No, The Check-In Isn't Dead

Blog post highlighting the argument whether check-ins are an important component feature going forward, or a passing fad (I'd argue the former.)

The author proceeds to posit that a check-in feature is just that – a feature – that exists to tell the app you're doing something, and to share that something with your friends. I suspect there's an affinity component as well – I'm going to be less likely to check-in to a place I don't like, or with which I don't want to associate myself.

Thus, the inverse is true: if I check-in, I'm expressing at least a neutral and more likely positive regard or relevance to me for the "brand" of that place.

Do you agree? Are check-ins a passing fad or here to stay? Do you think checking in means more than just passing along information?

Read more on Business Insider:  No, The Check-In Isn't Dead

Foursquare vs. Gowalla

There are some impressive numbers in the analysis below:

• Foursquare Is Five Times Larger Than Gowalla And Growing 75 Percent Faster Every Day

Here's an analysis from back in June which provides a differentiating (ok, somewhat obvious) insight – Foursquare better integrates with social networks:

• Checking In on Location-based Services: Foursquare vs. Gowalla vs. Brightkite

Do you use one of these services? Why? What makes it a compelling experience for you?

Foursquare Launches Location Layers

Imagine visiting Washington D.C. As you walk around the city (not recommended today, as it's over 100 degrees...) an application like Foursquare offers tidbits about movies that were shot on location at the tourist attraction where you're standing.

"In a perfect world... location-based social networks would act like browsers, able to see and post interoperable location-based data from and to any platform."

Even though there's a lot of technical work that would need to be done to make this idea a reality, it's exciting.

Foursquare Launches Location Layers