Lending Teams - Question.

[Guest]

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[A Nonny Mouse]

Patricia, I too have discovered a lot of interesting stuff when checking out the different teams.  I have been assured that Kiva CS appreciates the heads-up on those things.  Not only about the potentially offensive teams, but those "teams" that are actually people asking for loans, or soliciting business...all of those Kiva wants to know about.  After all, there are almost 8,500 teams at this moment!  Kiva can't really police all that.     It's up to people like us to send up a flare.

Nonny

EDIT:  one other thing...sometimes I see a team that to me is personally offensive...but I know it might not bother others, or even Kiva for that matter.  In that case, I email Kiva CS and just say, 'hey, wanted you to see this was out there' and include a link to the team in question.  That way they know about it and can make a decision.  (I'm not out to ban teams just 'cause they bug ME     )

[Patricia SF]

Thank you very much Diane and Nonny for the information.
 
The team in question posted many links.  Some links spouted hatred against gays, some spouted hatred against Jews, one spouted Obama as the Antichrist.  These views were all presented in a biblical context.  And this was just the beginning.

In good conscience, I had to speak up.  Thank you.  I just sent a message to Kiva regarding the specific lending team.

Patricia

[Patricia SF]

I have a question about lending teams.  Can any kind of team be listed on Kiva?  Are there ethical guidelines that need to be followed? 

The reason for my inquiry is that by chance, I spotted a lending team which contains many links that are of a hateful nature.  I'm still in a bit of shock over what I saw!  Very disturbing!  [Some links spouted hatred against gays, some spouted hatred against Jews, one spouted Obama as the Antichrist.  These views were all presented in a biblical context.  And this was just the beginning.]

My sincere apologies; I'm not trying to stir up a hornet's nest, but in good conscience, I needed to ask if this type of team should be brought to Kiva's attention.

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RESPONSE FROM KIVA RECEIVED ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2009:

On September 13, 2009 I sent Kiva an email regarding the above, and on September 14, 2009 I received this reply from their customer service:

"Thanks so much keeping your eyes out. I have asked the team captain to please take down the discriminatory content posted on the team page. If it does not come down, the team will promptly be deleted.

Again, your watchful eyes are much appreciated over here!"

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Thank you Diane, Nonny, and Kiva!

Patricia