I just read a very interesting article in the NY Times about a social networking site with a very strange, unique niche.

Their mission statement: "Participate in creating a better world, one couch at a time."

The idea: Members agree to allow other member's to surf their couches, that is, offer their couches for free and show the member a night in the town. The idea is to promote hospitality, companionship, and knowledge in foreign areas.

The site is actually doing well (obviously if it is appearing in the Times.)

Would you ever do something like this? The thought of crashing in a strangers house and sleeping on the couch is a little weird...but is a cheap way to experiment in other cultures! The articles speaks of someone who took a full tour of Europe via this social networking site!

Here is a link to the entire article if anyone is interested:

http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/09/20...rEGXRek64iY5IQ