What the superhost system does, not for, but against hosts!

[Annette33]

The  superhost system is totally ridiculous! Instead of complaining about guests and that they didn't give us that 5 star review we deserved, we all should only complain about Airbnb having invented it in the first place! the system, not any individual guest, is the reason for much discontent and anxieties among hosts, constantly chasing that 5 star review and then blaming the individual guest who didn't give it to us : misplaced anger!
Though I have not much hope for it, eventually Airbnb might hear us hosts and give up the system, or they might suddenly do it all on their own. So there is at least a chance for that, while complaining about guests here is totally useless, no chance whatsoever of changing guests and their behavior through venting here.
Unfortunately, many hosts hook into this  superhost thing and see getting  superhost as an achievement to be proud of - instead of seeing it as a manipulative tool by Airbnb to keep hosts "in line"  - and then the bickering and anger starts. I am in a good position to critizise it as I am a superhost and nobody can say that I am just jealous, or whatever. I just hate what it does to so many of my fellow hosts here!
Instead of enjoying hosting, being relaxed about the whole thing, I mostly see discontent and worries when a 4 star review comes in.
Come on, peeps, most of us here ARE great hosts, neither any individual guest nor Airbnb can take that from us. Lets not be so quick or easily intimidated by Airbnb that we might lose our listing: that is a looong way down the pike, good hosts have nothing to worry about! Lets continue to pressure Airbnb, that it is their ridiculous system that takes the fun out of hosting. As long as we focus our anger on guests, Airbnb is just fine....
but then comes the pride thing about being superhost: well, we each have to work that out personally. To me, superhost status is really no big deal, guests don't even know what it is! It actually makes me cringe a bit, like the praise of getting a gold star in kindergarten. When you do good, responsible  hosting without screwing up, you just about get it automatically.
And what really is the payoff in having it anyways, except for that shiny badge next to my name? Not any better ranking in the listing that I can see: I have solid 5 star reviews across the board, all the time, so I should be high up there, right? Not so, I even turned on IB lately to get better exposure. I understand I will get a voucher for a free Airbnb stay after a year of superhost- but is that worth all the anxiety to "have" to get it? No...
So I am on a mission to convince other hosts to let go of worrying and fixating on getting that 5 star review. So what if occasionally it doesn't come our way? Perhaps guests can sense a certain pre-occupation in a host, or getting pressured into giving such a review - which then only achieves the opposite. And let's not forget, some hosts out there just don't deserve a 5 star ever, in that case we should applaud guests for their honesty.
Let's just go back to simply enjoy hosting and sincerely welcoming our guests without anxieties. can I get a second on that?

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Annette33

"... like the praise of getting a gold star in kindergarten" lol 😄 exactlly .

I would be happier with a chocolade 😉

[Kate157]

I couldn't agree more, @Annette0! I was discussing the stars with my husband this morning. I said to him if we were picking a restaurant, and 5 star was the top score, we would still happily go to a 4 star or 4-1/2 star place. I feel it is the same with hosting. People rate and review things differently, and there's no shame in being a decent 4 or 4-1/2 star place. The super host status turns up the burners on all hosts. It's true, I feel it too. I work hard, do the best I can to make guests welcome. But I find in particular older couples (and yes, I am older myself) are the toughest. They make more demands and are less likely to bump up the star rating. I don't have the answers, but it would be nice not to feel the pressure of trying to attain the impossible. Some guests just won't put the 5 stars unless you are Taj Mahal of wonderfulness. I try to keep my eyes on the job at hand and hope guests appreciate the effort. Sometimes it works better than other times. I still refuse to ask for reviews, let alone 5 star reviews. To me, that is too much gaming the system.

On a personal note, @Annette0, I saw there were fires in your area yesterday- I hope all is well with you and your property!



[Wendy-and-Frank0]

The review should be:  Would you stay with this host again?  Yes or No.  Done.

OR....

Did you catch a disease?

Did you almost die?

Did you experience a gag reflect at any time during your stay?

Was your passport stolen and sold on the black market?

How clean is your own house?  Can you share some photos?

Was the price competetive with the Ritz Carlton or the Waldorf Astoria?

You get my drift.