[voodoomagicman]

Sharing has some different meanings:

- give a portion of (something) to another or others.

- use, occupy, or enjoy (something) jointly with another or others.

The first one has a lot of positive connotations, and 'sharing economy' startups are definitely taking advantage of that, but I think the second is a totally valid use of the word when talking about 'home sharing' or 'car sharing'. It's actually hard to think of a better term to describe those.

[geebee]

I agree that there is some legitimate ambiguity in the term sharing. For instance, if my pal and I decide to order the extra large sandwich and pay for it jointly, it's part of the vernacular to say we are "sharing" it.

However, I couldn't disagree with you more that this is a good way to describe a pure quid pro quo money for services transaction. If this is sharing, then all commerce is sharing.

Unlike you, I almost can't think of a better example of something that isn't sharing than airbnb. It's a rental. If I let you play my violin for $5, I haven't shared my violin. If we purchase one jointly and use it, then sure, but that's not even remotely what is happening with airbnb. The line may be a little fuzzy at the margins, but airbnb is a mile away from this fuzzy zone, squarely and unambiguously in the realm of commerce.

Disagreements about airbnb do get contentious, and I don't enjoy adding to this. But I'm honestly bewildered that you can't think of a better term than "sharing" to describe "I let you stay in my house if and only if you pay me $100". Seriously? It's "hard to think of a better term"?