@Stephanie
Firstly, re:
- I've not hosted myself but have been a Guest....'
It's puzzling, because your profile is remiss of a single review. This is in marked contrast to Lizzie who currently has 13 Reviews, including with her partner Daniel.
So, one can best speculate you may have a separate account as a Guest?
Similarly I wonder about Quincy.
To put it in perspective. Prior to the global forum, we used to have localised groups. The most successful for London, was London Host Community Hub. It was Moderated by 3 people, all three being Hosts, and most specifically, Live-In Hosts which seemed entirely compatible with the original Airbnb ideal of Home-Share. -- The Current 'Cities' alternative is barely populated and used.
More significantly, Airbnb has evolved into something far beyond it's original ideal. Beyond the unpopular photo 'profile issue' referred to by Christine; the main twist and jist of it that Airbnb has swamped the market with Corporate listings / Agents / Management Companies / Hotels. With it has began a gradual introduction of 0% Service Fee to Guests booking with some of these agents; conversely, raising S.F. to upto 20% for Guests booking with Private Hosts.
It's hardly a level-playing field.
Thus many traditional Hosts who consider themselves at the core of the company, find this evolution deeply disturbing, as if the company is intending to marginalize or eradicate us altogether.. Consequently, much of what you will read and moderate isn't pleasurable, but quite frightening really.
You will find some far more knowledgable hosts than myself. Indeed, a few have done considerable research, and at least one is currently writing a book, that is likely to be a most illuminating read.
Best Wishes!
