooke is an amazing person who will go the extra mile to make your stay at her place incredible and memorable."
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I would just go for Sandra !! Forget Ibiza hahah
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Hey M, I agree~I think hosts should have actual clear photos. If I were a guest, I think I would appreciate that.
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I would not stay with a host that did not have a photo eirther.
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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 S 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.
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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??
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"And I think S is renting something else besides her home...". Way to go with the libelous comment
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I think she's wearing clothes – just not very many. Fewer than Brooke. It really contradicts her listing.
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A sense of humour? Suggesting on a public forum that an identifiable individual is a prostitute is funny? Are you available for parties?
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@g 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.
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So now she's a hooker and a fraudster?
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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.
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Lovely photo S, and very appropriate I think (:
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Thanks C!
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I love the black and white presentation. So classic and classy.
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Thanks Sheryl!
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If you were a guest seeking your accommodation, do you feel the photo is appropriate ?
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My photo is stuck sideways and I don't know how to turn it the right way round!
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Your photo is perfect ! a good exercise for my neck ..: '
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It's cool....
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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 o
I think hosts 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.
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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.
M, 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.
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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
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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.)
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Hey M, 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
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N & R, that is very kind of you and has made my day!
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Good reasoning, M. 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....(:
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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
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.
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
Reply
www.airbnb.com/rooms/4791493
[listing gone but shows young lithe scantily clad S]
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
Omigosh! Hello S!
Reply
I see your pair of 8's and show you a pair of 9's....https://www.airbnb.com.au/users/show/22307797
Reply
Lol to this
Reply
"Brooke is an amazing person who will go the extra mile to make your stay at her place incredible and memorable."
Reply
I would just go for Sandra !! Forget Ibiza hahah
Reply
Hey M, I agree~I think hosts should have actual clear photos. If I were a guest, I think I would appreciate that.
Reply
I would not stay with a host that did not have a photo eirther.
Reply
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 S 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
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??
Reply
"And I think S is renting something else besides her home...". Way to go with the libelous comment
Reply
I think she's wearing clothes – just not very many. Fewer than Brooke. It really contradicts her listing.
Reply
A sense of humour? Suggesting on a public forum that an identifiable individual is a prostitute is funny? Are you available for parties?
Reply
@g 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.
Reply
reply
So now she's a hooker and a fraudster?
Reply
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
Lovely photo S, and very appropriate I think (:
Reply
Thanks C!
Reply
I love the black and white presentation. So classic and classy.
Reply
Thanks Sheryl!
Reply
If you were a guest seeking your accommodation, do you feel the photo is appropriate ?
Reply
My photo is stuck sideways and I don't know how to turn it the right way round!
Reply
Your photo is perfect ! a good exercise for my neck ..: '
Reply
It's cool....
Reply
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 o
I think hosts 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
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.
M, 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
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
Reply
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
Hey M, 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
Reply
N & R, that is very kind of you and has made my day!
Reply
Good reasoning, M. 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
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
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.