demonick.tv™

Those of you who follow me on Twitter, you would sometimes notice me tweeting my location and what am I doing there. This is because I’m on Foursquare, a platform that lets you “check-in” your location and share it with everyone. What so beneficial you might ask? Well, think of it as a directory of places to go, things to do and travel tips for your friends or anyone from out of town who is visiting…sort of like the Lonely Planet guide, only difference is, the content is generated by contributors and users of the platform. According to Foursquare it’s 50% friend-finder, 30% social cityguide, 20% nightlife game.

BADGES

the badges reminds me back during my scouting days…hehe

One thing I like about Foursquare is that it uses a point system amongst your friends to encourage you to provide more content. Now see those “badges” above? The more different places you recommend or “check-in” the more points you get. If you’re the first one who discover the place and put it in the directory, the more points you get. The more times you “check-in” to one same location, you become “The Mayor” of that location…that is until someone who “checks-in” more times on that location than you. You get the picture right? (think boy scout badges!)

SEARCH & CHECK-IN

When you do a search for say “Mid Valley”, Foursquare will show the above screen. It shows how many of your friends have “checked-in” to the place, and what do they recommend. A great feature is that you can add a “To-do” or “Tips” for the location. It also shows you a Google Map of the location, although depending on how you enter the address when you “check-in”, the maps are sometimes a little off, but not too far off - which is still acceptable. The search also lets you know where your friends are should they “check-in”.

SCORING POINTS

Screenshot above shows the scores between my friends and I. There is another leaderboard that tabulates everyone on Foursquare in Kuala Lumpur. Now in all “kiasu-ness”, my colleagues are always fighting to become “The Mayor” of the office by the number of times you “check-in” to the location. So if one person forgets to “check-in”, then too bad…a new “Mayor” is declared! hahaha..

HOW TO ACCESS?

Right now there are only 3 ways to access and use Foursquare: iPhone App, Android App, and Mobile Web.

CONCLUSIONS

Well, I must say, this is getting rather addictive (and competitive even). I see a lot of potential for it to grow in Kuala Lumpur, provided it is properly used. You must be thinking that now you know my whereabouts, you can stalk me right? Well…technically yes and no. YES, if I “check-in” and it gets broadcasted over my Twitter and Facebook accounts (yea you can update your Facebook status with it), and NO if I “check-in” and select “stay private” function. By selecting that function, your location will not be disclosed in real-time, but the scores will be given for “checking-in”. See they thought of everything so it’s safe! So does it make you want to sign-up for an account too?

My Foursquare profile: http://www.foursquare.com/user/demonick