How do we offer documentation?

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We mentioned the FAQ/guidelines in How do we build strong healthy communities?

Maybe let’s discuss what they should be like? And should it be one text, or maybe there could be formal guidelines/rules for do’s and don’ts and a more informal and detailed FAQ for tips and tricks?

I saw this FAQ in a Russian hitchhiking group and liked the tone and the examples, so thought I’d translate and share a part of it. I’m not suggesting, of course, to use it as it is, but maybe it could be a starting point for a discussion. Is it a good idea to have smth like this?

How to attract attention to your request and increase your chances of success?
To get answered and accepted, tell about yourself and your plans in detail.

  1. Mention the dates, number of people, purpose and duration of stay:
    :heavy_check_mark: Hi, I’m Vasya. I’m traveling with my friend Olya (profile link). We are two quiet students on the way from Murmansk to Baku. We’ll be in Tambov on the night from 8th to 9th November. Could you host us? We’d be very grateful for a chance to get some rest from hitchhiking.
    :heavy_check_mark: Hi! I’m going from Minsk to Baikal lake and writing about the trip in my blog (link). I’ll be in Krasnoyarsk around August 2nd and would love to see the city. Could you host me for 1 or 2 nights?
    :heavy_multiplication_x: Hello Moscow!!! Have a couch???

  2. Tell them what a nice guest you are
    :heavy_check_mark: I smoke outside, make awesome biriani, and don’t snore at night.
    :heavy_check_mark: I’ll bring sweets and tell you about my last year trip to West Africa over tea.
    :heavy_multiplication_x: I’m actually a nice fellow, but my empty profile is all I have for you.

  3. Carefully read the host’s profile and write a personal message. Show that you are interested in your host, not just in a free place to stay
    :heavy_check_mark: I checked out your blog and saw you were in Portugal last year. Me too! Would be cool to share our stories and lifehacks =)

And to the recent discussion on bedding and towels :joy:

It’s good to have a sleeping bag with you (and a towel! – cheers, Douglas Adams!). That way your host won’t have to look for bedding for you and wash it after you leave.
:heavy_check_mark: I have all the sleeping appliances with me and would be grateful for two square meters of your floor.
:heavy_multiplication_x: I just came from the Southern hemisphere and it’s summer there now. I hope you have a spare jacket, hat, and pants?
:heavy_multiplication_x: Ask “And where’s my bed and my towel?” the moment you entered the house.

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