Loud and clear thanks! I was aware of the idea of blind reviews, I was just not aware that is how we described them ;D
I am sure @MaggieUU will speak for herself but I have to admit that my expectation, when reading your original post, was that you were considering whether it would be worth applying to this sit. You didn’t say that but that’s what I think some people assumed. Hence @MaggieUU suggestion that you could ask the HO about that if you really liked the listing. It came as a surprise for some of us to find out that you were already at the sit and only after finding
did you consider that 33% of missing reviews could be a red flag.
If this thread was a mistery novel or a whodunnit story, I would certainly say that you are a gifted writer because you masterfully directed us in one direction and made us retrace our path to solve this twist of plot.
Anyway, that’s my interpretation of “twist” in this context. Of course. I could be wrong, I’m not a native English speaker.
Feel free to continue semantics discussion in the Language corner 
To me your OP made it sound as though it was a listing that you were considering and not one that you were already doing. Hence, a twist, meaning a surprise or unexpected. Not nefarious if that was your concern that was edited out.
This sense of blind is very common in research and used in other languages.
+ @Newpetlover I might have been a bit too sensitive about this one! Too much going on today. Thanks both for explaining to me, and I get what you’re saying!
So what I meant is that once I arrived and we went through all the tasks and things, some things seemed off. Like I offered to drop them off at the airport, and they said they’d think about it. Then I arrived and they said they never allow people to drive in their car. I mean fine, your car, but why not say that right away in the introduction call? Then (in real life) I asked if there was any other transport; they said no. Then we arrived, and I saw two bicycles. I got excited like oh hey you have bicycles! But once again, not allowed to ride. I don’t know why I didn’t ask this during the introduction; I usually always ask. Oh well, I knew it was gonna be a very short sit, so I knew I’d be fine.
And it’s just a bit the way they’re communicating and “asking” me to do things. I’m used to a more open - and maybe more friendly - way of communicating.
So those things made me go back to their listing/profile to see if I missed something.
Hope it makes a bit more sense now!
Also did some more research and indeed some of the sitters are returning sitters. Yet still more than half aren’t. Although, it might just be nothing.
Ps. I’m also not a native speaker. Which sometimes definitely leads to miscommuncation!
If use of a car is not stated, don’t expect a car to be available for your use during a sit. If transportation is going to be an issue, you need to ask these questions at the time of the video chat, not wait and see if the host is going to offer a solution.
Not allowing use of bicycles is selfish and says a lot about the host but again, you can’t expect these sorts of things to be offered by everyone.
I’m not expecting that, that’s not what I’m saying. The point is that I wish they would’ve been totally clear about that. If they never allow anyone else to drive the car except themselves, I wish they’d just be open about it and not say they’re considering my offer to drive them to the airport.
I don’t know if you read everything I typed but usually I ALWAYS ask these questions. I’m not sure why I didn’t get complete clarity on this one. I’m not blaming them for not letting me use it, that’s not it. Bc I can get the idea of people not wanting others to drive their car. I guess I wasn’t as sharp as I normally am because I always ask a lot of questions during an introduction. I’d like to know what I’m getting into.
You can also be more open about asking them directly about the use of their car.
What are you suggesting, Prissie?
I disagree with such a blanket statement. Some people have really expensive bicycles. Besides, if availability of a bicycle is not listed in the Amenities section, then it’s better to accept there isn’t any available, even if bikes are seen on site.
I’m suggesting to be more direct and open about your requests rather than hoping they’ll pick up on your hints.
That is not the case and not the point. Let’s stop this because it’s gonna be a waste of words and energy. Have a good day Prissie!