CouchSurfing

www.couchsurfing.com

my profile: www.couchsurfing.com/greylantern

To some it may seem like a crazy concept, to others it's a way of life. I've been hosting and traveling through it for over a year now. It's actually the way I found out that I wanted to move further north along the east coast last year. After I settled down, I became the ambassador for Richmond CS and have been hosting continually since. Is anyone else involved in the project? It's an amazing way to connect with cultures around the world, see it from a local's eyes, have a place to stay, and make some great friends.

"What is the CouchSurfing mission?

When we incorporated CouchSurfing International, Inc. as a non-profit, we filed our official mission statement as:

"CouchSurfing seeks to internationally network people and places, create educational exchanges, raise collective consciousness, spread tolerance, and facilitate cultural understanding."

As a community we strive to do our individual and collective parts to make the world a better place, and we believe that the surfing of couches is a means to accomplish this goal. CouchSurfing isn't about the furniture- it's not just about finding free accommodations around the world- it's about participating in creating a better world. We strive to make a better world by opening our homes, our hearts, and our lives. We open our minds and welcome the knowledge that cultural exchange makes available. We create deep and meaningful connections that cross oceans, continents and cultures. CouchSurfing wants to change not only the way we travel, but how we relate to the world!"

Heh everyone I have brought it up to always goes "And get killed? You're fucking stupid"

But yeah I'm on it too as you know, unfortunately living at home I don't have the option of offering my couch which I'd love to do. I plan to make good use of this eventually and do lots of travelling.

http://www.couchsurfing.com/k'

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Originally Posted by Thief Silver

"And get killed? You're fucking stupid"

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It sounds fun until I think about internet people in my home. :(

kingoffighters you fucker :p

you have to trust people to let them in your house, and trust someone to stay at their house. it's a whole bunch of trust with rating systems, references and all sorts.

grave, i've met some of my best friends this way. tnl meetup isn't an internet meeting at all, oh no ;)

The only time I've encountered TNL people in person was at an anime convention, where messageboard people are a breath of fresh air. Probably literally. :p Except I don't remember who they were because I went outside for a smoke with Zerodash and his girlfriend and when I came back they were gone.

So with the rating systems etc in place, it basically means this is not a good way for me to get a free stereo, right? :(

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Originally Posted by Atlas

kingoffighters you fucker :p

you have to trust people to let them in your house, and trust someone to stay at their house. it's a whole bunch of trust with rating systems, references and all sorts.

grave, i've met some of my best friends this way. tnl meetup isn't an internet meeting at all, oh no ;)

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I am sure it is great when you meet people with similar interests WHO ARE NOT PSYCHO.

But it only takes one psycho to take you out.

TNL couchsurfing would be cool but other than that, no thanks.

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

I am sure it is great when you meet people with similar interests WHO ARE NOT PSYCHO.

But it only takes one psycho to take you out.

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the whole site is over 99% positive references. true that it only takes one, but if you look over the profiles carefully, you can pretty much tell what kind of person you are staying with. the worst i have dealt with is body odor, that should say something.

people who allow you to couch "surf" are more likely to be rapist and killers than the guy who only lets you in if he can get ass and makes it know up front.

You've just gotta crank up the positive ratings for a few months, then you get the pick of the litter!


er i mean yes do this

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Originally Posted by Atlas

the whole site is over 99% positive references. true that it only takes one, but if you look over the profiles carefully, you can pretty much tell what kind of person you are staying with. the worst i have dealt with is body odor, that should say something.

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99%. See, I am a statistical pessimist. That 1% scares the shit out of me.

but you can say no to anyone. there are a lot of people i have refused to stay on my couch... lack of references, being a guy and having the preference set to female hosts only, date of joining to when they are surfing etc etc.

it's changed my life for the positive. it isn't for everyone, but i have met some incredible people.

Just think, the next Ted Bundy probably jacked off on your couch!!

neat site.
I wondered why Advocate has been silent for a few minutes.

This is the most radical idea and when I move (hopefully this summer!) my couch will be up for grabs.

signing up to this to kill.....the springs in somebody's couch

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Originally Posted by Thief Silver

Heh everyone I have brought it up to always goes "And get killed? You're fucking stupid"

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I certainly didn't.

Where's the you gunna get raped pic when you need it

The one with Batman is the best.

"Hi Andi! Fellow Couchsurfer here...mind putting me up for the night?"
http://www.horrorphile.net/images/jason-voorhees.jpg

I expect to see this site on the news within the next six months, followed by a frame of police car lights flashing in the rain.

I don't know why you'd expect that since it's been around for over a year.

Popularity, son.

http://sc.tri-bit.com/images/2/2d/P3...JCH5XM2JB5.jpg

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Originally Posted by Dolemite

"Hi Andi! Fellow Couchsurfer here...mind putting me up for the night?"
http://www.horrorphile.net/images/jason-voorhees.jpg

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And my buddy needs a place if you can spare the room

http://www.iwatchstuff.com/2007/02/27/mike-myers.jpg

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you can pretty much tell what kind of person you are staying with.

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Because crazy people never lie or hide the fact that they are crazy, women are quite good at it I hear.

thief it's been around since 99, i've been surfing for over a year.

as i said, it's definitely not for everyone. i've had nothing except good experiences though :)

funnily enough, one of my couchsurfers became a celebrity through big brother and is now getting his own reality show by the makers of american idol. yeah... crazy stories to go along with most of the kids i have had.

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Originally Posted by Biff

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THAT'S A FUCKING LOVE SEAT

And, yeah Atlas, this seems like a bad idea. But good luck. Maybe get one of those anti-rape tampons or something before you go.

In one of the pics on her profile, Atlas has a Feathers McGraw backback...that's awesome.

So I guess Atlas has found the remedy for wanting guys cocks in her mouth with no attachments.

I'd rent my room out, but the guy has to agree to watch The Notebook with me and spend the night in my bed, curled up in my arms.

dole, he travels with me everywhere. in a way it's my trademark... best super villain of all time imo.

ssjn, i have my own personal rule never to sleep with people i host or stay with. don't want that connection ruined by sex. as much as i enjoy a bit of the old in out, it's not for me to do it through couchsurfing.

*rescinds his application*

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Originally Posted by Atlas

dole, he travels with me everywhere. in a way it's my trademark... best super villain of all time imo.

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If you wear it to NYC, I might have to rob you. ;)

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Originally Posted by Pineapple

I'd rent my room out, but the guy has to agree to watch The Notebook with me and spend the night in my bed, curled up in my arms.

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What the fuck?
All I wanted to do was borrow a game, and I had to agree to the same terms and conditions.

http://i.adultswim.com/asfix/collect.../thumbnail.jpg

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Originally Posted by Dolemite

If you wear it to NYC, I might have to rob you. ;)

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noooooo! i will wrestle you for it ;)

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Originally Posted by Atlas

noooooo! i will wrestle you for it ;)

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I can take you.

ok, well bugger. i guess i will just have to have feathers strapped to my back at all times then.

this thread is getting off topic.

my bed is still available to anyone.

http://www.corruptfibers.com/images/...ker_tshirt.jpg

You had better know Dole's moveset.

I pray for your assoul

I would let anyone at TNL stay at my place in NY if I was there, however if you ever come to Ohio I know somethings up so the answer is no.

"Well, bugger"...?

I know you're a Brit, but do you normally use stereotypical British vernacular in your everyday speech? Will you be saying things like "cheerio" and "pip-pip" in NYC?

i do say certain things pretty brit like. pippip and cheerio are a little much for me, but i use "cheers" on a regular basis.

God, I hope so.

Don't use British slangs, they are assholes.

The Show Stopper is the greatest hand gesture known to man.

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Originally Posted by Atlas

i do say certain things pretty brit like. pippip and cheerio are a little much for me, but i use "cheers" on a regular basis.

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"freshen ya drink, guv'na"?

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Originally Posted by Atlas

i do say certain things pretty brit like. pippip and cheerio are a little much for me, but i use "cheers" on a regular basis.

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My friends were making fun of me so much when I was in MD the past few days for saying "cheers."

It's the one word that has stuck.

The way Atlas used bugger wasn't really British.

But I'm with her, I say "bloody," "cheers," "wank," and occasionally "bollocks".

As long as you don't start with that fucking limey indirect-association-by-rhyming bullshit like calling an shitter a "gary" or a talk a "rabbit" you're fine.

Back on track, I would go for this sorta thing if I had my own place. Sounds pretty cool.

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Originally Posted by Frogacuda

But I'm with her, I say "bloody," "cheers," "wank," and occasionally "bollocks".

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This is among the lamest things Americans can do.

If I wasn't married I'd do this sort of thing. Actually, I did this sort of thing for 6 months in Orlando before I got a place.

Shoin yeh shues, eh guvnah?

kinda like what me and josh and rich did in 2004

only we didn't get raped

(well, i didn't)

except for the fact, of you know, i'm actually british ;)

My tea bag is chock full of flavor.

Just so you know.

When I say you are a fag, I don't mean cigs.

my lips suck on the butt of a fag. it's true.

HAWT

I lived on plenty of couches back in about 1990. I'm a grownass man now.

living on couches is slightly different than traveling and couch hopping. i've got a spare bedroom at my house, so my guests actually enjoy a bed.

Well that's not couchsurfing then is it? That's staying with a friend. I've done plenty of that too. Still do.

but 99% of these people i have never met before... you should check out the site. it will go more indepth as to what it is.

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Originally Posted by PaCrappa

I lived on plenty of couches back in about 1990. I'm a grownass man now.

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Agreed.

After reaching a certain level of financial and personal success, this concept lacks the luster it might have held in my immediate post-high school years. What might have been cool/artsy/hip/trendy/countercultural/liberal/rebellious/awesome to 1999 Squall doesn't necessarily equate to a similar tier to 2008 Squall. Crashing for a night at a friend's place is one thing. This is something else.

Personally, I would just pay for a hotel room, but that's just me. The hotel would be my more comfortable option, while some would have no problem being comfortable with couch surfing. As Atlas said, he might have loved it, but it's not for everyone (myself included).

You guys are missing the point a bit with those comments. I'd do it to get a take on the normal daily lives in other cities, and honestly hotels are boring and I'd rather make a new friend from somewhere else. A lot of people traveling are also from other countries. It's not necessarily about the free stay, more than it is experiencing new people. But yeah it's not for everyone I guess.

Hell no I wouldn't do this

In theory, it's pretty nice but so is communism

Communism wasn't even good on paper.

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

Communism wasn't even good on paper.

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They had some good graphic design, though.

Atlas can come couchsurfing at my house anytime, I promise I won't kill her.

However,
http://www.myspacefrog.com/img/1514.jpg

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Originally Posted by squall_vb

Personally, I would just pay for a hotel room, but that's just me. The hotel would be my more comfortable option, while some would have no problem being comfortable with couch surfing. As Atlas said, he might have loved it, but it's not for everyone (myself included).

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That's because you're doing it wrong. You don't understand the difference between traveling and going on vacation. Staying in a hotel and going on a guided tour does not mean you've seen a place.

Living somewhere for a while, living with people, meeting others, immersing yourself in another place and another way of living is a far more profound experience than just being a fat American asshole in a hotel for 5 days.

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Originally Posted by Frogacuda

That's because you're doing it wrong. You don't understand the difference between traveling and going on vacation.

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You're not making any sense; there isn't always a difference. The point of taking a vacation is to unwind and escape the drudgery of everyday life. This may or may not involve traveling.

If it does, my prime goal is to enjoy myself. I cannot do this if my lodgings feel uncomfortable to me. I'm a very private person, and I enjoy being able to retreat to my neutral corner at the end of the day, or whenever I desire.

As for seeing the "real" sights of a new place, all you need is a good bartender. It's not necessary to bury your face in a stranger's fart cushion all night in order to "get the experience."

If it works for you, that's great. More power to you. But there's no right or wrong when it comes to personal preference.

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Originally Posted by Frogacuda

Living somewhere for a while, living with people, meeting others, immersing yourself in another place and another way of living is a far more profound experience than just being a fat American asshole in a hotel for 5 days.

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Nice quick-edit. For the record, when you rent a hotel room, you aren't obligated to spend a predetermined amount of time in there. You can do all the immersion and bonding and still have your own comfortable bed.

Yes, but staying it a hotel severely limits the practical amount of time you can spend there, at least if you aren't rich. If you approach travel as a "vacation" (and if you're staying in a hotel, that's probably the case) then you're getting a completely different experience.

Also, stop being such a faggot (not just you, like... most people). Stop thinking everything you do that isn't 100% planned and sanctioned is going to lead in your untimely demise. You're a lot less likely to have a problem sleeping on some stranger's couch than you are commuting to work. We take risks every fucking day, but we're just taught that certain risks are "responsible" and others aren't. It's dumb.

I'm not exactly a world traveler, here, and I don't have a ton of experience, but the experience I did have was incredibly positive. When I was in Israel, I didn't stay in a hotel, I made friends with strangers, traveled around with them, hitchiked around the country... I went to Rammallah, and I went out to these tiny arab villiages in the desert, and I didn't sweat any of the fucking scare tactic bullshit, and you know what happened? I had a great fucking time. That's it. Stop worrying, and man up.

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Originally Posted by Frogacuda

Yes, but staying it a hotel severely limits the practical amount of time you can spend there, at least if you aren't rich. If you approach travel as a "vacation" (and if you're staying in a hotel, that's probably the case) then you're getting a completely different experience.

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That all depends on what you make of the experience. Staying in a hotel doesn't make you less dangerous. You can still meet all the people you want and have a boatload of fun. I just like having my alone time and privacy. And while I'm hardly "rich," I always keep a sizable amount of money available when I wander out. That's just smart policy.

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Also, stop being such a faggot (not just you, like... most people). Stop thinking everything you do that isn't 100% planned and sanctioned is going to lead in your untimely demise. You're a lot less likely to have a problem sleeping on some stranger's couch than you are commuting to work. We take risks every fucking day, but we're just taught that certain risks are "responsible" and others aren't. It's dumb.

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You're probably not going to get mugged/raped/murdered hitchhiking, either, but the odds of such things happen greatly diminish if you don't do it in the first place. I see your point, but I don't see why you (or anyone) should belittle those who choose what they see to be more prudent avenues.

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I'm not exactly a world traveler, here, and I don't have a ton of experience, but the experience I did have was incredibly positive. When I was in Israel, I didn't stay in a hotel, I made friends with strangers, traveled around with them, hitchiked around the country... I went to Rammallah, and I went out to these tiny arab villiages in the desert, and I didn't sweat any of the fucking scare tactic bullshit, and you know what happened? I had a great fucking time. That's it. Stop worrying, and man up.

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I'm glad you had a good time. I would never have a good time in Israel. Ever. That's where personal preference comes into play.

But let's just say that I did vacation in Israel. I guarantee that I could have an equally fun and rewarding, albeit different (of course), experience while sleeping at night in my own hotel room. In the end it's all in your hands.

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Originally Posted by squall_vb

I'm glad you had a good time. I would never have a good time in Israel. Ever.

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Then what good is your advice?

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Originally Posted by squall_vb

You're probably not going to get mugged/raped/murdered hitchhiking, either, but the odds of such things happen greatly diminish if you don't do it in the first place. I see your point, but I don't see why you (or anyone) should belittle those who choose what they see to be more prudent avenues.

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If I might just boil things down to a personal catchphrase: Living your life is always a risk. Wasting it is a sure thing. You're better off for having the experience.

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Originally Posted by Frogacuda

Then what good is your advice?

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Cut it out.

Just for the hell of it, here:

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Originally Posted by squall_vb

That's where personal preference comes into play.

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You forgot to quote the following sentence. That about sums it up.

Just because I don't couchsurf or share needles with my gay friends don't mean I wasted my life.

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Originally Posted by squall_vb

Cut it out.

You forgot to quote the following sentence. That about sums it up.

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You prefer not to have positive experiences? I refuse to believe that.

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

Just because I don't couchsurf or share needles with my gay friends don't mean I wasted my life.

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But if you don't take calculated risks, you probably won't get the most out of it.

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Originally Posted by Frogacuda

If I might just boil things down to a personal catchphrase: Living your life is always a risk. Wasting it is a sure thing. You're better off for having the experience.

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So not taking unnecessary risks equates to a life wasted? Bullshit.

Unprotected sex with strangers is a risk, but it's a lot more enjoyable than getting the Trojan Man involved. Be that as it may, smart people wrap it up.

Jim Norton has been fucking prostitutes without a bag for 20 years and hasn't gotten a thing.

There's a cost of fear. I'm not saying you should pretend to be invincible, but on the contrary, you should realize that you're just never completely safe either, and just embrace reasonable risks like this. And it is a quite reasonable risk. I wasn't trying to wrestle alligators or anything, I was just going into an unfamiliar place without the security of a hotel or a familiar face.

Your entire life is based around stand up comedy isn't it?

I've done plenty of hanging out with homeless drug addicts in abandoned train stations, but sometimes I just want to sleep in a hotel. Don't you fucking dare to presume your experiences are more 'authentic' than mine.

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Originally Posted by Frogacuda

Jim Norton has been fucking prostitutes without a bag for 20 years and hasn't gotten a thing.

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It would appear that Mr. Norton and I have different takes on what constitutes responsible behavior.

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There's a cost of fear. I'm not saying you should pretend to be invincible, but on the contrary, you should realize that you're just never completely safe either, and just embrace reasonable risks like this. And it is a quite reasonable risk.

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I have to disagree on that point. And I shall do so respectfully, minus any sort of personal attacks.

Besides, my point wasn't one of safety, but comfort. Furthermore, I still maintain that one can have a very satisfying and enjoyable trip while keeping a private evening residence.

This couch surfing thing isn't for everyone, myself included. Atlas said so from the beginning, and I concur.

Well that's the thing. Being obsessed with comfort isn't really always the best way to approach new experiences. My experience was not comfortable. It was immensely rewarding, eye opening, and ultimately enjoyable. "Creature" comforts are highly overrated.

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Originally Posted by icarusfall

I've done plenty of hanging out with homeless drug addicts in abandoned train stations, but sometimes I just want to sleep in a hotel. Don't you fucking dare to presume your experiences are more 'authentic' than mine.

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I never used the word authentic. I don't think an experience can be authentic or not. I'm just saying that neither experience is a substitute for the other. They're just completely different things. I stay in hotels sometimes. I'm staying in one next week. But I have different expectations for this trip. It's a different thing.

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Originally Posted by Frogacuda

Well that's the thing. Being obsessed with comfort isn't really always the best way to approach new experiences. My experience was not comfortable. It was immensely rewarding, eye opening, and ultimately enjoyable. "Creature" comforts are highly overrated.

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And that would be where we differ. If I'm uncomfortable, you can forget about anything being rewarding, eye opening, or enjoyable. It's a necessity. Call it closed-minded Americanism if you will, but I prefer to call it understanding myself well enough to know what does and does not work for me.

Realizing how little 99% of the things we feel we need matters can be enlightening. Realizing you don't need television, a soft bed, the internet, and video games to be happy is a valuable revalation, even if you inevitably return to all these things. None of that shit is a necessity, and most people don't have it.

All of that shit? You have it. When you come home, you'll still have it. When you're away, you'll realize the perspective is far more valuable than trying to recreate what you're used to.

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Originally Posted by Frogacuda

Realizing how little 99% of the things we feel we need matters can be enlightening. Realizing you don't need television, a soft bed, the internet, and video games to be happy is a valuable revalation, even if you inevitably return to all these things. None of that shit is a necessity, and most people don't have it.

All of that shit? You have it. When you come home, you'll still have it. When you're away, you'll realize the perspective is far more valuable than trying to recreate what you're used to.

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I've been through that, but in Mexico, not Israel. It was a great experience, but that's not to say I want to make a habit of it. If I have the option, I'll take the comfort.

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Originally Posted by squall_vb

I've been through that, but in Mexico, not Israel. It was a great experience, but that's not to say I want to make a habit of it.

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But would you trade that experience you had in for a typical trip to Cancun?

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Originally Posted by Frogacuda

But would you trade that experience you had in for a typical trip to Cancun?

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No, they're very different. But at the same time, I wouldn't begrudge those with enough self-awareness to say that it's just not for them.

Back then I was young and prone to do things that I just wouldn't do today. Sleeping in the dumps of Juarez to help orphan kids was all well and good when I was 17, but I'm older now, and that sort of thing just isn't my bag anymore. Now I want Cancun.

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Originally Posted by squall_vb

No, they're very different.

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That's all I was saying. Not that everyone has to do it, but just that it's gay to act like one is a substitute for the other. They're completely different things and what you take home from them is likewise totally different. I don't think 6 or 7 years is really the relevant distinction as much as what you want to do and what you want to get from it.

I would do it again in a heartbeat, and likely will, but I'll also go on vacations and business trips as well (have some booked, in fact). But they ARE different things.

http://www.bandbcarpetcare.com/DirtyCouch.jpg

My couch is available to anyone, any takers?

So Frog is saying that you should quit your job and go live in Belgium for 6 months rent free on someone's couch AND without money or something and that's a vacation. However going to Naples for a week is not because you're staying in a hotel, as if where the fuck you sleep determines your enjoyment level?

Jesus Frog even when you're dead wrong you're still entertaining! I'm betting you have not left your area of the US in 5 years btw.

The ability to shower, sleep in safety,attempt to nail foreign ass, and not get robbed are 3 major factors when I plan a vacation, go figure.

I make enough money that I prefer to stay at a hotel over staying with friends. It's just easier and then you're not chained to someone.

Also hotels are much better for getting laid.

IBTN

4 or 5 star hotel bar after 12am usually is as far as you need to go to pick up ass.

Hmm, there is something to be said about lowering my entertainment budget for my staff by making them couch surf with Frog to their destination. Will bring this up in next month's meeting and advise.

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Originally Posted by Biff

So Frog is saying that you should quit your job and go live in Belgium for 6 months rent free on someone's couch AND without money or something and that's a vacation. However going to Naples for a week is not because you're staying in a hotel, as if where the fuck you sleep determines your enjoyment level?

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Biff, I have not designated you my interpreter. Kindly stop trying. I'm not sure how you could glean the EXACT OPPOSITE of everything I fucking said, but of course it wouldn't be the first time you've managed just that.

I didn't say staying in a hotel isn't a vacation. I said it IS a vacation. And that "vacations" aren't the only kind of traveling and that you shouldn't tell someone "just go on a vacation" if they're not looking for a vacation kind of experience.

They both have their time and place, but they aren't interchangeable. That's what I'm saying. Same way you wouldn't tell someone who is about to watch Citizen Kane that he should just watch Jurassic Park instead, even though they're both enjoyable movies and you should probably see both at some point. Stop being stupid for a few fucking posts.

Also: I didn't say fuck-all about staying someplace for 6 months and not working, or bumming on anyone's couch for that long. You pulled that part out of your ass, too.

This seems cool and it's certainly not comparable to a vacation, which has a completely different set of objectives. This seems like it's more of a form of social exploration, you get to meet people you'd never meet and consequently experience aspects of life that you may not have come across on your own. As a result of this reward, and the weeding out that the community seems to do via its feedback system, I think the risk is mitigated. Though I don't have the disposition or desire to do this myself (fairly territorial), this is also not like adultfriendfinder.com where you meet up with a swinger couple and end up tied up for hours afterwards, trying to use your feet and teeth to untie yourself because sex and drugs aren't the draw, rather the social experience itself. You have a general idea of the nature the participants, and who they are through the community, and you can always reference those in the community whom you have had good experiences with. And you can always tell your friends/family where you are going and who you will be staying with beforehand, I'm assuming.

This seems like it's great for making friends, but you have to have the right disposition for it, and I'm assuming the majority of participants are fairly young.

Yeah, basically. Though I do think the experience of leaving comfort, security, and familiarity behind to do something very different is something everyone should try at least once before saying it's not for them, but I fully acknowledge there are other ways to do it (hell, it's not even how I did it).

How are you supposed to leave someone negative feedback if you never get out of their house?

Your next of kin should do it on your behalf if they really loved you.