Practicum 2 - Kim

For the past week, I have been using Foursquare everyday, checking into various venues both on and off campus. Despite my incessant use, I have not earned any new badges and “Hannah M.” ousted me as the mayor of Ingraham Hall. Luckily, Foursquare sends a friendly e-mail informing you about the bad news:

Sorry for the bad news, but Hannah has just ousted you as mayor of Ingraham Hall!

Don't take it too hard - a few more check-ins and you could be back on top...




Good Luck!

Your friends @ foursquare

I have to say, that e-mail ruined my day. I never thought I would become so addicted to a simple mobile application. I have been trying to obtain the title of mayor ever since I was ousted on October 5^th. I have been passionately devoted to Foursquare and have consequently learned many new things about this mobile application.

While Foursquare is primarily a locative service application and website, it can also be used as a social network in which people can interact and collaborate knowledge. Last week, I mentioned the “shout” option, which allows people to attach a short comment or thought to a check-in. For example, when my friend Roxanne S. checks into the local library at her school, she shouts “midterms” and when I check into my apartment building at the end of the day, I shout “home sweet home.” Anyone who is friends with me on Foursquare can see this shout. Unlike Twitter, Facebook, or other social networking sites, a friend cannot respond to the shout – they can merely view it. Moreover, I cannot shout “@” someone or tag a friend in a shout. Although Foursquare is a social network, synchronous communication with friends is almost impossible.

Since we began this project, I have only been using Foursquare on my mobile device. However, there is a Foursquare website that includes a variety of options for Foursquare users. For example, on the Foursquare website, users can view newly crowned mayors near Madison, WI (or whatever city you’re currently in), friends recent check-ins, and the Foursquare store. Yes, that’s right, a Foursquare store where users can purchase a Foursquare logo t-shirt, an “I Heart Badges” t-shirt, or a mayor crown t-shirt. Currently, users can vote for the next limited edition badge t-shirt design. If you’re interested in buying a Foursquare shirt or voting on the next big design, here is the link:

http://store.foursquare.com