Foursquare

Well, some of you out there would already been exposed to this app. I first downloaded in '09 when I won an iPod Touch, and of course NO ONE was on it. :/ So I ended up deleting it. Somehow, it had became more popular now.

You may ask, what is Foursquare, and I am such a private person, what if someone ended up stalking me?!

Well, first thing first, Foursquare is a local based social networking site where it allows users to "check-in" to the place they are at using the mobile's GPS service. You have the option to enable the "check-in" to other social networking sites like twitter and facebook which instantly update their respective status. So, be sure to choose your option and friends wisely (no stalkers i.e.)


What use is there for me?
It is primarily to let your friends to know where you are at that moment, and you may or may disclose your location when you "check-in" as well. Great use if you want to pop your friend a surprise!

For me, it is great when I am at a new restaurant, or cafe and I can use the great tips added by users to give me a knowledge of what is frequently ordered and make the right choice by avoiding the unappetising ones. Or if a particular shopping mall has free 1st hour parking or which hairstylist is better at REDs!

Singapore can run out of 'happening' places pretty quickly as well. Your friends' "check-ins" update you where's new and what's hot. It helps you find new ways to explore your city.

You are able to add tips to each venue you "check-in" and those tips act as your little notes for that venue. You will never forget what was that delicious chicken dish you had the last time!

What's in for a blogger?
You have the status and the name online, you are the cool and savvy kid. You are always on the look-out for new, and exciting things for your readers. This is the app for you!

Like the last page of Cleo, you always read about the Cleo girls and envy them cause they get to see, touch, photograph and sometimes wear those trendy stuff.

Same for a blog reader, they want to know where you frequent, eat, drink, party, or shop at the place, at the moment. If they don't, they wont already be reading your blog anyways.


What use is there for business owners?
Mayors (explained later) of the venue unlock a treasure box of freebies! - free icecream, free hotel stays, free manicure, etc.

Think it us a loyalty program for your store, the mayor will automatically be your VIP. So shower them with more love and they will keep coming back to you!

On a personal note, I think it would be lovely to see the mayor's name on the wall of the cafes, akin to the 'Staff of the Month' award at fast-food joints. Wouldn't it be lovely to have your name plastered on your favourite hangout place? ;)

Example of an event for the mayors of Sydney: CLICK HERE

What are those badges, points and mayor titles all about?
Honestly, I am not too well-versed with that either. I seek for wikipedia and foursquare assistance.
From my understanding, for every foursquare "check-in" earns you points. And points unlock badges.

Some cities have city-specific badges that can only be earned in a specific city. Foursquare has, however, changed the way they handle badges, and now when a user gains a badge, he or she has the same badges across all cities. Once a badge is earned by a player, it will remain on that user's profile indefinitely.
The Foursquare staff are very secretive about how to unlock many badges. There are a handful of introductory badges that are earned as milestones in usage. Some badges are tied to venue "tags" and the badge earned depends on the tags applied to the venue. Other badges may be specific to a city, venue, event, or date. Some badges utilize identical icons, but are earned differently. There are a few badges that are named similarly, but applied differently, specifically Far Far Away, Trifecta and I'm on a Boat.

And to be a mayor, means you have too much on hands cause you hang out at that place the most number of times amongst everyone else!

How should Foursquare be used?
Like the primary use of this gadget, it is to shout out to your friends where you frequent and inevitably hint that you are super happening and always on-the-go. Therefore, one should never reveal and "check-in" when you are at home, unless of course you want to be stalked by your secret admirer with a bouquet of flowers. I do hope that he is your prince charming.

This sounds awesome, how can I get it?
To my knowledge, it is available on android, blackberry, iPhone and palm mobile devices. Or else above, you are better off surfing from your mobile browser at www.m.foursquare.com 

Have fun!