Why am I so opinionated? Because I can be. I have had many requests to tie this blog to other home exchange or travel sites, or to feature ads from certain swap clubs. I always decline. This is the only general home exchange blog that is completely non-commercial.
One reader was infuriated that I wrote about my strong support of Barack Obama in the recent US Presidential election. I argued that voting for him would enhance the image of the US in the eyes of the world and thus strengthen the home exchange community. From the election coverage I have read since Senator Obama won, it seems that others share this view.
But last year I wrote a post about home exchange contracts where I stated that a contract I found on a swap site was a product of a fly-by-night club. The contract's original author found that post and took offense: Now I am issuing my first retraction:
Anonymous said...
I am appaled that you have made the statement:
This particular contract appears to be written by someone in a British Commonwealth country (note the reference to TV/radio license fees). I can't tell where the club is based, however, because they list no physical address or even a phone number. Therefore, I recommend that you use the contract if it interests you, but that you avoid joining this club under any circumstances. Legitimate businesses don't operate incognito. And home exchangers who have nothing to hide sign contracts.
You have had the reputation of being an informative and positive home exchange writer that has shared many terrific ideas and supplied valuable information to the home exchange community.
We have been an active business since 1998 serving thousands of home exchangers. We have our address and phone contact in plain view for all to view and we are a member of Chec Travel.
Dennis
Owner
Global Home Exchange
Vacation Rentals BC
Nanaimo BC Canada
Here is my response:
Blogger Home Exchanger said...
Hi Dennis,
Thank you for bringing to my attention that you are the original author of the home exchange contract I featured in my May column at HomeExchanger.blogspot.com.
I understand that you took offense because I stated that the contract was part of a home exchange club that did not list its contact info.
You are, of course, correct that your club is a CHEC club which means it meets high standards, including listing contact info.
My confusion about this matter comes from the fact that the contract you identified as your work has been reproduced on dozens of other home exchange club sites. I found it on one of those sites and did not realize that it originally came from your club.
To find the other sites which copied your contract you need only do a Google search for some of the text in the contract, with quotes around it. You will see that many other clubs have reprinted it.
Some clubs using your contract may have done so with your permission, but the club at which I found it did not have contact info. That club may or may not still exist. I originally posted the contract more than 6 months ago and do not recall the exact site where I found it.
Regardless, I apologize for causing offense. Rest assure that none was intended.
Nicole
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