Traveling? Need a couch? Need a guide?

For one year I've been praising the site and the system of Couch Surfing, made up in general of people who love to travel and meet people, act as hosts and/or guides or just hang out with and have a drink or coffee. As one might imagine, finding a couch is a bit more difficult than finding someone with whom one may meet for coffee or a drink. The majority of registered users fall in the 25 to 35 year age range but a few older travelers are also registered.

First step, register at couchsurfing.com stating whether you have a couch to offer for a night or two or would rather meet for a coffee or a drink. You'll have a page with a profile and photo. Be certain to note as much info as possible. If you are looking for a host or a just having a drink, it is wise to check the chosen person's profile for common interests. After all, even just having a drink can be painful if you're short on conversation subjects. Occasionally, Couch Surfing in your city will notify you of get-togethers. To my mind, this is mostly for young singles who are free to hang out. These impromptu meetings are quite successful, at least in Paris (the person who introduced me to couchsurfing site, a single traveling musician, always attends these events and swears by them).

Recently I spoke of couchsurfing at a meeting and was surprised to hear someone say that she would never stay in a stranger's home. Another said she'd be afraid to even meet for a drink. No one says one doesn't have to be careful and exert some discretion when choosing whom to contact. Several tips for safe usage are noted on the site and are absolute required reading.
So saying, I realized as my friend spoke her misgivings that I had sent an email asking for a couch to a registered user who had no references, no record of usage had only recently joined and noted that all requests be sent to a personal email. All subscribers are recommended to communicate through the couchsurfing site, this as a safety measure. Members are also rated by the number of times they answer requests. My heart in my mouth, I also realized that this member, if in reality it is a sincere member and not just someone playing a joke or worse, had not answered my request.
Thank heavens, most serious members do answer if only to say, 'maybe next time'.