Having just done an exhaustive review of LBS services and systems.... a check-in is a simple game mechanic that can be useful but does not appear to be an enorm

Having just done an exhaustive review of LBS services and systems.... a check-in is a simple game mechanic that can be useful but does not appear to be an enormous tentpole for an entire eco-system to develop around. Literally hundreds of apps, games and services are launching around the check-in as we speak. They are going to have a difficult time getting traction. One of our startups just did launched several high-profile retailers onto Foursquare, gowalla, mytown and others with great incentives for checking in... and the check-ins were simply too underwhelming too continue with the program. It is going to be darned near impossible to come up with a service that will get the needed critical mass. Facebook is the likely service to use, but people aren't flocking to check-ins there either. And this legend in the making needs to lose the hideous glasses. It's not a good trademark. There, now I can be positive for the rest of the day.