I have mine uploaded so that I can create safety for every one

To many scams now a days.

This is a great feature. Unless a partner has credentials, I have no interest. Safety first.

In today's age where anythin may be contrived - minimal
Value. Best to look at photo, commentary and go by gut feel.

There are many ways of doing due diligence on a person other than posting a photo on the website. some of us have teenage children and you dont wanna expose them to your sensations. For me I am happy to exchange photos on email and if a potential partner wants us to meet in a public place first like Mcdonalds so be it

Mandatory would be desired for a client, but how would the "Bodywork Enthusiasts" feel about it?

yes a must nower dayz shame but thers allways a sleaze bag got to ask id or photo mach at least

Just fair to other members.

Beneficial for male members giving to male or female members as it ensures that people are genuine in their intentions and respectful of people's boundaries. Also, that facilities are comfortable and clean. If you want more female members then certainly Beneficial if not mandatory but also to avoid any misunderstandings or accusations a system that can ensure that female members are fully aware and agree on the nature of any sensual touch being given in the massage.

Happy to pass mine on as req

If I see a passport and driving licence with the person's full name, year of birth, photo, gender and address, plus year of expiry of the documents then I am confident the person is who they say they are and that I have some recourse. You can redact confidential information like day and month of birth and reference numbers so that you are not at risk of identity theft.

Discretion, privacy and credentials are all important

Safety and politeness start by transparency.

Need to know the real person that your dealing with.?

People can alter the ID if they really want to. Once your system gets hacked, then someone has personal information. There has to be some trust here. When you arrive, if they are not who they show to be in their picture, walk away.

Credentials are well and Good, But a picture tells a thousand words, I've nothing to hide, no alterier motive, just need experience. I think No photo/ No chance

Would be good to know they are for real.

Critical in this day and age.

Credentials are no guarantee of anything other than than a person has been in contact somehow with the institution giving credentials which can be bought for minimum amount. Any product offered for free show come solely buyer be ware. Paid services might require some shopping and inspection with a statement of guarantee, or money back.  One thing I believe is MOST IMPORTANT is having a photo image posted for everyone and multiple photos should be provided if one genuinely is expecting to engage in said activity.  To not provide upfront is an indication of less than positive intent, and implies something of low calibre.  Granted certain things are private and should remain as such, but offering and expecting services without revealing any identity is fraud and deceit.  There is nothing wrong with what is openly practiced within this community and any intimate or private activity need not be openly discussed or revealed on this site if one is not comfortable with that.  Photos are credentials.

As a bloke, i understand that women have to be very careful when communicating with people on any site. So credentials are an important step in making sure people are who they say they are, and so that everyone is able to use this site as it is intended to be used.

Safety comes first

Building up a relationship before meeting is essential so a woman can hope she can trust her instincts and gut feeling the man is who they purport to be.

Agreed

Safety comes first.

We already Re suspicious of others so this is a must to meet people from online

Safety first always, from both sides

Agreeed

No more fake info, no more deceit...I enjoyed many unprofessional massages by  amateurs, very talented and intuitive. Having a professional diploma is not a requirement here and most of my massage partners haven't got them, but if you write  that you've got it-be ready to provide some proof.

Only valuable if a member claims to be professional therapist I would say for those certification certificates maybe - people should not be posting their drivers licenses and such for identity theft.
And if massage therapy is not for professional therapists to advertise on seeking paying customers which i wish included them also just clearly marked - I don't see why they should have to post their profession credentials to a nonpaying person anyway only if they claim to be a professional with X numbers professional experience should they have to post any thing like that to back up the claim.

We are all want to be safe and sound, better be sure than sorry!

I would rather mail and chat with them. I usually can tell if a scam.

To avoid dangerous situations..

Safety and security is paramount, definitely need to know it's a genuine member.

Trust is impotant when getting a real free sensual experience.I trust!

none

It is a good option for those who are concerned for safety. It should be optional for individuals to determine how much information they require.

If I want or need a massage then I now that I will get what I want.

It's very important.  Too many frauds out there

As others have mentioned, fraud is relatively easy, and there are no guarantees

It is the humain cords... everyone, with or without credentials, could give a quality, initiative feeling touch.
C'est dans la touche humaine.... tous, avec ou sans diplôme, peuvent donner un bon massage intuitif et/ou de qualité.

I can read people, that is why I am rarely duped. If your my friend, I will die for you. If your my enemy, I will keep you closer.

Definitely for safety and security, even as a male therapist. Safety, they won't hurt my body while trading with me. Security for knowing who they are!  Plus, if the person says they have a Bachelors Degree in Massage, Minor in Healthcare Management AND are Board Certified by NCBTMB, they can prove it !

Genuine members should have no concerns about providing some assurance that they are who they say they are. We should all feel safe, I am happy to comply.

Really hard to say that credentials are important when individuals self-report...

A credential could easily be photo shopped so I don't think it has any value - as with most things, the good people don't need to show it and the bad ones will work around it.

If they are on this site and been a member for a while I am fairly sure that they will be OK.

following the scares of blind meets from other web sites, this is very important.

I think they are beneficial although I don't think they should be mandatory as prospective members can choose if they would like to meet up using the photograph and commentary which I believe should be mandatory for everyone.

not to happy about seeing someone that I have no idea who they are

As long as the person who trades with you helps you by doing the best they can by doing what you like and you do the same to help the other person by doing what they like. I suggest that the two people meet in a public area to talk first and agree on the massage trade.

I'm torn.
Great to know they know what they are doing, but opens that person up to potentially loosing their license of they are an LMT.

This is a free for service site. As such formal qualifications and verification of same mean little. The more someone is qualified the more I ponder as to why they are offering their services free of charge. Obviously safety should be of primary concern, therefore contraindications of massage should be the only formal recognition of value. If you are on this site seeking a free, receive only, highly intensive tantric experience from a qualified tantric practitioner then you are probably delusional. This site works as a relaxed, safe massage site. If you are injured and need therapeutic treatment pay to see a professional.

we need to be sure about the others..

Reviews are better, but scarce. I havent written or received any yet...holiday slacker.

Alright

A photo is important before a contact. A commentary is helpful to determine value in an exchange.

To me, a pic and the communication after first contact are most important tools for picking an exchange partner.

I think that reviews by those who have received massages might be more helpful. I question the uniformity of the licencing from state to state and the quality of learning from school to school. I stopped going to the schools for student massages because of a bad experience there. I feel like I am dialed in to a person better by an honest review.

Nice for some, but not everyone is a professional. Better to have a star review process.

I understand why some women might want this but for me a masseur I feel no need for it

The quality of a person's character, or their touch has no relationship to administrivia. I mean...I've received AWFUL massages from wonderfully credentialed folks, and AMAZING massages from folks without 'papers'

An unnecessary complexity. Don't make the app bloated.

Any person with any sense would be sure to validate the person they wish to exchange with is legit. However can this website assure us they will never be hacked and ID stolen ? I don't see how uploading such personal ID is a good idea. It just means it is vulnerable to hackers, ID theft etc. Personal responsibility is vital.

A commentary on background experience with an updated photo is sufficient. Credentials do not guarantee the person is skilled nor does it guarantee they are a person of good intent. I've had excellent massages with non licensed enthusiast.  On the other hand,  I've had bad massages and one frightening experience of I'll intent from a licensed MT.  You must be careful in picking who you exchange with, for both men and women.

Be safe ,

Not everyone on this site would have credentials . Photo would help with commentary to know if i would like to establish contact

I went to obtain copies of my credentials from the school at which I attended in 1996. They wanted hundred dollars as they were locked in a container. Yeah, not going to happen. My reviews elsewhere speak for my skills. Plus 95% of "certified" therapists are borderline terrible providers. Definitely of minimal value to show paperwork.

Only a proof of scanning skills (and possibly editing skills!!) of the member - or member's friend - more or less worthless as part of "due diligence" before meeting a potential massage exchange partner! Talking with someone on the phone before meeting is far more useful.

great idea

very imprtant to me

If they are claiming to have certification, then the credentials area is beneficial. In my experience, most of the people on the site are enthusiasts and not certified, so the credential area is of no use. I would much rather see a current photo as a MANDATORY requirement. If you are meeting them in a public place first, this is more important.

Keep this site safe and legitimate, requiring valid ID helps prevent fake profiles, and spammers.

A person's intent and empathy for others is most important.

Safety is always number one.

Some of us don't want our pictures on here because we are married and would prefer to provide a picture and personal information by other means. Those who won't reply or allow communication because we don't have a public picture may be missing out on a fantastic massage experience.

Some of us don't want our pictures on here because we are married and would prefer to provide a picture and personal information by other means. Those who won't reply or allow communication because we don't have a public picture may be missing out on a fantastic massage experience.

Its a great option for those who want that, but massage credentials tell me nothing about their character, which to me matters most.

excellant idea and Info for orthers

It's great idea

Its very important

Discussions via email message son site are necessary before any meeting is arranged. Photo is important as is agreed location. Credentials need to be verified and that's not always easily done.

Understandably significant protocol to ensure safe and confident interacton.

Some of us don't want our pictures on here because we are married and would prefer to provide a picture and personal information by other means. Those who won't reply or allow communication because we don't have a public picture may be missing out on a fantastic massage experience.

What is the vibe you get from their profile? Does it sound like they have some legitimate experience? If so, give them a shot and say hello. If you connect and have a good massage session, the the massage speaks for itself. Right?

I am always concerned meeting people for a massage who might not be who they say they are.

I don't know of any standardized credentisls throughout North America. Even if there were, I would assume that most (eg, diplomate or licensee) professionals would not be engaging here.

A massage exchange can be had without credentials. I've had the best massages from people who enjoy learning, practicing and exchanging services

It's a good idea :)

I think it is very important that trust is mutually established especially by showing that you are who you say you are.

Most people are newbie's so lack training. They do massages because they love it and that shows in their massage and energy. Good enough for me!

Thin line between credibility and turning away user usage due to some that are sensitive about releasing that type information, maybe due to previous security breach.

Unless someone has access to some sort of database there is no way to verify these credentials, they can easily be falsified

I agree with former comments that you get all the information that you need from reviews and your own "gut" first impression that you established from exchanging messages before you actually meet. I see the question also from a semi-professional angle in that when I give massage all that I need to question myself is whether I might be inviting a mugger into my house, which would be though the same concern of any professional running their own business and hence a risk that cannot be fully eliminated but which luckily is also very unlikely. As for receiving I still remind myself that swaps are free of charge except for invested time, and which is not a lot come to look at it, and I do not tend to look a gift horse in its mouth.

Experience is what counts. Hands-on the job and proper training leads to from satisfactorial to excellence. A co-relation between giver and receiver sets a common ground with sound communication given a consistinchand respectful chat before a session.

Photo, real name are not important. Main thing is safety and the assurance should be there like the next person is genuine only.

I find members are honest about their skills and most users are not qualified anyway.

Important when first meeting

Credentials, formal qualifications etc are fine, but nothing beats experience, empathy and personality.

The extra assurance is they are who they claim to be is great......

I agree that is important to have verification of individuals who are desiring arranging for a massage exchange.

People can write anything on a profile page, truth or fiction. The truth will come out at the first meeting anyway.

Great advice thanks

I feel that if you have formal training and offer this as part of your exchange, particularly if you are offering 'therapeutic', then a credential note may be of comfort to those seeking a true therapeutic massage. I can only offer a 'sensual' massage due to an injury to my shoulders. There is only experience in actually delivering a truly sensual massage, and here the credential is in a positive review by the receiver. Maybe a rating system could be set up to give a 'credential point' to those members that gain say, 5 positive points.
I myself, judge a member from his profile, photo and a gut feeling, this approach has never let me
down.

Based on my 13 years of experience learning, practising, exchanging and teaching massage, I would say that these credentials have relatively little value in general, and even less in the specific situation of arranging an exchange. A therapist's experience, intentions, and state of personal well-being (on that day!) are far more important, as is how well his/her style and personality happen to fit with mine (and vice versa)! Regarding safety, If someone in some way abuses the trust inherent in an exchange, we have the review system; I suspect that that is a much better way for handling 'dodgy' therapists. Otherwise we're just encouraging a kind of prejudice.

Credentails are important on a basic introductory level. Once that is established the real person can only be known by sharing.

Safety is first .. I also gaurentee safety from myself therfore some level of safety is equally important for both genders

Trust is from experience.

I'm so talented

From my personal experience that piece of paper does not tell the true story. SOME students do great on the test but are terrible at massage and should never have graduated massage school. This is from my year of massage school experience observing fellow students one-on-one. Was a very disappointing observation.

Safety first

Useful if it helps provide a sense of comfort about safety before a meeting.

Yes Great Advice--Thanks. @Massage Exchange

Absolutely. When one entrust one's body to another person of whatever gender, one should have the confidence that that trust is not broken or abused. I for one do not want my photo publicly displayed because of my public profile.

In my experience, A bit of paper is no true indication of a persons touch for massage, you have it or you don't, no amount of training will help but teach you the basics.

If I were a woman and wanted to share with a man I would want some lecel of confidence that they are safe.

Safty first

I think it's a good addition to a already well thought out well advertised & partipated site.Think the feedback is more important but neatherless a good addition.
Now I just have to dig out my docs to add not easy when a lot of stuff is boxed up ready for a move :)

I do think this is impotent to every one on here more for the ladies on here to help them feel safe

you can never be sure until a meeting

Safety is very important to me.

good

Experience is often better than certificates ... I've had better massages from many exchanges than from so-called 'professionals'.

It's important to know who you are dealing with.

Only if the system requires the requester to already have credentials uploaded first. Otherwise you will be exposing your identity for people who might not be as serious as you are

Yes I think a degree of common sense is needed when more Women & Men Have been subject to Violence/Terrorism/ Rape/ robbing:

To a newb like me it means stay away, out of my league.

depends .. but massage knowledge is imp.

Most of us on here are not massage pros, so the value is minimal. It's pretty difficult to line up an exchange anyway, if I was only considering credentialed folks.
, it would never happen.Looking at the results, I do see and understand it's more important to a woman.

Anyone can perform a massage as long as they have firm hands and is a female, what more can i say!

I prefer to check the reviews instead and chat with the person

I've had good and bad massages from licensed "professionals", so credentials aren't really very telling.

Phone or email communication is of more value.

I thought this site was mostly amateurs who like to trade massage. So very few here will have credentials relating to massage. And for those other credentials, like business cards or my drivers license -- can you say "identity theft"? Hell, no.

I have had terrible massages fro. People I have paid in spas and others that had all the creditentials. So I prefer to check the reviews instead and chat with the person :)

Only useful if someone is certified or licensed

You never really know if its them til u meet for a massage.

Some have said that it gives a level of reassurance especially for women who are considering a male masseur