Hi Paul,
There is no way in the world we would choose Instant Book - either as a host or as a guest.
As a host with two complete homes in a very large duplex in which we live, which we wholly own
and which was expensive to build, we want to know the character of any possible guest.
You're right. It really doesn't take an aware, intelligent experienced person more than a few minutes
to get a feel for the potential guests' nature and values. It's all there in the written word, the attitude,
the phrasing, the level of politeness. Have not guessed/judged/sensed wrong yet in 3 years, but have accepted
when I knew we had real doubts. Our choices have improved. Now this Instant Book affecting the ratings,
so much affect that one's listing is at the bottom, on page 2 or 3 and not seen at all. It means that in
the last 8 months we have had only 2 guest groups - for a weekend and for ten days. Very nice folks, really nice -
and we all had good times. But that's a tenth of last year.
Here's what we're doing:
1) Staying with a listing on AirbnB - but offering a discount to anyone who makes contact first - and a reminder
that Instant Book will not be used.
2) At the same time, not staying on AirBnB. We have asked veteran professional developers to make website templates
for this purpose - both single sites and for those who wish to make local area groups, and groups allied
to networks of their choosing. Really good designs, kept up to date, with fast page load speeds, and best security,
multiple payment gateways - are not cheap. But with 50-100 persons to share the cost, it's easy. It's no risk,
and insurance for the future. Looking for hosts who are interested to work together, combine our knowledge,
wisdom, goals to the best flexible design. I can be found at 'Academic Press Japan' via the contact form.
Spread the word. Maintaining the original concept and warmth of hosting is the target. And keeping a listing on AirBnB
means you're there if the venture capitalists decide to change their tune back to support those with our views.
The venture capitalist are racing to their Stock Market IPO (Intial Public Offering). After they cash in big time,
we don't know what will happen.
Dec. 31st. Let's communicate. We don't know how long these forums and these threads will be up, or be up and uncensored,
unedited. All the best everyone.