In a town where there are too many places to go, too many decisions to make, and too many people to see, a new social networking site could change the way you see Athens. Foursquare – a site that combines geotagging and networking – has recently opened up its parameters to Athens and the rest of the world, as opposed to a handful of major cities. The main idea is for people to check in to Foursquare from their phones wherever they are, whether it’s a restaurant, store, park, or anything with an address! Foursquare has apps for the iPhone and Android (they’re working on one for Blackberry), but cell phone users can also text to a code to check in by typing @[name of venue].
So, why would you want to use Foursquare? Foursquare makes it really easy to leave reviews (called “Tips”). If you want to find out what local people recommend, find the venue on Foursquare and check out the Tips. It can also automatically recommend places that you’re close to if you’re using a smart phone. If you don’t have time, add the recommendation to your To-Do List and come back later! Foursquare can also link up with your Facebook or Twitter so your friends can see what you’re up to.
The most fun parts about Foursquare though, are Badges and Mayors. The more cool things you check in to Foursquare, the more points you earn. Points add up to badges, and there can be different badges for different types of check-ins. Say you hit the gym 10 days out of the month. You’ve officially become a Gym Rat! Travel much? You’re sure to get the JetSetter badge for checking into an airport 5 times. And if you’re a true Pizzaiolo, you’ve eaten at 20 different pizza places! Right now, I only have the Newbie badge, but hopefully after a month or so of checking in, I’ll have more.
Still, you might be an avid regular at either Mellow Mushroom, Your Pie, or Gumby’s and achieving a Pizzaiolo badge might not be in the stars for you. That’s okay, because if you check in from one venue more than anyone else ever, you have officially become the MAYOR of that venue. What does that mean for you? Right now in Athens, not much besides bragging rights. However, in many cities where Foursquare has already caught on and been established, the venues will give special discounts to their respective Mayors! As a city, I challenge everyone to run for Mayor! Of anywhere! The more popular Foursquare becomes, the more fun it is for us. So go to your favorite restaurant, check in, and work on that campaign.
By: Cassidy Hoffman
Category : Tools
Author: Cassidy (10 Articles)