Foursquare Code of Ethics

Apr

7

 By Justin Ware | Categories Our Blog, Social Media

Justin Ware

So what’s fair when it comes to Foursquare? Should there be an unwritten rule that says you have to actually be at a location to check in? …not check in shortly before or just after leaving even if you’re close enough for Foursquare to think you’re still at that location?

To be fair, I’m guilty of checking in at certain locations from my home, because they’re only a handful of blocks away. For example, I’m currently locked in an epic battle with @xMikemx for the mayorship of Minnehaha Park. We’ve gone back and forth as mayor of the park over the past few weeks, often checking in multiple times daily. Now, I do walk or bike through that park on a near daily basis, sometimes more than once a day. The problem is, I don’t always remember to check in while I’m there. Thankfully, my home’s proximity to the park allows me to check in at the park while my feet are resting on the ottoman with my dog Tupper sitting comfortably on my lap. I’m not lying. I was in the park …just not right at that very moment.

So the question is, does this fit under the Foursquare code of ethics? Is it about telling people where you just were or where you are? Should you be letting people know where to find you or just updating them on where you’ve been or where you’re going? Am I thinking WAY too much about this and should I find better things to do with my time? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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3 Comments to Foursquare Code of Ethics

Matt T.
April 7, 2010

I’ve thought about this before as well. Usually after I’ve been to the YMCA, where I usually don’t have my phone on or with me, so I’ll check in on the way home or after showering and eating when I remember.

I read foursquare’s post about “cheating” check-ins and am glad they are monitoring it (personally, I think it’s pretty lame to check-in somewhere you’re not - people really don’t care that much who is the mayor, I think).

I wonder if they could add an “I was there earlier” check-in that could maybe be worth partial credit for a check-in. Especially if it’s a place someone has visited before.

Justin Ware Justin Ware
April 8, 2010

That’s a great idea, Matt! Why not have a feature that says “been there” in addition to “check in here?” Did you let the @Foursquare folks know about your suggestion?

Laurent
November 2, 2010

Dear Justin,
it seems to me that many 4square users are check-in even they are not at the place.

Could you explain how is/was your battle for the mayorship of of Minnehaha park ?

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