How to encourage new participants

[Mary996]

How can we encourage newcomers to participate in the Community Centre? 

There are probably many seasoned Hosts who have never been here or have visited and been put off for some reason. It can be a tough environment and I do not appreciate this.

I was thinking that new Hosts might be directed here as part of a their 'inset' or orientation where they will have the opportunity to learn more and to ask questions or to make the kind of suggestions that fresh faces and fresh perspectives can bring. But I do feel that an element of self-help and of reciprocity is warranted with an expectation that everyone will take their turn. How would it be if Hosts were allocated periods when they are 'on-duty' and expected to respond to Guests and to other Hosts?

In the long run having an element of self-help makes good economic sense. It also contributes to shaping the organisation in the way we would like it to be. An appreciative and supportive place. Any thoughts??????? 

[Mary996]

** @Sarah977 ?

I point it out as its something I've had to work on myself and I really appreciated the hint to address it that I was given many years ago.

You keep asserting how members of this forum should conduct themselves ... you keep insisting that we are all adults as if you are entitled to define the parameters of participation here. Being adult means different things to many people. To me it means being sensitive to others and trying to be receptive in a forum situation where people can be distressed.

** 

**Personal remarks hidden

[Sarah977]

@Mary996  I have never, ever asserted how members of this forum should conduct themselves.

That seems to the role you have taken on, and is the topic of your thread here, complete with appointing yourself the "tone" police and offering your psychological assessments of others. 

[Mary996]

You just did @Sarah977 

"We are all adults here. If people can't handle everyone not agreeing with them or are so sensitive that they scurry off licking their wounds because they can't handle the fact that not everyone sugar coats what they say, that's their problem- they should stay away from online forums". 

[Mary996]

As above you are explicitly directing those who are 'so sensitive' to stay away from on-line forums . 

You do not have this right.

[Sarah977]

@Mary996  You really don't get it. That isn't asserting how anyone should conduct themselves, it's the opposite. That is saying that everyone is responsible for their own feelings and if this forum is not to their liking, they are free to either not participate or accept that not everyone is going to give opinions that agree with them, or express themselves in the way they might, and decide they can live with that.

It isn't up to me or you to police what and how posters express themselves.

[Mary996]

@Sarah977 

I am finding this unwanted exchange with you to be upsetting and the need for self-assertion very tiring.

One of us is missing the point... no one is asking for your agreement, your views, your consent, your agenda, your confirmation.

Some of us would prefer that you simply allowed folk to speak for themselves and that you avoid commenting on what we have to say.  Just let go Sarah. 

You have made a great contribution here over a long period.  I salute you 

[Stephanie]

@Mary996 @Sarah977 

Let's agree to disagree and move on. This is a great thread, overall, so let's not get bogged down with a disagreement. 

If you have any concerns, please get in touch over DM 😃

Thanks,

Stephanie

[Bari51]

Hello Mary, @Mary996 

I new joined the community and so glad you bought it up.

I do have an issue here, one of the top contributors was insulting me just because I ask a question. I was disappointed with her feedback.

[Ute42]

.

@Bari51 

Who was that top contributor and wich post was it?

[Bari51]

@Ute42 

Should I call out the name assumed on this post? 

I did some research on some members of the community...WOW

Unbelievable! 

[Ute42]

.

@Bari51 

I already found the post You're talking about. I think it's better to forget about  this and move on.

[Bari51]

@Ute42I’ not surprise, you advise me to forget about it and move on! 

[Mary996]

Hi Bari @Bari51 

I'm so sorry that you've had a bad experience. Probably the person responding to you was in a rush and didn't mean to be flippant. Looking back I can see that you raised a query within someone else's thread. Might you consider opening your own thread with a new question but also with solutions that you've researched based on your interest in the matter and in order to help others in the future? This is kind of a DIY place. Will you share what you come up with?

Hope this helps.

[Bari51]

@Mary996  

Greetings from Brussels.
A little bit of myself is a big fan of Airbnb.
We joined the platform many years as a guest. My wife's account since 2014, and we used Airbnb very often for work trips and travel with family for leisure.

Recently, I started to pay attention to the community because I just got promoted to a new job in the UK and will move over by next month, and we planing to list our townhouse on Airbnb and link the calendar with Vrbo. I want to see more of the hosting issue and other host experiences.

I discovered that both platforms are much different in the term and policy; both communities also show the dissimilar. Other platform members significantly shared experience. Members are friendly and respected.

Unfortunately, that did not happen here.
I see the purity of you started on the right track with this thread, I have the same feeling as you even I am new to the community and your intention is highly appreciated.  

[Alexandra316]

@Bari51 Welcome to the hosting experience. 

Do you already have an active listing with VRBO, then?