COMM391 Section 201 Intro
by Kafui Monu
1. Facebook and Foursquare cater to different audiences
1.1. Facebook focuses on connecting with others
1.2. Foursquare is more about getting exclusive offers and telling people where you are
2. Foursquare did well but Places check-in is not as popular, why?
3. New node
4. Group 111
4.1. Foursquare rewards frequent/returning users, but Facebook places did not.
4.2. Due to the fact that many FB users associate FB with "stalking", they may be less reluctant to share their location. Foursquare may seem more safe.
5. Group 113
5.1. People use Foursquare to update where they are; for its places function. Facebook users don't necessarily use Facebook for the places function but many different functions without care for using the places function.
5.1.1. There is a rewards program to using Foursquare beyond just checking in to update where you are.
5.2. You can have people on Facebook that you don't want to know where you are
5.2.1. New node
5.3. Its complicated to turn on the places function on Facebook
5.4. New node
6. Group 114
6.1. Four square is personally downloaded by individuals who are interest in letting only a select group of people know where they are, compared to Facebook where all their friends would have the information
6.2. I think it depends on what thing are you trying to focus, because many people may want to know more things about their friends rather than their location and with foursquare you cannot do that. I think each one has their specific market.
7. Group 115
7.1. Foursquare can be tailored to a more specific group of friends, so not everyone on your Facebook knows where you are.
7.1.1. New node
7.2. They have special achievements on Foursquare
7.2.1. You can be the mayor of a restaurant or establishment; can't do that on Places
7.2.1.1. People enjoy the achievement or non material success that they can achieve
7.3. Business can provide incentives to use foursquare over Places through special offers via Foursquare
7.4. Foursquare's been around longer
7.4.1. Reward loyalty
7.5. A lot of people don't have data; Places did mobile phone checkins only for the longest time
8. Group 116
8.1. Centralized site for knowing about discounts/promotions
8.2. Foursquare can provide a 'closer' circle of friends that you want to share your information with, where as facebook, ALL your friends will receive notice
9. Group 117
9.1. Foursquare incentivizes your check in with points, mayorships etc. Check in does not. Foursquare allows you to compete agaisnt friends to rank up the most number of points, Facebook does not. Facebook only has a check-in for its own sake, its not a fun game!
10. Group 118
10.1. Differences
10.1.1. Facebook
10.1.1.1. Possibly a more convenient place to put your location down, as it is connected to a social media site that many people already use
10.1.2. Four Square
10.1.2.1. Has a specialized purpose, more efficient as a result. Facebook has an overload of information, so people filter out the things they find less important, such as places
10.1.2.2. Four Square has a reward system of discounts/deals based on the # of check-ins whereas Places only serves a social function. GAMES WIN!
11. Group 119
11.1. Foursquare was first to the market segment
11.2. Foursquare has more details and options for users, whereas Facebook 'Places' is quite simple
11.2.1. 'Places' has no other purposes except sharing locations
11.2.2. Foursquare incentivizes your visit by teasing you with badges, achievements, and points. It has an entirely separate social networking aspect that Facebook lacks.