Does anybody actually use Foursquare? My prediction, probably for some time after 2012 but sooner than we might expect, is that in reaction to the prevalence of social networking and sharing apps, the hot trend will be privacy apps that hide your location/social network/income/address/etc...
The first time I tried to use Foursquare, a couple years back, it did nothing for me, because I don't (usually) want to serendipitously meet up with people - if I'm with you, it's because we've planned it in advance. After a few months, I deleted my account.
A couple of months ago, I started using Foursquare again, because I wanted to understand their coupons / offers integration. So far I've been pleasantly surprised.
I still don't want to have unplanned meetups with friends who randomly happen to be near me, but I'm enjoying the savings and freebies I've been getting from places I happen to go to, which happens a lot more than I expected - often enough that I pull out my phone and check when I go somewhere.
So, yeah, I do use Foursquare, and I don't see that changing as long as it keeps saving me money.
Exactly! Startup founders who don't like foursquare is a great example of "you are not your most important user". I'm pretty sure crowley never intended it to be used this way but was smart enough to realize the business need when it fell into his lap.
Foursquare is slowly evolving to the point where it serves users as a recommendation app (exploring places to go near to your locations), tips for what to do/eat/drink when you're there, and some good deals/offers to seal the deal.
The game mechanics and checking in will soon be just a minor aspect of their business. (So privacy aspects just won't affect the income-generating side of their business.)
Its wildly popular in the Boston area -- I use it many times a day. Works nice to meet up with friends when they're in the area, to learn tips about locations (i.e. recommended dishes at restaurants, info about Gluten Free offerings).
I think people will still use 4sq with their location hidden as a sort of diary. Both 4sq and the user can still get value from this activity like recommendations, reminders, history of visits etc.
