Really? I've gotten a few borderline disrespectful CS requests lately (my profile is
here). Sure, young and inexperienced, have mercy on them, etc. etc. Nonetheless, I think it's time for a bit of gentle schooling...
The Request
>USERNAME: ***
>GENDER: Male
>AGE: 23
>LOCATION: United States - New York - ***
>
>ARRIVAL DATE: 4/9/10
>DEPARTURE DATE: 4/13/10
>NUMBER OF PEOPLE: 1
>ARRIVING VIA: Plane
>
>Hi,
>
>My name is *** ***. I'm going to Albuquerque this weekend to attend a seminar at the **** Institute. I know it's short notice, but I was wondering if you would be able to host. It's a lot of last minute planning, I just created this account because my girlfriend suggested I use couchsurfing to try to find a place to stay, so sorry that my profile isn't very extensive.
>
>Thanks!
>
>***
My Reply
First rule of a successful couchsearch - read the profile of the person that you're addressing.
Second rule of a successful couchsearch - tell the person what specifically about them you think would make you a good match. what do you bring to the table? What about them interests you?
Third rule of a successful couchsearch - add relevant information and a picture or 2 to your profile. A couchsearch is asking someone to take time out of a busy life to provide you with a place to stay. It makes sense to reciprocate the effort by spending some time to write out a real, decent profile that tells your prospective host something about who you are.
Good luck!
christian
Posts
First, I had no idea this existed, so thanks for that. Second, reading the testimonials on your profile make me miss having you around. Third, looking forward to having you surf my couch this summer if that's still on. Our foray into gardening has had its challenges (E. Tenn has overlooked Spring again), we may end up with carrots and a mutant zucchini, but the yard is a great place to spend time in any event. Cheers to that.
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