Foursquare: Not just an old playground game

Confession: In the last week, I’ve become a little obsessed with Foursquare. I initially decided to avoid using Foursquare for my project because I thought you needed a Smart Phone app. However, I recently learned that as long as you have internet access on your phone, you can check-in on Foursquare. A check-in is how you tell followers where you are. Internet check-ins are not as easy as using a smart phone app, but it will still serve the purpose.

In 5 days I have checked-in 14 times and earned 3 badges.

My three badges are:

• Newbie Badge: earned after your first check-in
• Adventurer: earned after checking-in at 10 different locations
• Crunked: earned after checking-in at 4 different locations in 1 night

Here is a list of active Foursquare badges available: http://www.4squarebadges.com/foursquare-badge-list/active-badges/

You can check-in where ever: restaurants, stores, parks, academic buildings on campus. And if the location does not already exist on Foursquare, you can create a new venue. I created a venue for the office building I work in. I should be the mayor in no time! (You become “mayor” by checking-in at a location more times than anyone else.)

You can also add “tips” to inform other users about your favorite places. I have added two tips so far. Then there is a “To-Do” list for things others have done that you’d like to do. I added the UW Arboretum to my To-Do list.

Speaking of, the UW is one of few universities to get on-board with Foursquare. See here for UW related check-ins and to-dos. http://foursquare.com/uwmadison Rumor has it there is even a “Campus Explorer” badge.

If you have more questions, feel free to ask during our Collective Intelligence presentation tomorrow. I’ll do my best to answer!