Video: Checking-in as a Form of Social Currency

• August 15, 2010
• 32 Comments

In part six of a series of conversations that explore the state and future of social media, Chris Beck, founder of 26dottwo (@26dottwo), and I check-in with FourSquare and other geo-location networks. We review how these location-based networks open new channels and dynamics for online and offline connections. We also examine the nuances of “checking-in” as a form of social currency and implied endorsement. Essentially, there are cultural and economical aspects with tying your “personal brand” to the locales you visit. You lend your reputation and audience and over time, you will be increasingly rewarded for doing so. More on that subject here, “FourSquare Means Business: Have You Check-In Yet?”

Foursquare Means Business: Have you checked-in yet?

• July 9, 2010
• 132 Comments

Are you playing Foursquare? Are you “going out” with Gowalla? Are you looped in with Loopt?

Location-based services are once again changing the face of social networking. Where relationships were once at the center of user experience, in the Golden Triangle of mobile, social, and real-time interaction, “places” take center stage and corresponding  activities and rewards become the cast and crew of the production.