So Google translate.

It’s more about getting the message across than slaving over accuracy and the finer points of grammar. Let’s do a little example. Let’s take this cordially written Spanish request for a home exchange:

Estamos planteando la posibilidad de disfrutar de unas largas vacaciones en londres. No tenemos muchos conocimientos de inglés y creemos que la posibilidad de vivir un tiempo en inglaterra nos ayudaría a perfeccionar el idioma.

The translation that you will receive through Google translate is this:

We are raising the possibility of enjoying a long vacation in London. We do not have much knowledge of English and we believe that the possibility of living a time in England would help us to refine the language.

So you understand the message, but it sounds a little odd. This does not mean that the prospective people who want to exchange with you are freaks!!!

Far from it. Who knows how our own genially thought-out messages are being ever so slightly tinged with the non-quite perfect taint of the happy-go-lucky google translation.

Things get a little bit lost in translation. Not merely the words. Sometimes there are other cultural differences that may be reflected in various messages sent between countries. Let’s not forget this. Some cultures are a lot more direct. Whilst Brits might be more likely to write lengthier, verbally acrobatic proposals, and the Americans may don their pens to ever charming epistles… Some European or South American users may well cut out the tight-rope walking that we put ourselves through, and just stick the details down and ask you, quite frankly, if you’re up for it.

This doesn’t mean that they are rude or that they lack grace. It’s just a cultural difference. Something that we should very much keep in mind when we’re whizzing messages to and fro across the home-exchanging-globe.

HOWEVER: despite all the cultural differences that there might be, there is one common ticket amongst us home exchangers. Something UNIVERSAL that we must abide, above all else.

We must let people know, in some shape or form, whether we are interested in their exchange or not. And whether we be Italian, Lebanese, Argentine, Italian or Dutch, it’s very important to at least send some form of thanks for the proposal.

If you take a look in some of our forums, you can see that some people actually feel a little perplexed, or dare I say…hurt that they’ve had their exchange proposals ignored or rejected without so much as a word.

http://en.homeforhome.com is a community that you can trust and rely on. Let’s keep our fellow users in mind and maintain that loved up community vibe! <3

The system of home exchange is part technological and part human.

Whilst we can help you with the electronic side of things, there is also a concept of user responsibility. If you get a home exchange proposal from someone and it doesn’t interest you, it`s very important that you let them know that you’re not interested. “Rejecting the home exchange” is not a question of politeness - you simply have to do it if you know that it’s not going to happen.

If you feel rude in just clicking on the “reject” button, you can always sugar-coat the blow with a message explaining why you don’t want to do the exchange, or why you can’t do it.

But what you should never do is accept an exchange proposal and then just ignore the person. It makes it very difficult for other people to plan holidays, it is frustrating and it could potentially result in them turning down a real offer of a home exchange.

If you have found yourself in this situation, then don’t worry. If you have accepted an exchange proposal but have realised that you cannot or don’t want to continue with it, then all you have to do is send that person a message and let them know.

If you feel awkward doing it, or uncomfortable then that’s only natural. But 100% of users would very much prefer to just be told that you’re pulling out - even if it’s at the last minute - rather than to be left in the lurch.

Communication is key, and above all we must be upfront and honest about whether we’re going to do a particular exchange or not. is a friendly site and we want to really build our community spirit!

Just a little post about the website etiquette at Homeforhome.com.

First of all, feel free to start up discussions in the forums. That’s what they are there for. They’re not just for fun, they’re there so that Homeforhome.com members can help each other out. It’s a good way to find people that would be interested in doing a home exchange with you, that might not have thought of it before. In the forums you can discuss anything: interests, experiences you have had, things you would like to try, tips and suggestions for other members, and most importantly of all - your questions!

Secondly, there is an internal messaging system. If someone sends you a home exchange offer that doesn’t interest you, don’t be afraid to decline it with a message. You can let them know if you’ve got other plans or are simply not interested in their area. Or maybe you couldn’t see the photos very well. It’s always good to keep the communication up, because people can always benefit from some constructive feedback (but let’s keep it positive though!). Also, you never know what other contacts or connections people may have, so don’t be afraid to just be casually in touch with people. It’s what the site is for, amongst other things!

Thirdly and finally today, the ratings. Once you have done a home exchange with someone, you get the opportunity to rate their performance as a home exchange partner, and the home that you stayed in. This is a great chance for you to let them know how much you either enjoyed the home exchange, or give some tips for the future. Nothing is static, and people are often new to the system of home exchanging, so advice and encouragement are all to the good. Also, it is another way for members to build a good profile. If you perform well (are helpful, leave the house in good condition, etc) then you will get a high rating, which means that more people will want to do home exchanges with you in the future.

So the name of the game is communication and encouragement.