I wanted to write a quick post about how my first week as a Foursquare user is going. I’ve been curious about it for a while, and this travelogue was a good reason to try it out. As far as new technology goes, I don’t consider myself an early adapter, so I don’t think I would have signed up for Foursquare otherwise right now. I sent out invites to about 7 friends, but only 2 of them signed up. 3 of them ignored the request, and 2 people asked me what it was all about, but when I told them, weren’t really into the idea of telling people where they were (fear of “oversharing”). So, unfortunately, I only have 5 friends on the site right now. 
So this is where Foursquare is lacking for me.
I think this says a lot about the people I socialize with though – one of my friends on it is a graphic designer, and is really into digital culture – he has 35 friends. Another is a computer programmer/digital artist, and he has 15 friends. They both run in circles of “techy” people (who I’m sure mostly have iPhones), ie, people who are probably more aware of new social media/internet developments than others, and are more enthusiastic to try them out. Apparently Foursquare is also really popular with NYC media professionals, according to this New York Magazine article notably titled, “Times Piece Ignores the Fact That Foursquare Is for Boozehounds.”
So it’s important to note that even though Foursquare may be lacking in users, those that are on it are key influencers (and boozehounds?).
I’ve had friends in town all week, so I’ve actually been more social than usual. And I’ve checked-in at every place I’ve gone to. I unlocked 3 badges in a week, and actually found them to be pretty motivating to remember to check-in: The Newbie Badge (which everyone gets for their first check-in), The Local Badge (for checking into one spot 3 times in a week), and The Bender Badge (for checking in 4 nights in a row… though I actually only checked-in 3 nights in a row, so that was confusing).
A small gripe: Unless I’m confused here, when I check into a café or restaurant, as opposed to a bar, it’s still counted in my “Total Nights Out” tally. I think the misleading language should be changed here, especially if they’re trying to expand beyond nightlife. Getting a cup of coffee isn’t a night out, and shouldn’t be counted for receiving a “Bender Badge.”
Other than this, I think I can say I’m a fan of Foursquare so far. It’s very easy to participate once you have the mobile technology, their website and iPhone app are both very user-friendly, their Twitter updates are engaging. This weekend, I even met up with one of my whopping 5 friends because I checked-in at a place on the same street where he was. A Foursquare success!
Will I stay on Foursquare once this travelogue is over? I’m not totally sure yet – the only reason being because I am not the type of person who feels 100% comfortable broadcasting my whereabouts. But I might… I’m a big proponent of new media when it makes real life more interesting, and that’s what Foursquare has the potential to do.
- my “stats”
Possibly Relevant Posts:
- “Checking In” To Foursquare (6) | Alison
- Foursquare: Another hyped start-up, or a valuable social media tool? (5) | Alison
- What’s It Worth? Foursquare and Business Opportunity (5) | Alison
2 Comments
Are there other possible uses for the network, besides connecting with friends? For example, it could possibly be used by law enforcement to trace someone who has gone missing. Have you met anyone who uses Foursquare for another purpose?
i actually met some people at a bar in Willimasburg the other night, and one of them happens to be the “mayor” of this particular bar. That is strange that you could go have a cup of coffee 4 nights in a row and be awarded a “Bender Badge”, some serious misinformation there…haha. It seems like a really cool mobile application and i am consiering joining it! (if they have a blackberry version…)