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The CouchSurfing Project grows mainly by word-of-mouth and referrals,
which is our personal favorite way (think globally, act locally), but
if we only ran on referrals, it's possible that we might miss out on a
diverse demographic (as in, wonderful aspiring-couchsurfers over 60,
that we can learn from and share with, for example). CouchSurfing
isn't a top-secret, exclusive club, after all. So, tell your grandparents about it, as well as your local
magazines, newspapers, and so on.
Who Should I call?
Check out your newspapers. Is there a section called 'Life' or some sort of special interests? What about the travel section? Use your imagination. If you can imagine a story like the ones on the press page being in there, you've found the right paper. If it's radio or television, does your local news have small 3 minute special interest stories? I bet they do! All you need to do now is get a phone number or email address. I think it's best to call and talk and then follow up with an email.
Scan through the paper and see if you can find the phone number. Finding the number on their "Contact Us" section of the website is probably the easiest way. Once you have the phone number, it's time to give them a ring and let them know what's up.
Or, you can use one of these links:
Sample Phone Call
Ok, so you want to know what to say when you get someone from the New York Times on the phone? Lol, no problem. Here's your handy-dandy example:
Media Person
- RING, RING, RING - Hello?
You
Hi, this is Kris Kringle over here in East Somewhereville. I'm a reader/listener of your newspaper/television station. I've never done this before, but I wanted to talk with someone about a story of potential interest. It has to do with a wacky idea I heard about on the internet and how I've become involved in. I think a lot of our fellow listeners/readers would find it very interesting, especially if they are into traveling. Who do you think I should talk with about this?
Media Person
OK. You need to talk with Kathy Smyth in the XYZ department. She's a reporter. Can we have her call you back? Can you call her at 555-5555? (they call you back or you call them back)
-or-
This is Kathy Smyth. Please, go on, tell me about it.
You
Ok, it's called the CouchSurfing Project. It's this new website that I'm now a member of that allows you to get in touch with people all over the world and then go surf their couches.
Media Person
Whoa! What in the heck is surfing a couch? Does this have to do with watching television??
You
<<laughing>> No, it would seem like that based on the name, huh? It's actually exactly the opposite of watching TV. It's a cultural travel exchange network. Essentially you travel to people's houses in other countries and sleep on their couches. Crazy huh?
Media Person
<<laughing>> Wow, that is kinda crazy...
You
Yeah, totally! Let me read you a small paragraph from the site that describes it better:
What is CouchSurfing?
CouchSurfing.org helps you make connections worldwide. You can use the network to meet people and then go and surf other members couches! When you surf a couch, you are a guest at someone's house. They will provide you with some sort of accommodation, a penthouse apartment, or maybe a back yard to pitch your tent in. Stays can be as short as a cup of coffee, a night or two, or even a few months or more. When you offer your couch, you have complete control of who visits. The possibilities are endless and completely up to you.
So, that's the description from the site. I thought that other listeners/readers like me might want to know about this thing for several reasons. First off, it's free. The people who started it created the company as a non-profit, so they're not even trying to make money. Second, you can save a ton of money when traveling by staying with people who live where you're going. Third, and most important, it's not just about staying for free. It's about meeting the most interesting people in the world and getting to know what their lives are like.
Media Person
Sounds really interesting! Have you used this website? What was your experience??
You
Well, I have used it. (Or I plan on using it) I must say, it is definitely something interesting... let me tell you... blah, blah, blah...
Media Person
That sure is an interesting story you have there. Would you be willing to do an interview on this? Where can I find more information on this website?
You
I would love to! Do you have an email address? I can email you some links to various pieces of information that may help you more easily do this story...
Media Person
Yes, please email me at cool_reporter@abcmedia.co.xyz. I have a couple more questions... blach? Blah? Blah, blah, blah?
You
Oh yes blah. Blah blah, and also some bladdy blah. Not to mention blah and blahhhhha! Blah?
Media Person
Excellent. I will check out the website and be in touch. Please feel free to email me if you have any thoughts.
You
Sweet! I'll email you with any other thoughts. I'm very excited about this! Talk soon!
Media Person
You
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And that's all there is to it! We've had plenty of people do just this... and the funny thing is that it usually only takes a few minutes... and you get to chat with someone and probably do an interview... and then get a story written about you and CS in your local paper or whatever.
Have fun! Contact us with any questions!
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