AirBnB Victim Speaks Out About Burglary
Airbnb is in a heap of trouble that would take some ultra slick PR spinsters to alleviate with the recent burglary and vandalism that the Airbnb victim experienced. Apparently her house was to be rented by the alleged criminal and in return the Airbnb victim was robbed and her place was left awry.
Airbnb Victim Speaks Out | Their Response
Airbnb CEO, Brian Chesky, rushed headfirst into the PR storm with a guest article published on TechCrunch. He is deeply remorseful for the Airbnb victim.
“With a single booking, one person’s malicious actions victimized our host and undermined what had been – for 2 million nights – a case study demonstrating that people are fundamentally good.”
Airbnb Victim Speaks Out | Who it Affects
This incident really brings a few other social media sites to mind as far as safety issues are concerned. Couchsurfing for instance, a website that allows its users to travel the world with free accommodations at a couch of their choosing seems like an accident waiting to happen. But as with Airbnb (at least up until recently), the site has become a trusted hub for neo-hippies to find each other around the world and share lives and sleeping space – but as the case with the Airbnb, it only takes one incident out of millions to cause the whole thing to come toppling down.
Airbnb Victim Speaks Out | Is She Happy or Not?
Of course there is an investigation underway, so the Airbnb victim hasn’t said anything that would jeopardize the case, but surprisingly she has been very pleased with Airbnb employees and how they are handling the situation:
“I would be remiss if I didn’t pause here to emphasize that the customer service team at airbnb.com has been wonderful, giving this crime their full attention. They have called often, expressing empathy, support, and genuine concern for my welfare. They have offered to help me recover emotionally and financially, and are working with SFPD to track down these criminals.” http://techcrunch.com/2011/07/29/airbnb-victim-speaks-again-homeless-scared-and-angry/
But, wait a minute, the Airbnb just reported yesterday that she hasn’t heard from anyone in weeks:
“On June 29 I posted my story, and June 30 thus marks the last day I heard from the customer service team regarding my situation. In fact, my appointed “liaison” from Airbnb stopped contacting me altogether just three days after I reported the crime, on June 25, for reasons that are unknown to me. I have heard nothing from her since.
I blogged my story, and all these kind and supportive people just … disappeared.”
Other posts from the Airbnb victim states that she doesn’t know if they even have the criminal in custody. She says she’s been jumping from couch to couch (probably not CouchSurfing couches mind you) gripping her pillow in fear for her safety.
Airbnb Victim Speaks Out | Get Innovative!
Airbnb you need to get on this! In a world of social media, it just got a lot easier to have an audience of thousands to listen to your accounts, but Airbnb better rush to put a lid on this one or Airbnb will be no more!
The question is what does the future hold for online home vacation rentals? Background checks? It’s definitely a bump in the road for all other sites in this field. It’s time to get innovative guys!