How not to blog & addictions revisited

I've done the one thing I swore I would never do, neglect my blog, after finishing the course that started it all. It took a shameful amount of time trying to log back into my blogspot account this evening which is never a good sign. But despite neglecting this blog I have actually maintained my love (or as my friend's describe it, addiction) to all things social media related. 
Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, Klout, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest, you name it, I have an account. Personally, I find Twitter to be my most used tool on a daily basis, from being the first thing I check in the morning to the last thing I do before I go to sleep. Obsessive, yes. But it does come with its rewards, last Thursday I RT'd (retweeted) a tweet from MenzFruChocs, and because I was one of the first 10 they are sending me a free pack of mini Fru Chocs! My other love would have to be Instagram. I simply adore looking at gorgeous photos taken all over the world right in the palm of my hand. This month I'm also participating in #marchphotoaday. Quite self explanatory, every day is a different photo based on a particular theme. It is quite broad terms, like 5pm, breakfast, kitchen sink, window, fork, neighbour. But the thing I find most fascinating is the different images people take for each day. It has been quite successful, every day I've received at least one like on my latest photo, often from other participants from all over the globe. 
So I promise to try to blog on a more frequent basis, I swear I think of potential blog posts all the time, I just never get around to actually writing & posting them. 

Two and a Half Men & Foursquare

Whilst I was watching Two and a Half Men last night I noticed Ashton's laptop case covered in stickers. The foursquare logo really stood out, perhaps because I'm a daily foursquare user. Foursquare mentioned this fact on Instagram making me wonder whether it was simple a coincidence or planned. Ashton is a foursquare user...
For such a highly hyped television show recently it makes sense to have a subtle bit of advertising with such a large audience watching.
What do you think? Planned or coincidence?

EDIT: It turns out that Ashton actually has a personal financial stake in each of these digital companies. CBS wasn't too happy about him using these stickers as essentially a free promotional platform. However, it doesn't really compare to the behaviour of Charlie Sheen on set.

My name is Cassie and I'm addicted to Foursquare

Today, I stole two mayorships, added a new friend to my network, went to the top of the leader board, and checked into 8 different locations. For those who have no idea what Foursquare is, it's essentially Facebook Places but with far more interesting and competitive aspects.

I've been a daily user of Foursquare for almost a year now. Before Facebook Places was introduced whenever I mentioned checking in on Foursquare my friends thought I was a little crazy. Apart from the potential privacy issues, why would I want to share my location and what incentives are there to check in. Firstly, I only allow people I know to view my profile. If I don't know them I won't accept the friend request, solving the privacy issue. Sharing my location is for a variety of reasons. Letting my friends know that I'm visiting a trendy restaurant, in an University lecture, or even at work. I can also see where they are, if they are nearby I can call them to catch up. The incentives are beating your friends in points, the more unique check ins the more points you receive. Some social media savvy businesses are jumping on the Foursquare bandwagon and offering discounts or special offers when you check in there. Personally, I have only unlocked one Foursquare special. The Austral on Rundle street, every check in you can redeem $10 jugs when you show your phone at the bar. Perfect for the struggling university student!

Foursquare solves the biggest dilemma I often have in life, deciding where to catch up with friends. I can bookmark locations so when the need to go out for dinner arises I have a list of places to choose from. Not only does it save time deciding but often I can visit new restaurants every time, something I love to do. I can also view tips from other Foursquare users about their experiences, positive or negative. I've chosen a particular meal based solely on a stranger's tip.

If you don't have Foursquare I suggest you download it right now, open an account, and start checking in. You can thank me later.