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Slightly off topic but... I've never couchsurfed but have Airbnb'd quite a bit. I've held the unfounded assumption that couchsurfing accommodations would be que

Slightly off topic but... I've never couchsurfed but have Airbnb'd quite a bit. I've held the unfounded assumption that couchsurfing accommodations would be questionable, in unsafe locations, have issues with scams or theft, etc. Can you comment on how this compares to reality in a place like Manhattan where short-term housing rentals can be pricy? And also, philosophically why you choose to host couchsurfers vs paid guests?

captn3m0 11y ago
I can't talk specifically about Manhattan, but the basic idea behind this site is to help hackers find other hackers willing to couchsurf. Its not a way to make money (for me or the host). Its just a nice way to meet cool people. I am wary of meeting strangers on the internet. I don't have a Couchsurfing profile, or an airnbnb listing, but I am far more open to fellow hackers.
bemmu 11y ago
We've hosted both in Japan. It's a very different atmosphere, couchsurfers tend to be long time world traveling hippie types that are interesting to host just to hear their stories and help them out. They often arrive by hitch hiking and we've even had some who are walking hundreds of km across Japan. Surfers have low expectations for accommodation and usually the day is spent chatting and going to places together. AirBnB is for example couples and people who expect something closer to a hotel and more privacy, they may be busier and prefer to pay for convenience. Say career people who only have a week or two to spend in Japan, so they pay to make things go as smoothly as possible.
drewmeyers24 11y ago
Most hosts do it for the social benefit -- people to hang out with, traveling without having to leave their own home (via stories/info from those staying with them), and building new relationships across the globe. More on host incentives: http://www.horizonapp.co/blog/incentives-hosting-hospitality-networks/ http://www.horizonapp.co/blog/incentives-hosting-hospitality...

captn3m0 11y ago

I can't talk specifically about Manhattan, but the basic idea behind this site is to help hackers find other hackers willing to couchsurf. Its not a way to make money (for me or the host). Its just a nice way to meet cool people. I am wary of meeting strangers on the internet. I don't have a Couchsurfing profile, or an airnbnb listing, but I am far more open to fellow hackers.

bemmu 11y ago

We've hosted both in Japan. It's a very different atmosphere, couchsurfers tend to be long time world traveling hippie types that are interesting to host just to hear their stories and help them out. They often arrive by hitch hiking and we've even had some who are walking hundreds of km across Japan. Surfers have low expectations for accommodation and usually the day is spent chatting and going to places together. AirBnB is for example couples and people who expect something closer to a hotel and more privacy, they may be busier and prefer to pay for convenience. Say career people who only have a week or two to spend in Japan, so they pay to make things go as smoothly as possible.

drewmeyers24 11y ago

Most hosts do it for the social benefit -- people to hang out with, traveling without having to leave their own home (via stories/info from those staying with them), and building new relationships across the globe. More on host incentives: http://www.horizonapp.co/blog/incentives-hosting-hospitality-networks/ http://www.horizonapp.co/blog/incentives-hosting-hospitality...