@Andrea0 - you captured way more succinctly and more eloquently what I tried to convey in way too many words! Since this board is supposedly being monitored with an eye towards improving the experience of all involved, there were some points that you made, Andrea, that particularly resonated with me, and that I wanted to highlight as points for Airbnb to explore:
* The Airbnb vision of "living like a local" is one that excites me as well, one that oftentimes (although not always) may take prior communication between all parties in order to be fully realized. Since everyone's style of hosting is different, and property needs are different, booking CHOICE becomes the important point.
* The pressures of those star ratings (and the confusion between guests and hosts about what each star rating means) - that one definitely merits a thread all its own, and I'll leave it at that.
* Instant Book being required of new hosts, although a lovely option for some, does open the door to a certain type of guest, looking to take advantage or scam, especially with regards to an inexperienced host. Think that's a paranoid statement? I formed that opinion from reading real horror stories on the boards.
* Difficulty in reaching Airbnb help desk personnel when the need arises, especially because of Instant Book. Perhaps even worse, personnel making decisions that are pro-guest without first hearing all sides. Again, the boards are filled with upset and frustrated mostly new hosts feeling confused and unsupported by Airbnb.
* The need for a board of advisors that perhaps meets several times a year, consisting of hosts representing different demographics, able to dialog face to face with decision makers about some of the problems, and hopefully solutions, that are faced every day in the field.
I hope that my comments come across as supportive and solution oriented rather than complaining and finding fault. Because the bottom line is I am loving my hosting experience, and I would like to see my experience go from good to great, simply through dialog such as this one, with the sense that our voices are being heard, considered, and addressed.
I have been an entrepreneur for many years in a service-related field. My success has come from having a strong finger on the pulse of those I serve, constantly (and joyfully!) changing my delivery in response to ever-changing needs.
The founders of Airbnb stumbled across a concept that has the power to change the face of the world. It is through the individual that real change ever occurs. The concept of Airbnb has proven to be a good one, and I applaud the founders for going for what they intuitively saw as a need. But as happens in any great organization, an organization must be able to continually respond, and be open to change, as new needs become known.
I am glad that Airbnb opened this particular forum, as it's a very good, and informative, start. Now the trick is for decision makers to dig in and respond, allowing us to work together to continue g to create an outstanding experience for everyone involved.
Oops! I took @Andreas0 succinct words and somehow stretched them out! All in the name of communication! 🙂
Jude