To Foursquare or Not to Foursquare: A Cynic's View

So I finally caved as I sat in an NYC diner enjoying breakfast by myself yesterday, where I was spending the day to work.  I downloaded Foursquare to my Blackberry.  If you're unsure as to why this makes news when, in October there were already 60, 000 Foursquare users, I'll tell you.  I'm the one who replies "so what?" when you check in somewhere and it shows up on your Twitter feed.  I'm the one who congratulates you with my tongue stuck in my cheek when you publicize your newfound mayorship status on the Internet.  Admittedly, I've been anti-Foursquare since I became aware of it, because, at least on the surface, it seems like yet another annoying passing social media fad.

But I might be wrong.  Because Foursquare is now not just showing up in my Twitter followers feeds, but my social-media savvy friends are doing it too.  And in an Internet where there's a lot of shit to sift through, anything that sticks is worth at least a peek.

Soo I'm peeking.  I created my account, but other than a few rest-stops and my own bed, I haven't been anywhere in the past 12 hours worth noting.  But here is what I have noticed during my preliminary look:

It's not simply about telling the world where you're at, in essence, begging your neighborhood burglars to pay you a visit while you enjoy pizza at the local Bertucci's (which is still a possibility).  Once you "check-in", or allow the program to grab your location (by GPS, I assume), it tells you what else is around your location.  It also gives you tips about your location, like "order the mozzarella sticks - they're divine" or "ask for Bryan at the bar.  He's hot."  (I made that up but wouldn't that be good?)

I've also noticed that once you check-in somewhere enough times, you earn status there and can earn yourself free stuff like drinks, coffee, whathaveyou.  But of course, I'm not even the town jester yet since I have barely used it.  But I will.  And you know I'll be back with a full report.

If any of you have tips, tricks, comments or anything regarding Foursquare, I'm listening.

Updated on 3/13: Well, two days and one check-in later, Foursquare quit on my BlackBerry and refused to "load."  Since I was no closer to being sold on the idea of providing the general public with my whereabouts (no matter how boring), I gave up.  now how to uninstall this app... 

Comments

[Molly]

I'm a big baffled by the appeal, too. But then again I also feel like no one would really want to know that I went to work, to daycare, and back home again and again and again.

[Jessica]

I don't go anywhere, that is the problem. Or I go to the same four places and I know everything that is around there since I'm in that same place so much