I've participated in these forums for 5 years

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I see from reading charter past posts and threads that there appear to be some ardently expressed perspectives that don't seem to represent either the travellers or owners but just present a defensive or overly rationalizing posture towards criticism or requests for changes in the VRBO service.  These members also coincidentally are indicated with extremely high star ratings as a poster (HomeAway and VRBO seem to be all about providing a ratings feature except for staying guests!)
It's a little discomfiting and leads one to wonder who is motivated to post so much apologia for VRBO except VRBO staff or those posting with VRBO incentives.  It's easy enough to discern who these folks are, the tone of their posts varies but is usually, as I said, in response to criticisms of the site performance and features charter or to provide very detailed and technical explanation of said features and "advice". charter
It's not enough to leave the site or not participate in the forums, but it is a bit of a drag to have to vet out when it's really VRBO talking and doing damage control/redirect and when it's a bonafide guest or traveller.  Sigh... oh well.  Still hope to gain a few insights here and hopefully get one arm of VRBO to pay attention to paying clients needs and comments. 1486 Views Tags: none ( add ) screening
All Stars are active owners charter who help answer questions and participate in the Community.  They are not HomeAway employees and do not receive compensation.  They were selected because they are active owners and are incredibly knowledgeable about the several products our sites offer.
While I have your attention and offer of help, what is HomeAway's response to the many owners who have requested here that an equitable rating and review system for guests to whom we open our homes and for whose use of your listing services we pay? 
One of your 5 star "ambassadors" gave out erroneous information to me when I asked this question and said eBay does not allow negative reviews of buyers (in the renting case, travellers).  This is incorrect.  They have and do allow negative reviews of both buyers and sellers and it makes perfect sense: creating a safe and efficcient way for people to make informed choices in their business transactions with each other.
An employee of HA/VRBO will identify themselves as such when they post. There are many different participants in these forums, the majority being Owners who post questions, answer other Owners questions or offer their advice/experience.  And at times owners simply come in to let off a little steam about Ad sites, charter guests, etc.
I've participated in these forums for 5 years & was one of the Ambassadors when I advertised on VRBO. I got no compensation, and was 'spanked' a few times when I made comments VRBO monitors thought were inappropriate, but was never banned for offering my opinions. 
You'll find different opinions depending on the options owners use, their business model, etc.. I've certainly seen many questions, less than stellar comments abt HA/VRBO here over the years. Some valid, some not, but the VR industry is rather new to a lot of Owners AND Travelers.  Some owners use the RM, BIN, etc. options but many do not, so you'll see a wide vaiety of opinons depending on individual circumstances.
I've learned so much from other owners and sometimes from renters from this forum. I think I've helped others. Many ideas have led to a better listing, prevented me from doing something stupid & helped me solved problems, among other benefits.
I don't work for HA nor do I receive any compensation from them. Although I don't think HA is perfect and there are many changes I'd like them to make, I sure am glad they have this forum. Like Show 0 Likes ( 0 ) Actions
I don't disagree with anything you or msdebj have just said.  I think it's interesting that you both feel compelled to come to the immediate rescue of HA when I express a concern that I see in the history of the "Ambassador" program rollout was voiced by several other VRBO owner forum users including ex-"Ambassadors."
My husband is deep in the tech industry however and so excuse me if it sounds at all condescending but anyone is naive to think that web-based charter companies do not employ and incentivize bloggers, posters and members to say what they want said.  It's standard practice on many sites and it manifests itself in many ways. Tennis stars sing the praises of their sponsors products and may in fact prefer another brand privately. Retailers create an online presence and pay large staff to maintain