Don’t want to read this page? Click here to download Black Book #001 FREE right now!
Hey there!
I know I’m supposed to sell this Black Book right now even though it’s completely free (click here to download it without even submitting your e-mail address), but you know what?
This is too close to my heart for me to “sell it.”
Here’s the deal:
The contents inside Ridiculously Extraordinary Black Book #001 changed my life.
No joke.
This Black Book is about CouchSurfing.
RE Black Books are Special Ops guides on unique topics.
Classified information for Ridiculously Extraordinary People.
No unnecessary photos.
No unnecessary designs.
No bullshit.
If it wasn’t for CouchSurfing I’d probably be at home living a sad existence…wasting money on cars, clothes, cable TV and other things that don’t matter.
Instead of all that drab, I’m writing this from beautiful Franz Josef, New Zealand. Just 1 stop in my tour of the world.
I would not be here enjoying my Ridiculously Extraordinary Freedom if not for that fateful day 2+ years ago that I became a CouchSurfer.
I honestly believe CouchSurfing can affect your life as positively as it has affected mine.
I can’t put it any better than that.
Download Ridiculously Extraordinary Black Book #001 by clicking here now!
By the way, I don’t believe in writing a bunch of fluff and filler to make my writing seem more extravagant. This Black Book is pure content.
Thank you!
Karol Gajda
P.S. After you’re done reading “How To Travel Anywhere In The World, Live With Locals, and Enjoy Outstanding Experiences By CouchSurfing!” please let me know what you think in the comments below. Any feedback, whether positive or negative, is welcome and appreciated.
Great book! Easy to read and informative. I see you changed your travel plans and are not going to Singapore in Jan? India looks great too!
Hey Randall,
Thank you! Yeah, I’ll write about the change in plans next Friday. :)
Karol
Yeah, I would say that you are missing out on some wonderful fish head curry but your a vegetarian! I mean in Singapore of course. The Tiger beer will miss you though!
how do I convince my bf to do it? he thinks it’s dangerous and such and for cheapos and also if you don’t like the place or person it could be awkward and difficult to get out of the situation isn’t it? Anyway don’t think too much about my question coz I’m almost certain I won’t try persuading him..
And have you read this? http://www.roadjunky.com/article/2303/couchsurfing-can-also-be-kinda-crap
It was a little depressing.
If he needs convincing then he’s not a candidate for it. It’s really as simple as that. It’s not for everybody. Only Ridiculously Extraordinary People…like yourself. ;)
As far as the link: again, it’s not for everybody.
39 pages of couchsurfing juicyness! Amazing! looking forward to reading it.
Thanks Alex! Let me know what you think after you read it. :)
Thank you so much for this.
This is what I want to do (couchsurfing, traveling), more than anything.
I am going to get started ASAP, just need to get this pesky college education out of the way. :)
Thanks again, super informative. Really got me excited.
Hey Caleb,
Thanks man! You can get started before you finish College! Weekend trips, CS Groups, etc. :)
Karol
Congratulations on getting your book out! Looks like a great read – I’m going to download now.
Thanks Carmen! I hope you like it!
My girlfriend and I are location independent (currently in Melbourne) and are interested in looking into the possibility of couchsurfing. I’ve just downloaded your book and am looking forward to reading it.
Thanks,
Dave
Hi Dave,
Let me know how it goes if you end up CouchSurfing!
Karol
Excellent how-to guide!! :) I’ve been a host to almost 1000 couchsurfers and it’s completely changed my life for the better :) I actually write to convince more people to host, since the benefits to travellers are apparent. For example, it’s an excellent means to learn languages for free.
Great tips – you outlined all the things that so many people requesting a couch from me need to learn!!!
Keep up the good work! Look out for my couch (it changes location every 2-3 months ;)
Hey Benny,
Thanks man! Hosting is awesome too, but when you’re traveling it’s kinda hard. :) I might release a short Black Book about how to be a good host and why people should host.
Karol
Hi Karol,
Great book, thanks for giving me the chance to see it early and hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did.
For anyone that thinks they’ve already researched couchsurfing and thinks there will be nothing new in this book: I thought something similar and this book was fantastic. Not only is it from someone who has truly experienced couchsurfing but it made me think about a lot of things I would never have considered. Definately worth a read, I’m sure you’ll pick up some great hints no matter how much you think you know about couchsurfing.
Hey Chris,
Thanks again for taking an early look and giving me quick feedback. :)
Karol
I just read your book and loved it. I’m a college student that is really getting the travel itch. I’ve made plenty of short trips, but I’m really looking to make an extended trip soon. Maybe after I graduate.
Ive always been curious about couchsurfing and this guide was extremely helpful. I fully plan on using the advice you wrote about. Thanks and keep these awesome posts coming! Look forward to your next little black book
Hey Austin,
Thanks for posting. Good to hear the Black Book was helpful. :) Let me know how it goes when you start couchsurfing (which you can do over weekends in Texas too!).
Karol
P.S. Austin, TX is my favorite city!
Downloaded the ebook and will read it shortly. Looks like you have a lot to share, really looking forward to it. :-)
Hey, for anyone who is new to or considering CS this book is a great summary/intro!
‘
Great work, Karol.
Hey, Karol, Your book talks the importance of feedback to the CS community. However I almost NEVER see a negative feedback (Like in all the time I’ve CSed I’ve seen 1-2 negative comments). I personally have never had a negative experience but have only surfed 4 times. It seems like to few and if people are unwilling to leave bad comments it will just lead to others repeating those sucky things.
To that end, you never left any negative (or even neutral) feedback for the Aussie city ambassador with the filthy place and non-closing windows? Why not?
Jason.
You will see negative feedback eventually, but it’s true that not enough people (women especially) leave negative feedback that they should.
As far as my experience: I believe negative feedback should be left for unsafe situations not if somebody is dirty.
Hey Karol, excellent book, thank you so much for taking the time to write it. It’s invaluable to see your strategies and I love your whole blog. I’m planning my own extended travel/work stint now (in part inspired by you), and I have a few questions.
I’m a social introvert too, so I like people but I really need my alone time to feel sane. I’m afraid never having my own space while traveling for a long time will make me nuts. How do you deal with this?
I also could theoretically work from my laptop anywhere in the world, but I feel that could get tricky. How many hours a week do you work? Do you have trouble getting new gigs after your current ones are done, because people think you’re on vacation? Do you ever struggle with switching between the on-vacation/on-the-job mindset? I’m interested in any tips you have.
Rachel
Hey, Karol:
I couldn’t agree more- what a fantastic network to be apart of! I just posted about your eBook on my blog. Thanks again for your contribution to mine- I’ll keep you posted!
Enjoy India, and I’ll catch you soon-
Mark
Thanks for posting about it Mark! Looking forward to your eBook!
Buenas!
Thank you so much for the e-book. (Mark P pointed me your way.)
My POV – I’ve been a member of CS since three weeks past its inception. A pretty long time. I am passionate about CS and it has likewise changed my life tremendously. http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/rose
Feedback: The book is straightforward. I really like it. It’s perfect for the beginner.
Critique:
I encourage you to include more embedded links.
Page 1 – Your CS profile.
Groups (in both places mentioned)
A link to the Safety page.
SxSW (There’s no explanation of what this is.)
I completely disagree with your statement that one never should host with a member who has a negative reference.
I have 169 friends, 34 vouches, and one negative reference. Based on this alone, odds are that I’m a decent person.
Reading the negative comment both he and I left, clearly we have discrepancies in our experience of one another. I did make it clear in my reference – he took advantage of me.
Fully reading the negative reference, and the implications of it, is necessary before judging a member as an unfit match.
You stated that when someone replies “no” to your CS hospitality request you do not reply – I believe it is common courtesy to do so if they took the time to reply to you.
Consider including how you have income: Did you save before your trip? Do you do freelance? Do you have residual income? This is a secret every traveler wants to know. (HOW does he afford buying so much for his hosts???)
Thanks for asking for feedback!
I wish you the very very bestest, and an extraordinary life every day –
Miss Rose
http://www.rosebark.blogspot.com
http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/rose
Thanks for your suggestions Rose!
I definitely need to add more links.
As far as negative references: you and I both know that somebody with lots of vouches, lots of positive references, and one negative reference is probably OK. But this guide is for the absolute newbie. I’m sticking to my suggestion: when you’re starting out stay away from people with negatives.
I’ll update the eBook soon with some of your suggestions! :)
Karol
Thanks for the book, I just read it and it´s really simple and well explained. I´ll for surelly want to read your next black book. Your shit is really easy and interesting. Congratulations!
Thank you Marilia! Glad you enjoyed it and I hope it spurs you to go surf some couches. :)