Editing New York City (section)

=== References ===
'''Honest, accurate references''' are incredibly important!

You do not have to couchsurf with someone in order to leave a reference. You are encouraged to write a reference whenever you have learned something about a CouchSurfer that will be informative to the community. The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/references.html CS guide to references] gives you more information about when to write a reference and what information to include.

Please remember that reporting a negative experience is not the end of the world. It is normal that not everybody gets along fine and that '''''you are describing your experience for the benefit of others, not judging a person.''''' '''Negative references aren't just for safety issues. They're to give you a better idea of who the person is.''' CS will make every effort to remove any unjustified negative references received in retaliation for having left a negative reference. The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/mdst_faq.html#DeleteRef Member Disputes FAQ] has more information about when CS will remove a reference.

Doing the right thing in reporting a negative experience honestly will not create insurmountable problems, and '''''the clean conscience of not sharing responsibility for seriously bad things happening to other members by far outweighs any inconvenience.'''''

Reporting CSers who behave inappropriately, including but not limited to offensive, violent or sexually inappropriate behavior, who steals from you or engages in any other disturbing conduct, is required by our [http://www.couchsurfing.org/terms.html terms of use]. You must immediately report such person to the appropriate authorities and to us by [http://www.couchsurfing.org/contact.html contacting us] and choosing "Problem with Another Member.”