Inappropriate profile Photo

[Cherie65]

Is this an appropriate profile pic?Hi Airbnb Hosts, 

 I am a 63 year and have been hosting for 5 years. This is a first! 

The profile pic seemed highly inappropriate for use as a profile photo. It doesn’t help me in identifying the guest when she arrives, it does little to assure me that she will be a responsible, mature guest. 

I messaged the guest explaining how a facial pic helps to establish trust and connectivity. I used Airbnb’s words - they describe the significance of a profile photo so well. I quipped at the end of my message ..the only way I can identify you when you arrive is to see your bellybutton, which would  make me very uncomfortable.
Her reply was “ i have no problem with you identifying me that way”.

The photo and her response is really a first for me!

I feel uncomfortable with the listing.

I need to know if I am being rational! Thanks

[Helen3]

Actually it does @Anonymous you just add it to your IB rules as I do ‘ I only accept guests who provide a clear profile photos showing your face’. 

[Sarah977]

@Helen3  The only requirement option available to check in settings for non-IB hosts is "Profile photo".

[Helen3]

In which case I would add it to your house rules @Sarah977 

[Cherie65]

@Helen3 I just became aware of that option! No more reservations from grey icon or bellybuttons will be accepted! 

[Helen350]

@Anonymous - Whilst perusing reviews of local hosts in my town recently, I DID stumble accross a profile pic containing an unclothed male butt! And back! (Just an apron string.) Also in the picture were two grinning,  fully clothed middle aged women, front views. The profile belonged to "Jennie", so the said butt did not correspond to the account holder (presumably.)

There appears to be no bot to censor butts!

(Personally I would have marked the guest  down for communication. 😛)

@Cherie65 

[Anonymous]

@Helen350  So now we know the bots aren't watching, all bets (or butts) are off!

[Cherie65]

@Sarah977  Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights. You are right I did set myself up for a cheeky answer! 
Your carefully worded  response to her invites understanding and deescalates my perception of the situation. 
your daughters are great teachers!

[Heidi588]

@Sarah977 , fabulous response.

@Cherie65 , my first thought was that she's a sex worker. Her photo and response really set off a red flag...or red lingerie. 

[Cherie65]

@Heidi588  In one of our Airbnb exchanges I regrettably posted that .  “.l felel uncomfortable with a photo that represents sex solicitation...” OMG!  She said I was calling her a prostitute and her plan is to report me to Airbnb and file a discrimination claim. I was thinking more like a hook-up app, oh well.

At the end of the day, it is my property and I want to when possible work with guests who get the format.

[Heidi588]

@Cherie65 OMG is right! Thanks for sharing! Her response reveals all you need to know about her, even if she's not a sex worker. Bluster like hyperbolic emotional responses and brandishing threats indicates you nailed that she had ill intentions toward your property and you. 

[Cherie65]

@Heidi588  These are contentious times in the USA everyone is outraged! 

[Lawrene0]

I have a repeat guest whose profile photo is of his collar to his knees. No head. I thought he did it on purpose, as he falls into the quirky category.

But then just last week I changed my own profile photo to keep it current. Centred it, hit save, and there I was -- headless. 

I had to crop the photo a couple of times outside the platform just to get it a bit right. I don't remember having to do that in the past.

I think this is exactly what happened to my guest, and he doesn't care. I have to say that I don't care, either. I've hosted sunsets and flowers and, once, a gorilla. A headless man is no problem.

The uploading of the picture may have been similar for your guest, @Cherie65 . She picked one in which she felt she looked cute, but it is the wrong aspect ratio. She thought it was funny, or maybe too annoying to change. But I don't think you are irrational for worrying. It's good to ask.

I have to say I don't know that I would recognize you from your own profile photo. The frame cuts off your eyes. I would recognize that pretty dog. : )

[Cathie19]

Headless hmmm, @Lawrene0; it would worry me around a horse, Halloween, a moonless night, a full moon or if they stalked, sashayed.... skipped or smiled to the howl of the wolf! 

[Cherie65]

@Lawrene0 My dog is the primary greeter on the property! The photo does expand on my profile page revealing a full facial frontal. But geez, time for an update, I’ve aged!

[Lawrene0]

Oh yes, @Cherie65 ! It is good to have the dog that is greeting people in the profile photo! No surprises that way! 

I used to have my husband in the profile photo so guests knew that a tall, stern man would be around to not put up with their nonsense. However, because my name is confusing, they would look at the photo and think their host was a fellow called Lawrence. Reviews were for "Lawrence and his wife."

So Harry's still around and not putting up with any nonsense, but he's gone from the photo.

I update every two years approximately. I want to look something like the photo. Same number of wrinkles. Social distancing has them seeing me from a little further away now, so I figured I didn't need a closeup this time. : )