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Is It Really Social Networking?
Via the recent @Gowalla tweet, I read the TechCrunch article throwing Gowalla into the foray of location-based applications, considering it a new comer to the field despite being launched the same time as the supposed kingpin of the genre, Foursqaure.
I will be brutal here, as it wouldn't be appropriate or helpful elsewhere I think: Foursquare sucks. As location-based apps go, I have been consistently frustrated, annoyed and even virtually harmed by this application. The art is abysmal. The gameplay is non-existent. I have lost and even de-followed other Twitter users as a result of this application. Yet, this app is the one to be challenged? It's utterly absurd! Every time an update comes along, I lose ALL my previously garnered badges. How is that fun?!
More to the question at hand: Is Gowalla really a social networking, location-based app? I simply don't think so. It's a game. That game is location-based. Geocaching is a game, as well, in my consideration. This is a virtual and more entertaining version of geocaching. At the very least, it is more a Travel application than a Social Networking tool. Yes, I can keep up with the travels of my eBuddies I've made through the app, but for me, it simply isn't the driving force behind my play. There really wasn't a primary social networking aspect to the game when it first launched, either. I didn't have friends, or relationships, prior to that feature's implementation on the web site (and I couldn't foster any via the iPhone app itself).
I don't know what goes into categorizing iPhone applications, but should the consideration be made to changing it to Game or Travel? I wonder, also, if this would improve/alter the app's adoption rate. If I am looking for a location-based game, I wouldn't necessarily come across Gowalla because it is listed under Social Networking.
My ponderings aside, it's likely no secret I truly love this app and it whole-heartedly deserves its spot on my Home Row on my iPhone.
Happy Gowall'ing!
Dr. Peddingferd
I will be brutal here, as it wouldn't be appropriate or helpful elsewhere I think: Foursquare sucks. As location-based apps go, I have been consistently frustrated, annoyed and even virtually harmed by this application. The art is abysmal. The gameplay is non-existent. I have lost and even de-followed other Twitter users as a result of this application. Yet, this app is the one to be challenged? It's utterly absurd! Every time an update comes along, I lose ALL my previously garnered badges. How is that fun?!
More to the question at hand: Is Gowalla really a social networking, location-based app? I simply don't think so. It's a game. That game is location-based. Geocaching is a game, as well, in my consideration. This is a virtual and more entertaining version of geocaching. At the very least, it is more a Travel application than a Social Networking tool. Yes, I can keep up with the travels of my eBuddies I've made through the app, but for me, it simply isn't the driving force behind my play. There really wasn't a primary social networking aspect to the game when it first launched, either. I didn't have friends, or relationships, prior to that feature's implementation on the web site (and I couldn't foster any via the iPhone app itself).
I don't know what goes into categorizing iPhone applications, but should the consideration be made to changing it to Game or Travel? I wonder, also, if this would improve/alter the app's adoption rate. If I am looking for a location-based game, I wouldn't necessarily come across Gowalla because it is listed under Social Networking.
My ponderings aside, it's likely no secret I truly love this app and it whole-heartedly deserves its spot on my Home Row on my iPhone.
Happy Gowall'ing!
Dr. Peddingferd
I’m simply enjoying Gowalla
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Is Gowalla social-networking? The app itself has many functions, many ways you can use it in your everyday life. We want Gowalla to reward people for visiting places (whether everyday or extraordinary), to enhance and facilitate the discovery process, and to make it easy to share their experiences with their friends anywhere in the world. The social aspect is a big part of the game, but it's not the only part, certainly.
We invite people to use Gowalla in the way to best fits their needs and lifestyles. If that makes a routine check-in to the pharmacy more fun, that's awesome! And if it means taking a once-in-a-lifetime gallop across the Golden Gate Bridge, finding a new Indian restaurant in town, or discovering that someone halfway across the planet has the same interests as you and meeting up with them the next time you're in Oxford, that's also completely awesome.
We think it's going to be fun, in each instance, and we do hope people will share the fun with other folks who like fun. Just like you have with your awesome Spot Finder videos!
Thanks for the thoughts, and for rocking with Gowalla. We're glad to have you aboard, Dr. P!
I’m excited to see how people use Gowalla
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this answers the question
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Inappropriate?Is Gowalla social-networking? The app itself has many functions, many ways you can use it in your everyday life. We want Gowalla to reward people for visiting places (whether everyday or extraordinary), to enhance and facilitate the discovery process, and to make it easy to share their experiences with their friends anywhere in the world. The social aspect is a big part of the game, but it's not the only part, certainly.
We invite people to use Gowalla in the way to best fits their needs and lifestyles. If that makes a routine check-in to the pharmacy more fun, that's awesome! And if it means taking a once-in-a-lifetime gallop across the Golden Gate Bridge, finding a new Indian restaurant in town, or discovering that someone halfway across the planet has the same interests as you and meeting up with them the next time you're in Oxford, that's also completely awesome.
We think it's going to be fun, in each instance, and we do hope people will share the fun with other folks who like fun. Just like you have with your awesome Spot Finder videos!
Thanks for the thoughts, and for rocking with Gowalla. We're glad to have you aboard, Dr. P!
I’m excited to see how people use Gowalla
The company says
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Great answer! Making the mundane more fun as well as enticing one to explore is why Gowalla will soar. -
Inappropriate?Well put Doctor! That should finally put to rest any lingering questions in the community about your qualifications.
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Inappropriate?I totally agree with Dr. B, and was thinking along the same lines a few days ago. Gowalla is fun to play even if you don't have any friends.
I’m snarky.
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Indeed it is! But I also appreciate the social aspect of it (sorry Doctor). I met up with Beth Hayes (a mighty fine Gowalla'er I must add) when she visited the UK and we had great fun creating and checking into spots together. So to me Gowalla is a social game, as well as a great way to discover interesting places created by others. It's also educational - I've learnt so much about my region through hunting out interesting spots!
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