Foursquare

1. Foursquare Here, there and everywhere

2. Terms • Geosocial networking: is a type of social networking in which geographic services and capabilities such as geocoding and geotagging are used to enable additional social dynamics.Allow social networks to connect and coordinate users with local people or events that match their interests. • Location-based service: an information and entertainment service, accessible with mobile devices through the mobile network and utilizing the ability to make use of the geographical position of the mobile device

3. What it is • Foursquare is a location-based social networking website, software for mobile devices. • Users "check-in" at venues using a mobile website, text messaging or a device-specific application. • They are then awarded points and sometimes "badges." • The service was created in 2009 by Dennis Crowley and Naveen Selvadurai; Crowley had previously founded the similar project Dodgeball, which Google bought in 2005 and shut down in 2009, replacing it with Google Latitude.

4. Device/App Integration • Users can choose to have their check-ins posted on their accounts on Twitter, Facebook or both. • In version 1.3 of their iPhone application, Foursquare enabled push-notification of friend updates, which they call "Pings.“ • Users can also earn badges by checking in at locations with certain tags, for check-in frequency or for other patterns such as time of check-in.

5. Partnerships • Foursquare is beginning to show its potential marketing function • In February 2010, the company entered into new commercial partnerships with Zagat, Bravo, Conde Nast, The New York Times and several other firms to offer tips, specials and new badges to followers. • In September of 2010 Foursquare announced version 2.0 of its check-in app which helps to direct users to new locations and activities, rather than just sharing their location with friends. • Users can post “tips” on a location (i.e. venue reviews, what to order at a restaurant, etc.)

6. Advertising, the FTC and Foursquare • In 2009, the Federal Trade Commission published new guidelines regarding the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising on social media sites • New guidelines state that any mention of a product or service on a blog or social media site that involves remuneration in cash or kind represents a paid endorsement that must be disclosed • Could limit Foursquare’s (and Facebook’s) new efforts to tie reward programs with retailers to users of the service

7. Gaming Function • Badges are earned by checking into various venues. • When a user gains a badge, he or she has the same badges across all cities. Badges remain on that user's profile indefinitely. • The Foursquare staff are very secretive about how to unlock many badges. Some are earned based on usage (Mayor). Others can be earned by following Twitter for tips: specifically Far Far Away, Trifecta and I'm on a Boat. • On September 23, 2010, Foursquare announced that users can now earn badges for completing tasks as well as checking in.[ • On October 22, 2010, Astronaut Doug Wheelock unlocked the NASA Explorer badge from 220 miles above Earth traveling at 17,500 mph. • HOW TO: Become a Foursquare Power User

8. Privacy Issues • In February 2010, a site known as Please Rob Me was launched • Please Rob Me scrapes data from public Twitter messages that have been pushed through Foursquare • The purpose of the site is to raise awareness about revealing too much information.