Facebook Places

I was asked to supply some comment for New Media Knowledge a few weeks ago about the imminent launch of Facebook Places.

I really hope that it doesn’t sound the death knell for FourSquare (I’m not bovved about Gowalla). While my usage of FS has probably been gradually on the decline over the past month or two, there is definitely something really nice about it and I’d hate to see it get swallowed before it’s properly able to work out how it will monetise itself. I think I’m probably also slightly resistant to the idea of broadcasting my whereabouts in my Facebook feed – my  FB friends haven’t opted in be continually updated about my whereabouts, whereas my FS friends have. I think checking in using Places might start to make me feel like I’m spamming everyone.

What I’ve Seen This Week

Facebook Places
The big recent news is Facebook has launched it’s geolocation tool, Facebook Places. It’s only in the USA for now, but by the looks of things, it’s a fair bit more “social” and engaging than FourSquare and Gowalla. We’ll need to wait a bit until it launches in the UK but when it does, the question for us will be around how brands can use FP to reward and incentivise their fans.

Coke’s Real Life Like Button
A “real time sharing experience” – an experiential way for brands to use Facebook.

Lissie
This is rather lovely. An interactive music video which plays difficult versions of the video depending on what the weather is like near you.

WTF?
It’s not new. But I’ve only just found it. My new favourite blog.