Given that they are now paying a booking a fee, this is language introduced by THS that isn’t helpful or necessary!
Oh, that’s sad, but I won’t give up
This doesn’t stop any of us from using our own preferred terminology including in reviews. Eventually the terms used in the community will become the terms.
I agree. I think language is important too, but there are lots of words and “messages” from THS that show more imbalance than “application”
@Travelerthiswld, totally understand your intent. Can’t see THS changing.
‘Submit expression of interest’ is rather more cumbersome language, especially on a phone screen, than ‘Apply’.
Separately, we find such THS language to be helpful canary-in-coal-mine test 
. We sometimes have video calls with hosts that use language such as ‘interview’, ‘selection’, ‘you’ve been chosen’, etc or otherwise present an employer-employee relationship or excess-privileged mindset. We politely thank them for the video call and withdraw application - plenty lovely hosts out there.
But it’s never a definite offer is it? It’s purely an invitation message from me to explore the possibility further….when I write to a HO it’s mostly to let them know I might be willing, that I think it’s worth exploring and that something attracted me sufficiently to consider the sit. I would say I only do 1 in 4 sits where I explore this possibility, but I’m very cautious and picky and highly alert to any red flags.
I have had that said of me. I didn’t mind in the least. It was a wonderful sit and all I thought about being “booked” again was “Great! I’d loved to go back!” It was a great sit, not least because the HOs were hugely appreciative and obviously did understand that the sit was a mutually beneficial exchange. Should I care that they talked about “booking” me again?… Sheeesh!
I really do think some of us are tying ourselves in knots over not just semantics here, but semiotics.
Sorry, but if someone began their message with an “expression of interest”, I would probably “swipe left”
To be honest most people who reply to my listings tend to be far less formal and much more chatty, leading with the pets (and their names), saying how much they would love to look after them and then telling me more about themselves.
That gets my attention and makes me want to find out more about them in their full profile and reviews (if they have them)
I use the term “expression of interest” @Hashtag when I want something clarified because of lack of information in the listing. I’m interested in it obviously but until I have my question/s answered, I am unsure whether to proceed any further.
You can’t make people say things a certain way or do things a certain way that you find to be more acceptable. It’s just how people are, some are compassionate and sympathetic, others are selfish and lack any sense of empathy towards others. The key is to learn how to screen them out during the vetting process so you don’t get stuck with a bad apple.
@Henry_R wise words , have you done some self-reflection after your traumatic sits?
Actually the key is to be responsible, conscientious, prepared and committed to your sits and the positive reviews will roll in.
This is good advice - how do you screen ? what are the red flags / warnings that you look for? Or in hindsight should have paid attention to ?
Sometimes people should take their own advice so they don’t leave a host scrambling.
My wife and I are newbies compared to all you seasoned sitters with only 15 sits under my belt. My experience so far is that regardless of terminology, each HO has been extremely respectful and very much focused on having someone care for their beloved companion as if they were their own. They have been very eager to cater to and accommodate us and definitely did not treat us as temp workers. It just makes sense to me. If you are entrusting someone to care for something you hold dearly, how could you not show respect and appreciation for such person? I’d think those HOs that act entitled and rude are simply on the platform to save money and are not that invested in their pets.
We do become very attached to all the cats we care for. So, regardless of a bad HO, we will always treat the cats as if they were our own. Well, I guess I’m just naive and will eventually have a horror story of our own (hopefully not). More honest reviews should help people avoid such horrors, both sides.
A colleague once lobbied hard for me to accept the superiority of the Oxford (serial) comma. He convinced me.
Similarly, I am no longer in support of “expression of interest.” I say we leave it as is. After all, we “apply” to lots of things and can change our minds before committing, e.g., to buy a house or car, rent an apartment, get a job.
Thank You For Your Attention To This Matter.
I read reviews and try to read body language during the video. I should have realized this host would be a problem as they were even docked a star for cleanliness and they asked a LOT of questions about my experience with animals more than anybody else did.
So you find it objectionable to be asked a LOT about your experience with animals? On a site primarily geared towards pet sitting? Curious.
Yes, reviews are an important part of the vetting process, both for sitters and HOs. As for questions, my experience is the opposite. HOs have shown appreciation when I ask relevant questions they see them as a sign of anticipation and thoroughness. I also think that being asked questions shows that the HOs want to make sure that we are a good match, which is exactly what I want too.
Odd, especially because their profile claims professional animal care.