We had great intentions when we first started to share our vacation properties.  Life was initially simple.  You pay a fee and get a property listing.  Pay more for more photos and more prominence. 

 

Then the listing sites consolidated into one large entity.  They began to hide owner contact information, inhibiting direct communication by controlling communication only through their systems.  In an effort to maintain direct communication, some owners found creative ways to display their phone number or email address in the property listing. 

 

How did the listing companies respond?  They threatened and punished property owners.  They either buried (demoted) their listing or removed them altogether.  
 

 In an all out effort to control all aspects of the vacation rental industry, they now want to control payment, which is just a way to charge fees for little or no additional value.  Read on...