FourSquare

After all this talk about Foursquare and how people actually get discounts from such an app, I finally decided to get down to discover what on earth everyone was psyched about. I had noticed many people 'checking in' at various places on facebook but thought nothing of it but perhaps a new fb game. After farmville, restaurant city and mafia, it wouldn't be surprising that Foursquare was some sort of new game. Then a good friend from NY came over to visit and brought it up again. Which was when he explained the whole thing and how it worked which got me thinking hey...this is actually a pretty sweet idea. Weird name though....

Ok so how does it work.? Basically, after becoming an user of the program, app, call it what you may. You would carry on with your normal daily life but at certain places of personal interests such as perhaps a favourite cafe or shopping boutique as such, you would go on your phone and find that place of interest and click the button to 'check in'. You basically can check in anywhere wherever you have internet access of course for it checks you in via GPS. So why go through the hassle of checking in at various places? Well, if you check in many times and remain at the top of the statistic board at a particular venue, then you would end up being 'mayor' of the venue which would entitle you to certain benefits. E.g. special discounts or free treats such as a free coffee or meal. The special benefits can be found on your devices. You would be able to see who is mayor of such and such and weirdly enough, you start being rather competitive if you're a regular at a certain place. Such as for me, I would consider myself a regular at Cocomaya which is a bakery/cake shop and I would like to become mayor for it. Hehe. Cakeeesssss. However, mayorship has to be maintained throughout a period of 60 days so yes, anyone can take over your throne at anytime. There is also an option of giving 'Tips' where users have left recommendations or suggestions about certain places which can be useful to others. Guess its sort of like a one line review. Good! Straight to the point. Users can also earn 'Badges' which are literally badges or mini trophies which are attained through different specs. Such as visiting a place this many times or completing certain tasks. This aspect seems to be just a visual and ego booster add on but I guess it can help pass time when bored. 

Its a new and fun app which seems to have attracted the masses. Friends can be linked to the app which is sort of freaky because they would know where you are when you check into a place but regardless, if you keep at it, why not earn a free meal or deal if you can?  =D 

So keep checking in !