Time and time again, when I am talking to someone about the geolocational apps that are out there which, may I add are growing exponentially and are fun and informative, someone utters the phrase “WHO CARES WHERE I AM?” or “WHO CARES WHAT I AM DOING”.
I feel I need to make this clear, yes, there is a social aspect to foursquare, as there is with all types of ‘Social Media’ but foursquare, Gowalla, Facebook checkins, Getglued, MISO, etc are all programs that are more about your opinion than what you are doing or where you are.
Sharing your favourite place to get coffee in the Adelaide Central Market is informative and educational. It is great as a consumer to know that the service at the Commonwealth bank on King William street is shocking but the customer service is outstanding on Hutt Street.
Us geolocational users are not stalkers who, when you post where you are, are suddenly going to run out, try to track down where you live and steal your entire home’s contents. First that seems like too much effort and second you use a screen name and not your personal name anyway.
We are a community of people that like to share our opinions whether it be through sitting with a bunch of friends talking about the restaurant we went to last night, or complaining through your facebook status that you have waiting 1 hour while the lady behind the counter at the Department of Motor Vehicles is putting on her lipstick. We like to know and we are interested.
The more user generated comments and checkins the better I say. With many corporations in the USA, South East Asia and China offering great rewards to check in to foursquare at their location, ranging from a free upgrade of fries with your order to 20% of your tee shirt at the GAP. These are all bonuses for joining the community and talking to your fellow man.
Adelaide is still way behind but, currently I am on Pirie Street and there are 8 rewards near me and that ain’t bad.
I always say, try first, learn and understand but, if you are not ready that’s cool, I just hope you now understand a bit better, why some of us do checkin.
