Is Couchsurfing's transition to a B Corp good or bad for the community? Responses from Shareable's readers
Malcolm Harris's article last week about Couchsurfing's transition from a non-profit model to a B Corporation inspired much debate about the implications for the service's community in both the original post's comments and on our Facebook page. Here are some of the top comments from Facebook:
Comments
Michael wrote on 09.07.11, 4:25am:
B-Corp is a meaningless corporate-washing status that is only legally binding in a small number of US states. If Casey.F really wanted a non-profit alternative, there were options available. From asking the membership for funding in exchange for stock, or simply funding (i.e. Wikipedia) to moving to another legal juristriction (France, Germany where where is a stronger legal basis for non-profits), he could have done so. He took this decision without community input. If the B-Corp standard is so socially responsible. why don't the members know:
- Who are the shareholders of Couchsurfing International Inc.?
- Which venture capitalists, employees have been assigned what proportion of equity at what value?
- Who is Chairman of the Board of Directors?
Mike
cartier wrote on 10.23.11, 7:55pm:
Intoxicating
cartier rollerball pen such as the Hanging Gardens.rchid attributes a delicate, sexy, the brand new cartier pen refill/a>, re-interpretation within of the mysterious deep psychological orchids. Orchid straight down to earth just like a fairy, while in the program of its amazing bloom, steadily distribution of magic. cartier trinity pen provides the plant kingdom Touch of Zen, the ever-changing come upon of pollen and stunning white, purple adds its charm. relocating flowers decorated with cartier diablo pen , rubies, sapphires, red-colored tourmaline, etc., warm stones and stylish backdrop in sharp contrast toward the energetic cartier pen illed with light.Platinum, gold and beneficial stones produced of real flowers, experienced master carving away from your cartier watches uk , not merely the attitude, Zhehen vivid lifelike, the flowers blooming in the depths and beauty, but in add-on the all round performance to life. Some designs use type design replica cartier watches is extremely simple; other people imitate real flowers, all the particulars in just about every feasible way. cartier tank watch for men as effectively demonstrated the art work of each sides, there are specific, there are abstract.Reset orchid ring, protruding flowers make this ring additional sexy. all round in platinum and Cartier Mens Watches carved, flower-shaped pillow areas reduce ruby and diamond good reduce bright, glittering treasures, like a vibrant center stop.Ever-changing treasures orchids cartier love necklaces ,brooch in to a necklace from. Drilling from the lumination within of the calyx getting mounted, hanging a string of ruby tears, as well as a pear-shaped diamond dotting. three ruby bead necklace composed of oblique cartier diamond necklace , brewing glimpse within of the magical effects.
There's nothing wrong with being a socially and environmental business -- on the contrary, we need far more such businesses. If a worthy enterprise like couchsurfing can do a better job undermining the corporate hotel machine as a business than as a non-profit, they're thoroughly justified in making the switch.
I spent my entire young adult life as a dogmatic anti-capitalist who shunned all things commercial. It's now apparent to me that such a position is sheer folly and leaves the entire playing field to the nihilistic forces of multi-national corporations. If we can't as a progressive community rally behind green businesses, we should just give up.