4 ms·

> To start the discussion on a better platform (starting from which framework/language/DB to use) The tech stack is probably one of the last items that should

by mryan 13y ago

> To start the discussion on a better platform (starting from which framework/language/DB to use) The tech stack is probably one of the last items that should be discussed. Communities do not die because of the tech stack they use, but because of problems at higher levels. IMHO a good starting point would be to identify features/processes that will ensure your new community does not suffer from the same problems you have identified with couchsurfing.com.

PLejeck 13y ago
To be fair, the tech stack can break a service (though it can't make it) - whether by slowing down iteration or crashing constantly. Putting out fires is not a positive thing.
- mryan 13y ago
  I completely agree, and I like the way you phrase this: It can break it, but not make it.
kfk 13y ago
I agree, but: 1. I wanted to make sure I am not just throwing an idea in the wind 2. The problem with couchsurfing now is mainly the poor website experience. I know this does not depend on the tech stack, but it's good to keep this in mind As "features", I think those of couchsurfing are OK to start. Later on I think few things could be added: 1. jobs on the style of WWOOF and Work Away 2. Reviews, itineraries. Like I have an entire kayak itinerary for 2 rivers and I could put it in there or like where you can rent a kayak for a long trip, etc. 3. Guides. Like free tour guides, city walks, etc.
- PLejeck 13y ago
  Can't something like Airbnb already fill this role? I don't know much about couchsurfing in all honesty.
  - kfk 13y ago
    I edited my post to answer your question.
m_rcin 13y ago
That's right, although I think good UX is the main reason why CS got more popular than HC (hospitalityclub.org). I joined CS several years ago when travelling across the U.S. At that time CS was a bit more popular in the States, but HC had more users overall, especially in Europe. HC website was terrible with ads everywhere. There was a great community there and it's not website experience that matters, but many HC-ers first started using both HC and CS, and then tended to use HC less and less often. Although I've heard from a few people that while HC website sucks they had better experience with guests from HC than from CS. Then a group of volunteers tried to rewrite HC website, but they got conflicted with the owner and started BW (bewelcome.org). I don't know what's the state today.

by mryan 13y ago

PLejeck 13y ago

To be fair, the tech stack can break a service (though it can't make it) - whether by slowing down iteration or crashing constantly. Putting out fires is not a positive thing.

mryan 13y ago
I completely agree, and I like the way you phrase this: It can break it, but not make it.

kfk 13y ago

I agree, but: 1. I wanted to make sure I am not just throwing an idea in the wind 2. The problem with couchsurfing now is mainly the poor website experience. I know this does not depend on the tech stack, but it's good to keep this in mind As "features", I think those of couchsurfing are OK to start. Later on I think few things could be added: 1. jobs on the style of WWOOF and Work Away 2. Reviews, itineraries. Like I have an entire kayak itinerary for 2 rivers and I could put it in there or like where you can rent a kayak for a long trip, etc. 3. Guides. Like free tour guides, city walks, etc.

PLejeck 13y ago
Can't something like Airbnb already fill this role? I don't know much about couchsurfing in all honesty.
- kfk 13y ago
  I edited my post to answer your question.

m_rcin 13y ago

That's right, although I think good UX is the main reason why CS got more popular than HC (hospitalityclub.org). I joined CS several years ago when travelling across the U.S. At that time CS was a bit more popular in the States, but HC had more users overall, especially in Europe. HC website was terrible with ads everywhere. There was a great community there and it's not website experience that matters, but many HC-ers first started using both HC and CS, and then tended to use HC less and less often. Although I've heard from a few people that while HC website sucks they had better experience with guests from HC than from CS. Then a group of volunteers tried to rewrite HC website, but they got conflicted with the owner and started BW (bewelcome.org). I don't know what's the state today.