by Robert van Alstyne
WHAT’S HAPPENING
- In a meet-and-greet twist to the location-based soc net scene, Meet Gatsby lets users know when like-minded mobile mavens are in their vicinity.
- An extension of check-in service Foursquare, Gatsby users fill out a registration form regarding interests and hobbies and are then given connection alerts to other Gatsby users who’ve checked in at the same places and provided similar profile information.
- Those uncertain as to whether mutual interests alone make for a worthwhile in-person meetup can contact their potential pal via an anonymous text messaging system that allows users to feel each other out SMS-style without revealing their real digits.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS
- Location-based services looking to facilitate new connections must keep consumers’ privacy and safety concerns front of mind. The difference between a “Facebook friend” and someone a person feels comfortable socializing with in meatspace is often profound.
RESOURCES
