Foursquare is not a bad thing

I am a Foursquare player since January of this year.  It has been in the news. Some people say that it is dangerous. I think it is a great way to throw a spot light on local businesses. If used in moderation, it can be fun!

What is Foursquare? You can check it out here. It is a GPS (global positioning system) game that works with Iphone, Android, and Blackberry. You can also use your mobile web browser if you do not have any of those devices (click here for more info about how to use Foursquare). You can tell your friends where you are, see where they are if they are “checked in” there.

Yes Tweeting too much information could help criminals. WKYC ran a story on this recently. I do not “check in” on Foursquare when I go to the bank, go on vacation or go to the doctor.

People need to use common sense.  Do not eat the entire bag of potato chips! Do not play with fire! Do not spit into the wind!

When I see my friends “checked in” on Foursquare, I think of them and notice the location. One “check-in” might remind me that I would like to go to that restaurant sometime or that I need to call a friend about a project!

I do not check in everywhere! Sometimes I forget or sometimes I do not want to publicize where I am. There is an “off the grid” option where you can “check in” but not tell anyone where. This way you still earn points and badges no ones knows where you are.

Speaking of  badges, they are fun to earn. I was on a boat one evening for a meeting and earned a “I’m on a Boat” badge.  I was at a Cleveland Indian’s game one day recently and received a Swarm Badge. More than 50 people had “checked in” at the game. The badges you earn may surprise you!

It is also fun to be awarded with a Mayorship! You become a mayor when you check in at a location more than someone else in the last 60 days. I am the mayor of quite a few places in my neck of the woods, because there are not that many players. But that is changing. And lately I have been getting “ousted as mayor.” But I do not get upset because it is more fun playing if there are others checking in also!

If you are adding a location that is not on Foursquare, you can put them on the map! I have seen businesses with Foursquare landing pages appear in Google results!

Some people post on Twitter and Facebook every time they “check in.” I only have it go to Twitter and Facebook if I become Mayor or unlock a badge. There are always exceptions to my own rules, I have the option on my phone to post on Twitter and Facebook if I am some place super cool.

Speaking of Twitter and Facebook, you can add your accounts to your Foursquare profile and gain more followers. I use this strategy to find local people. If you want to find local people in your city on Twitter, go to your local cinema and see who has “checked in.” If they have a Twitter account you can follow them.

Businesses are starting to get the hang of the new tool and are using it to award mayors of their establishments with discounts and free sodas.

Are you using Foursquare? You can be my friend on Foursquare here.

If you are not, why not?

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