it's interesting how the couch surfing and airbnb cultures have diverged. i love the community aspect of couch surfing---the fact that it's about spending time

it's interesting how the couch surfing and airbnb cultures have diverged. i love the community aspect of couch surfing---the fact that it's about spending time with cool people in new places, rather than finding "a cheap hotel", is huge to me. i get that there is a market for people who want cheap hotels rather than a community. however, there was a sense that you were getting more from paying more...like more security or something. yet everyone in couch surfing knows the importance of community references, and to meet folks at a cafe before deciding whether to bring them over. letting someone you've never met use your home while you're not there.....interesting culture screw up. i think adding a little money to the mix drastically changed what became emphasized.