Posts Tagged: these-networks

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20
Apr 10

Does Foursquare need to change to be successful?

We love looking for the Next Big Thing. Social-media enthusiasts of all stripes love scanning the Web for hints of what’s to come — for the next social technology that will take us all by storm. A lot of social pundits are pumped up about the potential of location-based networks such as Foursquare — yet as Caroline McCarthy points out in the lead story from today’s SmartBrief on Social Media , these networks have some pretty significant limitations . I think McCarthy is dead-on in her analysis of the hurdles these networks have to overcome if they want to be the Next Big Thing. But what if they don’t want to be Big? What if they just want to be What’s Next? Not every burger shack needs to be the next McDonald’s to be considered successful. Not every retailer needs to be Wal-Mart. Not every software developer needs to be Microsoft. Yet when it comes to the social Web, there’s a sense that anything short of total ubiquity is a kind of failing. We’ve seen so many giants born in the last 10 years that we’re starting to forget how abnormal that really is in the business world. Foursquare doesn’t have to replace Twitter — or anything else — to be a success. It’s playing a different game, one that caters to a naturally smaller audience. It’s not for every person, or every business. And that’s really OK. If it tried to appeal to everyone by becoming more like Facebook or some other network, there’s a good chance it would ruin the utility it already has. Sometimes, having a powerful draw for a specific audience can be the most powerful thing a brand can have. It’s better for the network to develop its user base organically, focusing on better serving the kinds of people it does attract. Niche communities can be prosperous without being everywhere; they can be What’s Next without being Big. What do you think? Do location-based networks need to become more mainstream to be successful? Do social networks need to be large to be important? Are location-based networks overrated? Image credit, Eric Isselée , via Shutterstock

3c3b757d57button.gif Does Foursquare need to change to be successful?

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Does Foursquare need to change to be successful?

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1
Apr 10

Are you concerned about the security risks of location-based services?

We like it when our favorite networks offer more features, but we fear that we’re feeding too much personal information into the machine to make those features possible. We yearn for greater connection, yet we worry about our privacy. It’s the eternal struggle of the social-media scene, and nowhere is it more obvious than with location-based services . On the one hand, there’s a lot of excitement around networks such as Foursquare and MyTown. The idea of making social plans on the fly is appealing to some, while others enjoy broadcasting their activities or even earning special privileges at some businesses. On the other hand, the concerns are persistent and, unlike some privacy worries on traditional social networks, they’re grounded in the real world. We’re not just talking about a company maybe knowing more about my music preferences than I want it to know, or spammers, or even the threat of hackers and identity thieves. Location-based threats exist in the real world, and they speak to some of our deepest fears. What if I’m stalked? What my home is robbed while I’m out? What if I’m attacked? And what if? And what if? Some networks, such as the newly launched Rally Up , try to ameliorate these fears somewhat by placing a stronger emphasis on privacy and security. But even the best network can open people up to some real risks if they’re careless. Can location-based social networks ever really be safe? Do you use location-based networks? Are you concerned about the privacy issues they present? Is there anything these networks can do to limit their users’ exposure? Image credit, Galushko Sergey , via Shutterstock

3c3b757d57button.gif Are you concerned about the security risks of location based services?

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Are you concerned about the security risks of location-based services?