Facebook and Twitter are social applications, a place to communicate what and when you want to, without obligation. Unless of course, you are one of those who is addicted to Farmville, Bejeweled, or Scrabble.
On the other hand, Foursquare, with its points system for check-ins, injects competition into ones comings and goings. And that was my beef with it.
I tend to go to more Foursquare-able establishments for business rather than pleasure. When I do hit up a restaurant or bar for social reasons, it’s a treat, and not only do I not always want everyone to know where I am, but also, I don’t want to spare even 25 seconds to check-in. 25 seconds can be more like 60 seconds when it involves cursing that the connection sucks while I wait for the name of the establishment du jour to pull up.
So after a few weeks of Foursquare usage, I initially rejected it as a social network that doesn’t work for me. As a business marketing tool, sure it has efficacy. As an application that enhances my life? Nope.
However, like any strong opinion, my Foursquare opinion has always been open to reversal. This week, I’m considering doing just that, or at least tweaking my policy for these reasons:
1) I don’t need to be a mayor, but I do want to see who else is attending the same events as I am. Occasionally.
2) If I don’t check in, at least occasionally, I won’t build a friend list that will be useful when I attend conferences like PDF, SXSW, and others.
3) Foursquare is here to stay, and I’m brainstorming many political and public affairs uses. Brainstorming is enhanced by at least occasional use of the application.
4) I’ve heard I can get free Starbucks — or at least that’s what they say.
and finally, the main reason:
5) C-SPAN has teamed up with Foursquare to offer an enhanced DC tourist experience, providing more information and media assets about particular locales when you check in around the city. I’m not a tourist, but I am a U.S. history and DC nerd. SCORE!
So back to Foursquare I go. I even friended Anna Handzlik the other day.
