Safety First

Here's one quick post before I leave.

When I have explained to people what I am doing, the most common reaction is: "What are you? Stupid? You're going to get killed!"

Obviously the primary concern with this whole couch surfing concept is safety, and I figured I'd go over how the website handles that.

Essentially there are two systems in place. The first is a verification system represented by a little lock symbol with either a one, a two, or a three next to it. Each represents a level of verification, and there are steps to go through so it can be verified that you are whom you say you are. Each step involves more accurately verifying either your name or your address.

The second system is a "vouching system." This is where couchsurfing members can vouch for you, thus bolstering your credibility. The only way to become vouched for is to be extremely trusted by someone who has been vouched for by three other members. Then once you have been vouched for three times, you can vouch for others. That still means someone, at some point, has to take a risk and host or stay with a person not yet vouched for. So there is still an immense amount of trust involved.

So, even after days of being tortured with various scenarios created by friends, roommates and family, I'm not completely scared yet, but check back tonight. Things might have changed.

- Evan