How I Use Foursquare

Lately I’ve been getting an unusual amount of Foursquare* request to connect with people. Most of the people sending the requests, unfortunately, will find that I’m ignoring it.

That’s probably because either I don’t know you well enough, or I don’t recognize your user name.

So before you go sending me or anyone else a Foursquare invitation, here’s my thoughts and personal guidelines for using Foursquare.

• I won’t connect if I don’t know you.

Letting people know where I am is rather personal. Not only do I want to avoid telling my whereabouts to the wrong people, but it’s also a security issue.

It’s easy to notice patterns and stock people if you have them as a Foursquare friend… not that I do that…

Also, sometimes I get an invitation from very common names like “Bill M.” without any more information. Could you please give me a heads up on your identity or something?

• I only Check In on Foursquare when..

…I arrive at a public event where social media is a theme; e.g. If I arrive at the YWCA for an International Internet Marketing Association (IIMA) event.

…I’m bored and want my connections to know that I’m around and available to have a chat; e.g. I’m at a coffee shop down town, studying.

…I arrive at a new place like a restaurant or museum and want to promote it.

…I’m at a place where my “Mayorship” was recently taken away from me.

…a special Foursquare occasion or working towards a badge; e.g. to unlock the “swarm” badge you need to be in a place with 50 other check-ins.

• Equally important, I do not Check In on Forsquare when…

…I arrive at my house or workplace, except when one of the reasons above apply.

…every time I go out.

…I’m with an engaging group of people who don’t know what Foursquare is.

…I’m on a date, unless my date checks in first.

There. That’s my take on Foursquare.

Let me know if I miss something.

*For those of you who are unfamiliar with Foursquare, it is one of the newly claimed to fame social media. It’s main idea is to let people know where you are by “checking in” to different places. There’s also a bit of game to it; you to win “badges” as you go and do different things.

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