Random Places to Couch Surf
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the OpenCouch mission?
- Can you give me an example of how this system could be used?
- Is OpenCouch safe?
- Do I have to let everyone stay at my house?
- Where are OpenCouch members located?
- Is this free?
- But this service is so useful! How can I contribute?
- How can I participate in the growth and development of OpenCouch.com?
- Is OpenCouch a non-profit organization?
- What about Privacy?
- Does OpenCouch censor the members' emails or group posts?
- How did you come up with the idea for OpenCouch?
- Who runs OpenCouch.com?
- What about other languages?
- I have a different question!
Do I have to let everyone stay at my house?
Not at all. You can pick and choose whom you want to host. You can meet people to hang out for coffee or a drink only, or you can even make your couch completely unavailable. Offering your couch is all about increasing the number of interesting people and possibilities in your life experience. You can easily decline surfing requests; there is never any pressure to host.
Where are OpenCouch members located? Is OC just for U.S. travel?
Our members are located all over the globe! There's some speculation out there that OpenCouch is primarily aimed at the United States and that maybe other sites are better suited for international travel. The fact is, we have unique countries represented, (Antarctica too!), and more couches in Europe than in any other area. We have ambassadors in every region, and our network of members (since January, 2004) is growing by thousands per week. You can also check out a visual representation by checking out the World Map. To learn more about who's on CS, just visit the statistics page.
Is OpenCouch free?
Absolutely. OpenCouch International is a non-profit organization dedicated to the global community. OpenCouch was created specifically so that everyone can travel the world and partake in cultural exchange. Staying with your host(s) is also always free; it is contrary to the values of OpenCouch and against our terms of use to charge someone to surf your couch. Many surfers like to bring their hosts gifts or treat them to a meal as a "Thank you," but this is not a requirement. There are infinite ways to reciprocate goodwill.
But this service is so useful! How can I contribute?
There are a couple ways you can help us out. First, if you have a skill you think could benefit this non-profit entity, we want you to get involved in the growth and development of the project (See next question). Second, a little cash never hurts. It costs a lot to maintain the site, and we're completely supported by member donations. We accept donations via credit card and PayPal.
How can I participate in the growth and development of OpenCouch.org?
We're so glad you asked! Participation is what makes this community work. We're always looking/needing volunteers to take on specific projects. Please check out the participation section and tell us what you can do! OpenCouch encourages members to take ownership of the site and it's development. We strive to create a climate where members' ideas are encouraged and implemented. We have an organizational structure in place that welcomes volunteers in an abundance of ways. If you'd like to help spread the mission of OpenCouch, consider becoming an ambassador. You can learn about all the ways to get involved in the participation section.
Member involvement is a vital part of the growth and development of the project. Simply put, we couldn't do it without you! To that end we have created the OpenCouch Collective. OpenCouch is a democratic entity led by the core team where every member can have a say if he or she so wishes. Member involvement is open to the degree that the user wishes to participate. We have great pride the initiatives and ideas created by our members. We are always excited by what will come next.
Is OpenCouch International a non-profit organization?
Yes! We strongly believe the mission of OpenCouch International is best served by being a non-profit organization. Our mission is to facilitate high quality experiences for people exploring the world and giving back to humanity. Our goal is to make diverse cultures of the world more connected, making the world a smaller, more peaceful place. We network travelers and locals on every continent, creating friendships and strengthening cross-cultural understanding. The goal of OpenCouch has never been about money. The site is free to all members and supported only with donations and verifications. We are not now, nor have we ever pursued financial gain; we only strive to make the site self-sustaining.
What about Privacy?
There are six different privacy settings. Each setting you can turn on and turn off. You can select who can see your profile, which pieces of your personal information to hide from other users, and also if other members will be able to see your online status. You can change these settings by editing your profile and going to the privacy section.
Does OpenCouch censor the members' emails or group posts?
OpenCouch does not now, nor has it ever censored members' email or group postings. We allow our members to write and share whatever they wish, so long as it adheres to our anti-spam guidelines and is not considered defamation. We have a policy of inclusion. In addition, we welcome and have structures in place for member feedback and critique. We are a network for and by the people, and appreciate constructive criticism as a means to growth and improvement.
How did you come up with the idea for OpenCouch?
Well, the idea solidified when founder, Casey Fenton, got a cheap ticket to Iceland for a long weekend one April. With his ticket in hand, there was one problem: he had no place to stay and no desire to rot in a hotel all weekend and play Mr. Tourist. So, he came up with the 'brilliant' idea of spamming over 1500 Icelandic students in Reykjavik and asking them if he could crash on one of their couches. After exchanging emails with many of the students, he had several groups of friends offer to show him 'their' Reykjavik. So, after spending an amazing, crazy weekend just south of the Arctic Circle, Casey decided he would never again get trapped in a hotel and tourist marathon while traveling. From that point onward, it was all about crashing on exotic couches and cultural exchange. And, thus, the OpenCouch Project was born.
Who runs OpenCouch.org?
The global OpenCouch.org community is what keeps OpenCouch.org going. We are a completely member supported and driven community. Dedicated volunteers work constantly to improve the site and spread the mission. The original founder of OpenCouch, Casey Fenton launched the site in beta on Jan 1, 2003 with the help of several other founders (Dan Hoffer, Sebastien LeTuan, Leonardo Bassani de Silveira). In January of 2004, the site Version 1.0 was made live to the world. After a crazy crash, Version 2.0 was re-designed, re-built and re-organized through the Montreal Collective 2006 and remote CouchSurfers around the world. Version 2.0 was launched in July 2006.
What about other languages?
This site is translated into several languages, and we are adding new languages all the time. If you can translate from English into a language that you are an expert at, we invite you to participate! It's a good way to get involved in the OpenCouch.org community.