What do you think about privacy and the Warmshowers.org site?

I clicked the link from my email to read the latest comment, decided I would log in to see what else has been going on and I automatically get this page up. And I am not sure what to do to get back to the page I was on.

I guess I will try to click that link again.

I think i may want to reply to the last person to comment but i can't see his message and so i am no longer sure exactly what he wrote.

Mods, I don't mind if you delete this message once you've read it.

Cheers

My preference is to have the option of revealing my name and phone number when it suits me. To have my name out there in public to all passers-by is like being on the wrong side of a one-way mirror. It makes me uncomfortable.

I'm New to this site and can't really give any input in one way or the other because I have not hosted or started my expedition yet, but after reading some of the comments especially the ones that said if there was a section to deliver info on people who have stayed with those that have hosted them and what they are about sounds great to me and it allows others at this site the opportunity to know a little something about someone who might be traveling through and asking for a place to stay...If you are legit and honest about who you are then you should have no problem as far as privacy is concerned and if you do then sites like this are not for you...I have no worries about this site and privacy because if I did I would not be here, I mean it's a site asking you to be a host or be hosted so how much privacy can you ask for? That's just me though and probably means very little lol I don't know

It seems to me we control the issue by what information we list in our profile. I have seen profiles which list the address and some that do not. I have seen profiles saying 'no advance notification needed, but preferred'. I think it all depends on the individual. For instance if someone wants to pitch a tent on my empty lot and does so without damaging the property, or creating trouble for me(highly unlikely) then I don't necessarily need to know about it. They could come and go without me knowing they were there. If they do want to use my household facilities a couple of blocks away that would require some notice and planning.

The concept of more abuse as the list grows is practical, though my experience on Couchsurfing, a much larger organization has not been bad. I do think communication is the key in any guest/host experience.

My only concern would be if someone did manage to get approved who wasn't really a cyclist. The phone I have listed (the only one I have) is my cell phone. The last thing I want is to start getting telemarketing calls to that number. I'm not worried about having my real name or any of that out there, though....

I love touring cyclists..I are one and have been since I was 12 years old when I went on a 50 mile ride because I wanted see the next town and get there myself....most are very good hearted people and because of this they can be preyed upon easily..SO...I think we should NOT give out our addresses to the general public over the net.also stating---." I am currently on tour and here is my address but my wife is there"..not a good idea...I think it makes more sense to error on the side of prudency nowadays...giving the town you live in should be enough...meeting at a coffee house to get to know one another better would be a good idea before inviting a stranger to your home...the fact that no bad stuff has occured that I have read is awesome and some might say that I am over cautious...the good people will understand why you are prudent..the rest will move on..something to think about...jeff Mika North Bend,washington

I've only had great experiences as both a host and a guest as a WS user. While I understand that it's possible to have a pain in the butt guest or host and I can understand some users concerns regarding showing their address or phone, I prefer that mine be shown so that people that plan trips in a similar manner to myself can use the site.

When I plan a trip (usually about a month before I go), if I think I may want to use WS on a part of that trip, I look at the map to see if any host is within a few miles of my planned route. If the WS hosts appear to be very far outside of my planned route, I generally don't email anyone and plan a different approach to lodgings, if they appear to be close to my planned route, then I email (or phone, if their email bounces) them to inquire about availability. I often verify addresses against other mapping programs prior to sending an email. Also in the US and some other countries, most property/real estate records are on line, so that with a name someone can look up your address anyway. So at least in my case, I say leave the address visible, and maybe give people the option of hide the address if they want, and in those cases, hopefully they have verified that the map is at least very close to where their house actually is, so that a guest doesn't get suprised within an extra 10-15 miles at the end of a day.

Thanks again for such a wonderful site and so many great people - Saul

I would prefer if the exact house number not be shown and then I can give it out after contact is made. Although, I must say, I have not had any problems, and the people I have hosted have been wonderful.

till the wsl is quite short i feel safe. but when it gets bigger and bigger ( it will be really useful to have comment system. you meet somebody and write a few sentences about the visit and the visitor or about your host. now you have to believe what one write about him-/herself.

While this site has relatively few members, I can imagine there being few if any problems. As it gains popularity and increases membership, a bad actor might easily infiltrate and abuse personal info. Additionally, it is reasonable for members to expect as much courtesy as possible from prospective house guests. I would want my blood brother to call in advance and would be put out if he just showed up on my doorstep; a stranger who just appeared would probably get a flat out "no room in the inn". Please hide all personal info. Let the exchange of info take place on the host's terms, whatever they might be.

I understand the concerns of "Tandemtravellers" that address information would not need to be on the website, and agree that initial contact by email is a good idea to give the host an easy way of saying "no" if it is not convenient. A suburb and street name could be given with the host giving their exact address when making arrangements with the traveller. However I believe that touring cyclists are by necessity better organised and much smaller in numbers than the large catchment of people who may access "couch surfing" etc. I have had no problems with W-S security in 7 years, either as a traveller or a host, and the website has given me some wonderful cross-cultural experiences and the opportunity to meet some unique and special people! I have been involved in other accomodation sharing systems, but W-S is always my first choice! Viva warm showers!!

These suggestions come from my experience with CouchSurfing and Hospitality Club. See our WSL profile for the link to our CouchSurfing profile. 1. Initial contact should be possible only through email. I do not like being put on the spot on short notice. Hosting someone involves at least a discussion between the two of us about our plans for the proposed time. Email contact also requires some advance preparation on the cyclist's part. 2. Once we have agreed to host someone, we can then send detailed directions and contact information. Adjustments can then be made for all the changes and variabilities that come up in bicycle touring. Email in advance allows both host and guest to ontroduce themselves to one another and to clarify any special considerations for the visit. Having addresses, exact location, and phone numbers available only in response to an email lets the host decide to whom the information is released. Hiding such information would prevent people from showing up on the front porch and expecting to be served (as in recent forum discussions).

I have been listed with the wsl over 3 years now, and never ever had problems, only great experiences. For sure I trust in our members here. I just don't like the fact that the email adress is written down just like this. The reason is SPAM. It is not the people but automatic programs which easily can go down such a page and add all the addresses to a list for further spam... that's something which worries me... Have fun! Beni

There is nothing listed on the WS site that cannot be quickly obtained with a telephone book or computer. I have been listed on the WS site for several years and have had no problems and only 2 or 3 riders even though I am on the main Adventure Cycling route for this area. Centuryryder

My friends A real bike isn´t worried about privacy or about any information should be shown. We are all friends. A big hug, Dorival - Sao Jose dos Campos/SP Brazil