tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post4833774940873024562..comments2023-07-23T12:26:37.881-04:00Comments on Around The World and Back Again: How I feel todayEJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07473889413565113710noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-81882966999411641652015-06-07T15:11:43.261-04:002015-06-07T15:11:43.261-04:00Hi EJ,
I am a student in France and I am writing ...Hi EJ,<br /><br />I am a student in France and I am writing my memoir on the sharing company and the need for new appropriate insurance.<br />Would you be interested in answering some of my questions and being quoted on my memoir?<br /><br />Thanks in advance for considering my propositionSarahttp://ichigoslayers.tumblr.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-77520789396467697262013-07-11T10:28:17.213-04:002013-07-11T10:28:17.213-04:00Forgot to add our thanks for your keeping a blog a...Forgot to add our thanks for your keeping a blog about this terrible experience. My husband and I truly hope the situation has been resolved in your favor and that the criminals who did this are behind bars.<br />Paulettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03360784542505676145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-11247765083226714692013-07-11T10:25:39.619-04:002013-07-11T10:25:39.619-04:00Hi,
I realize this post is old but cannot help bu...Hi,<br /><br />I realize this post is old but cannot help but wonder if.....<br /><br />1) The perp(s) was apprehended?<br />2) Criminals have been tried and sentenced?<br />3) Airbnb reimbursed you for your stolen/destroyed valuables, repair of your condo plus new locks/keys/alarm system?<br />4) Airbnb reimbursed you for travel/hotel/every day expenses for the days and nights you could not live in your home.<br />5) Is the Airbnb host guarantee for real?<br />6) Has an Airbnb rep ever met with you in-person?Paulettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03360784542505676145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-75252748479253278522013-02-01T12:56:55.918-05:002013-02-01T12:56:55.918-05:00I rented out my flat in Italy for a couple of mont...I rented out my flat in Italy for a couple of months last summer and all went well until one idiot who had booked a room from us asked for his money back (after he had stayed the time he had booked), stating that the directions I had given him were not correct. I asked advice to Airbnb and before I knew it they had given the customer the money back... without really communicating with us or hearing what WE had to say. I found it disgraceful and have now stopped using them. Roomorama is actually a much more serious website. I hope your case got solved and you got some compensation. <br />You never know whom your house gets rented to and I don't feel like Airbnb even bothers checking anything beforehand so am not sure what safety principles they use really.Vale/Bhartihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10206387046237138131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-33910564739433846112012-12-06T10:30:33.913-05:002012-12-06T10:30:33.913-05:00hey EJ, any updates on the case? I was very shocke...hey EJ, any updates on the case? I was very shocked about your story and, as im listing my apartment for my xmas vacation, im worried something similar could happen.dianahttp://facebook.com/dica.lopesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-45559949781268667482012-04-21T09:47:26.781-04:002012-04-21T09:47:26.781-04:00I will never, ever use airbnb, or any other couch ...I will never, ever use airbnb, or any other couch surfing business, having read this. I hope Chesky and others read that, kinda doubt they will. But they definitely just lost a customer.<br /><br />Please sue airbnb for what happened to you. You deserve something for having your life destroyed.<br /><br />You will pick up the pieces. It will take time, but you can get past this. You'll never be able to forget it, as that's how trauma works, but you'll move on.<br /><br />Keeping you in my prayers.dancerinadeuxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18015406798352772308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-37060691036191859782012-02-15T06:27:38.114-05:002012-02-15T06:27:38.114-05:00I hope your life is better today, EJ. I just learn...I hope your life is better today, EJ. I just learned about this one while searching for something else on Hacker News. If it isn't too late, my help for what you might need is here.David Collanteshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09080878182927477616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-64341434466417178022012-02-13T12:11:41.335-05:002012-02-13T12:11:41.335-05:00Update?Update?Danhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03670853063126771511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-3227632437362050792011-11-16T15:47:48.774-05:002011-11-16T15:47:48.774-05:00Hey EJ. Helluva curious about what happened here. ...Hey EJ. Helluva curious about what happened here. Your story gripped me and I found your cautionary tale evocative and interesting. I was hoping you would post an update. There is a hunger in me for the idiots to get caught! Anyway, don't feel obliged to respond. I just hope the hatemail stopped.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04008895691122344177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-12629890427819553702011-11-16T11:11:44.065-05:002011-11-16T11:11:44.065-05:00Thanks for this insightful article. If your lookin...Thanks for this insightful article. If your looking for well maintained properties providing residential living then chose <a href="http://www.corporatekeys.com.au/" rel="nofollow">Apartment Accommodation Melbourne </a> for top quality stay! They have everything to offer and so much more. I stay here every year when I am on a business trip! Enjoy!Brooke Davishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04027413561335795535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-87495658943570613632011-10-17T07:46:44.949-04:002011-10-17T07:46:44.949-04:00The blog is to good and informative where i like t...The blog is to good and informative where i like to discuss about this in my blog thanks for sharing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.elysianrealestate.com" rel="nofollow">apartments for rent Dubai</a>Elysianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07856255281155183911noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-40634099701859576232011-10-17T02:37:29.406-04:002011-10-17T02:37:29.406-04:00EJ!
We've recently been the victims of Airbnb...EJ!<br /><br />We've recently been the victims of Airbnb's 'system' however we were the guests and a (known) shady host was involved.<br /><br />Four of us arrived from Australia last month for a 2 week vacation in NY. Upon sighting the property in person we discovered it was nothing as was pictured on Airbnb - not even the same penthouse in fact! <br /><br />It then took days to 'prove'(we emailed numerous pictures and had many phone calls 'representatives') to Airbnb this was the case, after-which they assured us they'd find equivalent (if not better) lodgings for us.<br /><br />Over the next 2 weeks we were shuffled all over NY, in 3 instances being left on the footpath with all of our luggage and no where to go.<br /><br />We spent HOURS on the phone and HOURS emailing to Airbnb - following them up, trying to get answers, having our calls and emails ignored or in most instances palmed over to someone new. Needless to say it ruined the entire vacation for all of us.<br /><br />Our stories seem scarily similar particularly the total lack of communication/miscommunication from Airbnb.<br /><br />Currently it's still ongoing and as with you, we've not been offered a solution let alone a call from Chesky himself - though as you'd know, on the Airbnb site he clearly states his email and to contact him at any stage.<br /><br />We've contacted him on a number of occasions only to be palmed off to his 'customer support team' who didn't help us in the first instance.<br /><br />Very much getting the 'if we screw them around enough, they'll give up and go away' vibe.<br /><br />Thoroughly unimpressed and will continue to strive for a suitable outcome.Chantoozyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07632504624738639190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-48132056058358811872011-09-02T13:42:10.072-04:002011-09-02T13:42:10.072-04:00EJ, you've made a DIFFERENCE! I'm sorry i...EJ, you've made a DIFFERENCE! I'm sorry it came at such a cost to you, but you may have just saved someone else the experience (maybe even their safety. Thank You!!!Derf Da Smurfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10142066696250343153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-36211870652014447592011-09-02T13:03:22.966-04:002011-09-02T13:03:22.966-04:00The real world is a risky place for those with gen...The real world is a risky place for those with generosity of spirit--but that doesn't mean that said generosity is a bad thing.<br /><br />EJ, I am very sorry that this happened to you. I'm even sorrier that you've been the target of nastiness and bile from sad fools who are so jacked-up on E-Courage that they feel the constant need to show their hind-ends in public. It will get better. It will take time, but it will get better.<br /><br />E-hugs from NCThe Acid Queenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15801713192072641607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-84047014400619737282011-09-01T09:55:20.020-04:002011-09-01T09:55:20.020-04:00EJ, I have a possible lead on who might have trash...EJ, I have a possible lead on who might have trashed your apartment - how can I contact you?Hollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17889143707363996308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-7082030323535411022011-08-26T05:46:30.376-04:002011-08-26T05:46:30.376-04:00Hope things get better for you EJ.
As far as AirB...Hope things get better for you EJ.<br /><br />As far as AirBnb is concerned - it's just another form of prostitution: http://www.hejorama.com/lifestyle/airbnb-the-prostitution-of-couchsurfing-5400/royhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14051070101766561662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-59010316463969748772011-08-25T09:58:07.264-04:002011-08-25T09:58:07.264-04:00Hi EJ
I'm just another person who feels terri...Hi EJ <br />I'm just another person who feels terrible that you had to go through that awful experience and the whole internet backlash. People an be so terrible and unthinking. I know it doesn't help but *hugs*Gionettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07566315589483341610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-23773113621280964912011-08-25T09:12:05.584-04:002011-08-25T09:12:05.584-04:00EJ:
Thank you for taking the uncomfortable step...EJ: <br /><br />Thank you for taking the uncomfortable step to write about your very personal story of misfortune with Airbnb.<br /><br />I am glad that there is a voice that has gone viral with the lack of response that Airbnb has used in addressing problems. Before your story went viral, I had an issue with Airbnb, with a trip that I booked with them. After booking the host told me that I was going to have to pay double, directly to them, after I arrived (in a foreign country, over Christmas). I of course, could not do that, and after several attempts to contact Airbnb (prior to a published phone number) I kept getting these disturbing, pre-written, emails, saying that they were too overwhelmed to get back with me, but would eventually. They did finally get back with me, and give my money back, but not before a significant amount of time, and the required persistence on my part.<br /><br />I am now eager to hear how they will handle a situation I am experiencing as a host. A recent guest stayed in my home, and significantly damaged an antique piece of furniture. I reported the occurrence to Airbnb, and while they have been pleasant, and responsive-- they made me aware that the security deposit, actually doesn't hold an ounce of security, because they won't release the security deposit to me, until the traveler agrees to pay the security deposit. The traveler is, of course, denying the damage (even though evidence of the source of damage was still there). <br /><br />I am currently in conversation with Airbnb, and they do seem to really want to work out the situation in the best possible manner. I did think that people should know how the security deposit works- that if there is damage, you can't collect the deposit, unless the traveler is completely honest, and agrees to paying it.<br /><br />I feel that if they choose to handle the security deposit this way, that Airbnb's insurance should cover us as well! <br /><br />I do hope that you are able, slowly, and surely, to regain security and confidence, in the privacy of your home, and life! Best Wishes to you!Mariposahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01179902161298690325noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-42276543090156797082011-08-08T10:57:21.881-04:002011-08-08T10:57:21.881-04:00Dear EJ
I was very sorry to hear about your terr...Dear EJ <br /><br />I was very sorry to hear about your terrible experience, and hope you are starting to piece things back together again. <br /><br />I wondered if you might like to tell your story to readers of The Guardian newspaper in London (guardian.co.uk), where I work? If so, I would very much like to talk to you more about it, in private of course. <br /><br />My email address is hannah.booth@guardian.co.uk. And I look forward to hearing from you soon. <br /><br />best wishes, HannahHannah Boothhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00216358955665566372noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-92120804589594194462011-08-06T13:19:33.773-04:002011-08-06T13:19:33.773-04:00I've been following this closely not just beca...I've been following this closely not just because I like following tech stories, but also because you're a fellow San Franciscan who did a very San Franciscan thing: tried something new that's being driven locally, despite the imperfections. <br /><br />The thing that struck me most through all of this is the picture your sister painted of who you are in her open letter posted on Gawker. You sound like a generous, creative, loving and tireless person that any of us would be lucky to know. Please do not let the criminal who violated your home nor these maladjusted people with huge megaphones change who you are. Please be defiant and determined about this. The world needs people like you, and all of them will have won if your spirit has been broken.Jeffrey Taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06765781182921492543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-83189429950779545992011-08-05T16:49:17.080-04:002011-08-05T16:49:17.080-04:00Stay strong EJ, we're rooting for you!Stay strong EJ, we're rooting for you!gbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05182372333634183591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-79269991544925921742011-08-05T03:05:49.610-04:002011-08-05T03:05:49.610-04:00Dear EJ.
Thank you for continuing to write. Pleas...Dear EJ.<br /><br />Thank you for continuing to write. Please don't stop, there is one thing nobody can take away; your voice. Don't ever stop being yourself, there is beauty in authenticity.<br /><br />People will talk, you will likely get negative comments, but all this doesn't matter. You clearly have a community of people, family, friends, complete strangers who stand behind you. This energy will nonetheless see you through to the other side. Wishing you peace, love and much strength.Vancityslyflyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02696520944071402756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-45853364539197023862011-08-05T02:41:07.914-04:002011-08-05T02:41:07.914-04:00I am also an Airbnb user and host - I've also ...I am also an Airbnb user and host - I've also used Crashpadder, Hospitality Club and Couchsurfers without trouble. Thank you for sharing and I shall be far more diligent in future because of your experience.<br /><br />As for Airbnb's business practices - they are lame beyond belief. Just this week I have been emailing over and over and over again ... trying to get a response for them to deal with a minor problem. 5 emails and 7 days later and the most if have got out of them is an email saying "your problem has been forwarded to the appropriate department".<br />This is NOT GOOD ENOUGH - on all levels... and the corporations who are providing the $$$Millions in funding should be aware of the lack of integrity of Airbnb execs and staff.<br /><br />EJ - chin up love and if you're ever in Sydney look me up - on Crashpadder :-)Jechttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03374865431383125787noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-65831250969409971602011-08-04T17:29:26.165-04:002011-08-04T17:29:26.165-04:00Why weren't these policies that air bnb is now...Why weren't these policies that air bnb is now implementing in place from the VERY BEGINNING? If they had been, this probably wouldn't have happened to you!Medusahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11769523795316335603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645825672264359366.post-82110264450954052482011-08-04T12:25:36.488-04:002011-08-04T12:25:36.488-04:00To the harsh critics: Your comments are far more t...To the harsh critics: Your comments are far more telling of your ignorance and lack of character than EJ's.<br /><br />That said, as someone who has used airbnb and stayed in the homes of strangers, it is very important to give your host as much information to go on as possible, so they can feel safe with you. <br /><br />I go to great lengths to make myself transparent to my potential host, with pictures and access to my facebook page and my business address and phone. They don't have to ask for it. I treat the process like the interview it is. I myself want to guard their safety, as well as my own, by setting an example for them to see what a safe and trustworthy guest gives as information. <br /><br />Please, anyone who is considering using any P2p travel rental service, use as your guide your potential guest/hosts willingness to give you <br />A LOT of information about them! Same goes for those renting the spaces. I use my intuition and the manner in which my questions are answered to guide me in my choice of hosts. Willingness to communicate is key.<br /><br />I know that Airbnb was riding high on their successes, and both EJ and the company have learned valuable lessons they weren't prepared for. Good luck to all. This model deserves to survive with the appropriate changes to ensure safety. We all have to be more personally responsible, hopefully with a continued trust in the goodness of the vast majority of people.<br /><br />PS One thing I am curious about concerns EJ's other community-her neighbors...Did they notice any of this crazy stuff happening? If my neighbor was a quiet and lovely person, and I heard or saw anything like what she describes happening, I would report it or call her if I could. Knowing your neighbors and perhaps letting someone in your building know to keep an eye on things in your absence is another way to keep safe.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com