Hey Chris! We usually end up being a bit cheaper than Airbnb, since the hosts on here aren’t trying to make a profit, but just cover their costs and meet awesome people.

> ... and meet awesome people

what if I'm not awesome? would the hosts still want to meet me? what if I don't have anything interesting to say and I'm just a mediocre shlub?

You and me both. Let’s start www.staywithshlub.com but in Kansas.

If you want to meet my awesome parents they have some empty bedrooms in their house in Kansas!

Then I guess you can stay in an airbnb or a hotel. Not every product has to be for everyone.

I think you got it wrong. S/he want to meet the founder. But s/he's a schlub.

After few cycles the founders may have lesser incentives to participate.