Has anyone tried Airbnb?Reader submitted

I've read a few articles about 'the sharing economy' and 'couch surfing', which have led me to www.airbnb.co.nz. Effectively you put your house or even just a room up on the site as being available to rent, and travellers can rent your house/room instead of staying at hotels.

I thought it sounded like a great way to meet locals and experience cultures properly – and in theory should be a lot cheaper – so am planning on using it when I next head overseas. I also have a spare room myself so have listed it on the site.

I'm interested to know if anyone has used it before and what their experience has been.