If you want to know credentials you can always ask for them

Personally, I'd choose "none of the above" (#4). But if others want to use credentials, that's fine and they should be made easier to use and more useful (#2 and #3). If you make them mandatory, though, I'll cancel my membership.

What's important is the service. Not a piece of paper

I've always had good luck with the exchanges I've experienced over several years by not looking at credentials. I also realize the times we live in today so maybe I should get my own credentials uploaded and also pay more attention to whether someone has uploaded credentials or not. Adding "Has Credentials" to search and/or block emails is important for others so adding that would be a great feature.

Credentials should be optional. I don't find them important in my search. If they aren't who they say they are when I meet them, then I wouldn't go through with the exchange. I've been exchanging on this website for years and never had a problem.

Let's not over sophisticate it...It's nice to have it as a search option, but the whole idea is to draw amateurs in -so let's respect people and not make them feel second rate.

I've had better massages from enthusiastic 'amateurs' than some so-called 'professionals'. Credentials mean nothing. It's the intent and skill of the giver that's the key to a great exchange. If anything, it's reviews which are important as they're given from first-hand experience of the person.

What is important here is connecting with others who appreciate touch.

lets don't mess this up

I've visited too many that were CMT and didn't put effort like that certificate justifies their pay, not their work/skill... (never forget the time the lady was on her phone the whole appt.)

don't bother about cedentialls

A business card or certificate as a credential, really. I could print either stating I'm a space flight operator who flies ppl to the moon--doesn't make it true. I don't think ppl should have to upload their DL or passport/other government docs for everyone to see. A behind the scenes verification would be nice, but there'd still be weirdos and creeps out there.

So long as you know what you're getting, then there is no need for mandatory formal credentials

People should just say in their profile comments, as many do, what experience they have.

If Creds were required then I would not be here and I would have never exchanged with any of the people on here.

Good energy

For these learning credentials should be optional

I think credentials should be mandatory. I get lots of people asking for my photo, then not supplying one themselves. Furthermore, it a waste of my time sending a photo to the requester who then decides he doesn't like me. If the photo was mandatory, it would cut out the time wasting.

If a person wants to deal specifically with credentialed people only then I suppose such a requirement would be appropriate, but it seems to fly in the face of what this site is all about. Uncredentialed people meet and exchange to gain knowledge and experience, knowing from the start that they are getting a non professional. If credentials are that important maybe paying a professional is the thing for you.

I think a desire to work with people and the compassion surpass any credentials in value. Let the individual ask for credentials if they want.

Credentials from some fine international schools are not available or compatible with the United States regulations. And many schools have closed making getting those credentials nearly impossible. Making them mandatory has no value for anyone.

I agree with OpulentSin, I can produce any certificate or accreditation with my home computer. This is taking this site away from what it is originally set up for. To connect like minded people who wish to share their life learnt experience, no certificate required, and share with others. This 'exchange' allows us all to learn new or different styles, which we can use next massage. A true massage exchange, experience handed on, a satisfying exchange between two beings who wish to share.

I have had a massage from a fellow who was very good and had no certificate. I wouldn't want to exclude him or others like him.

Having the option of connecting with someone with a (verified) credential may be necessary if the person wants serious work done. I know there are those non-credentialed that have great hands and such that may give a great massage in general. Having options is a win-win situation, take it or leave it.

I don't think credentials should be required, I am a qualified therapist, but this is a free exchange site.There are many excellent enthusiasts on here.If you really want to improve the site, you need to weed out the time wasters and fake profiles, of which there are many.

Some of the best massages I've ever had were from people without credentials.

Since this isn't a paid gig, only a mutually beneficial exchange.. credentials are optional!

Credentials are unnecessary. Compatibility and compliance with preferences with the skill to satisfy are more important. I have received lousy massages from credentialed and great massages from uncredentialed. Give me a person who wants to satisfy, is patient, and has basic skills every time and I will be happy.

people are important not credentials

Add those fields to help those who want that distinction.. however I'm after relaxed sensual massage or relaxation massage, both with high self-responsibility and communication levels.

Yer why not sort out the players quick smart

Sometimes I want someone that knows what they are doing and other times, I don't. If I am looking for "Receive Only", I could see wanting to find a real therapist. But when I am looking for something fun, or sensual, who cares about credentials?! Plus, most people with credentials won't provide a sensual massage anyways.

Many people learn as much from experience as from training. The bulk of trading is experience.

I think it's pretty easy to find people with credentials in the phone book etcMost people are happy to receive a massage from some who has no accredited training. I would also be happy to pay someone as long as it was a good experience and have payed so called experts for massages that weren't so good :(

No credentials needed, this is a free exchange and there are plenty of talented people with great massage skills that are not pursuing massage as a career.

Credentials do not always relate to the best experience. Having a credential permits the member to make a personal choice.

The primary objective of this website is to facilitate mutual and voluntary exchange between two adult individuals who have interests or passion in massage. Whilst some members have formal training credentials, these are in addition to their interest to exchange or give massage. These credentials may possibly contribute to the quality or technique of the massage but is not a prerequisite given that the massages offered via this website are not remedial in nature or meant to assist with any medical conditions.

Personality and attitude are more important than credentials

This option should be left to the individual.

I like the wide range of talent in this group. Credentials get in the way of people who are just starting out.

I have credentials that are no longer recognised by governing body. I refuse to pay to keep offering free services. If someone wants to play it very safe then maybe you should ask, are you covered by insurances and to what level. In Australia it is $20 Million AUD.. Cost is very high to get cover.

I am licensed, and only care to exchange with other licensed therapists. Adding either option suggested would help. So far I've had one email exchange (no actual exchange), and the email content offended me; I would not expect that from a LMT, so an option to avoid this would be appreciated.

There is no replacement for proper training.  Adequate hands-on, as well as extensive classroom education is equally important when practicing massage.

Credentials add information about formal training. They are not an indication of a member being any good or even nice. Reviews are far more useful, nuanced and personal.

People should be honest in their profile. Too many profiles show a person able to provide every modality, then indicates the person has never been to massage school. Really? Big red flag, and no exchange from me.

It's  massage exchange between  two consenting adults,so the credentials should not be necessary

In some cases, techniques and styles are learned from Practitioners one is fortunate to meet, if one travels widely, ancient therapeutic arts are gleaned from wise people who learned from tradition not from textbooks or school. Thailand, Japan, China, Indonesia and India provided centuries of skills, for which there are no "diplomas", only knowledge.....

As long as you are good

CMT/LMT already are identified in a profile. No additional credential is necessary for those people who wish to only exchange with CMT/LMT. Adding an ID verification such as a government-issued ID requirement is not going to be popular with members and may result in many who are being discreet and DL abandoning ME.

I look for a therapeutic relaxing massage. A licensed therapist would not object to credentials being requested. It's a matter of ethics to me. Since I want a professional massage, I won't trade with someone who is not a licensed massage therapist. Evidently some people say they are an LMT/CMT when in actuality they are not.

Credentialed people are available in the yellow pages.

It's massage exchange between two consenting adults,so the credentials should not be necessary

They don't mean much

If I need a professional massage I book an appointment to a RMT. Here I would like to share with another amateur that likes to share.

Provided there is aptitude and honesty about one's true skills

Innate skills are more necessary than a diploma.

I think they will make people lie more.

Skill

Intuition carries much more weight than credentials in my opinion.

Be nice to use it as a search field. Obviously can't be required since most of us don't have any. And some people probably prefer to keep their anonymity, and wouldn't want to display them anyway. I'd rather know that they're credentialed and don't want to show it than not know that they are credentialed because they don't want to show it.

none of the above

Credentials don't mean anything to me. Not that I think they don't have value. Just I don't know what.

None of the above. Credentials are not important to me

Credentials are not essential,more massages the better you get at giving and receiving .

As long as I can give some stress and tension relief to others, I don't feel that any special credentials should ever be required !  That'S like asking to be taxed more.  It makes absolutely no sense to me. We all need to help one another in these times, pay it forward, one good deed at a time..

none of the above credentials aren't.important to me.

Often times the best massages come from those with no Credentials. Intuition is a great credential and teacher.

It's hard enough if at all possible to meet someone currently. Furthermore who has credentials in the sensual massage? [ Administrator - There are numerous schools with such an offering. BodyElectric is the most well known. ]

None of the above. Credentials are not important to me

Only requirement is a passion to give and recieve massage

good

This is primarily a non-professional site...

Although like many who are therapist we need to practice however this is unfair as massage and spiritual healing and the giving and receiving a sense of well being is a gift and above all an art which in many cultures including myself been passed down from generation as part of a way life thousands of years old ... credentials from a class dosent even come close and is not important to me this art form is for everybody .. is my belief

Interest in providing a beneficial service is paramount

Credentials are not so important when I am at home but when I travel it would be a great tool for finding the right person for massage. A table is an essential part of the massage.

No as long as someone listens to what the person likes then massage given and received will be of benefit

No Credentials needed As long as we talk about what you like and don't like what you expect from the massage. The massage experience should be enjoyable leaving you relaxed and satisfied .

Credentials are not important to me just the pleasure and love of massage.

If two people are giving each other a free massage, then credentials shouldn't matter. If someone was charging me a lot of money, then I'd probably want credentials...

A lot of people here don't have formal training. If you blocked them out then there would be too few people.

I prefer to take people on face value.

Be safe clean discreet and who you say you are

There are some people who only want to exchange simple massages without having formal education. I want to exchange with these too. Formal training is nice and fine but I would not want to exclude some.

It's good to have credentials I might look into it. But right now it's ok not to have one. I am just tired of paying all the time and the same rouitine over and over boreing. I had some good ones from my friends that was better then a pro.

If I'm looking for a therapeutic / remedial massage I prefer a qualified masseur. If I'm looking for a sensual massage qualifications are not essential.

I love a massage...I expect some knowledge at least so as to have benefit from the massage! I am qualified and give a professional service x

Being a licensed and certified therapist in 3 states I don't see a need for credentials from professional therapists, I can tell just by asking a few questions. Plus receive only members you can't expect to have credentials. almost any kind of massage still feels good if your just looking for relaxation, any licensed therapist knows that human touch is medicine for mind, body and soul.

I would probably wish to meet with a prospective new massage partner first say casually over a coffee at a local café in order to gain some confidence in that person first. I wouldn't want to exclude someone, for lack of professional massage experience, as ideally its an opportunity for each party to learn and enjoy the experience.

I prefer to meet

Massage swops shouldn't need credentials which could so easily be false if they were mandatory.

Paper is patient and means nothing to me.

Many of us have informal training in massage and other such modalities. I don't believe credentials are important but honesty absolutely is.

Just not important. Gotta give everyone a chance

A few emails with questions back-n-forth is adequate for me.

Most any massage feels good to me.

If you require credentials you would probably lose most your members.

Credentials should remain optional; they provide added validity to those who choose to show them about themselves and reassurance to searchers who need to see them. Making them mandatory would unnecessarily complicate the site.

Why is this a question? This is a site for anyone interested in trading massage. Experienced or not.

You would lose most members

As a massage lover but without qualifications, I hope the site can retain that aspect of exchange.

only if some one is looking for a expenceried provider than only they look

I am looking forward to a wonderful experience. Giving and receiving massages are what I am looking for.