5 ms·

What is the motivation of Foursquare to open source their places data?

by TekMol 2y ago

big_jimmer 2y ago
Incentivise integrations to gain market share, I assume? Maybe also grow developer knowledge and trust? I honestly haven't thought about 4S in a long time, although I am outside the US so maybe that's why?
nness 2y ago
Largely, improve the data quality from contributions.
- hk__2 2y ago
  Why should one contribute to this dataset instead of OpenStreetMap?
Pikamander2 2y ago
Cynically, a desperate attempt at restoring its own relevance, which it hasn't had since 2011. Not that I'm complaining; it's always nice to have more options.
chippy 2y ago
There are a few reasons. Firstly, the published reason is they intend to let people contribute and maintain the dataset. This is a good open data mindset to allow a dataset to maintain its health and grow. It would make the dataset sustainable. An unpublished reason is that it could be a sign that things within Foursquare are winding down. Making the dataset sustainable reduces internal costs and increases the value to themselves and others. (like the reasons to open source software) Foursquare City Guide is shutting down, and recently laid off 105 (25%) employees. I would imagine releasing data before things stop is a good ethical move. https://foursquare.com/city-guide-sunset/ https://foursquare.com/city-guide-sunset/ https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/23/foursquare-just-laid-off-105-employees/ https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/23/foursquare-just-laid-off-1... "The letter does, however, address which units were impacted and, relatedly, the divisions that Foursquare plans to ditch, including Visits, OCF, and Foursquare City Guide. According to Little’s letter, Foursquare is also pausing work on a number of other initiatives, including "Mobile Developers Tools, Geode, and the current version of FSQ Insights."
snthd 2y ago
"Places Pro" and "Premium Data" are not open source.

What is the motivation of Foursquare to open source their places data?

by TekMol 2y ago

What is the motivation of Foursquare to open source their places data?

Incentivise integrations to gain market share, I assume? Maybe also grow developer knowledge and trust? I honestly haven't thought about 4S in a long time, although I am outside the US so maybe that's why?

nness 2y ago

Largely, improve the data quality from contributions.

hk__2 2y ago
Why should one contribute to this dataset instead of OpenStreetMap?

Pikamander2 2y ago

Cynically, a desperate attempt at restoring its own relevance, which it hasn't had since 2011. Not that I'm complaining; it's always nice to have more options.

chippy 2y ago

There are a few reasons. Firstly, the published reason is they intend to let people contribute and maintain the dataset. This is a good open data mindset to allow a dataset to maintain its health and grow. It would make the dataset sustainable. An unpublished reason is that it could be a sign that things within Foursquare are winding down. Making the dataset sustainable reduces internal costs and increases the value to themselves and others. (like the reasons to open source software) Foursquare City Guide is shutting down, and recently laid off 105 (25%) employees. I would imagine releasing data before things stop is a good ethical move. https://foursquare.com/city-guide-sunset/ https://foursquare.com/city-guide-sunset/ https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/23/foursquare-just-laid-off-105-employees/ https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/23/foursquare-just-laid-off-1... "The letter does, however, address which units were impacted and, relatedly, the divisions that Foursquare plans to ditch, including Visits, OCF, and Foursquare City Guide. According to Little’s letter, Foursquare is also pausing work on a number of other initiatives, including "Mobile Developers Tools, Geode, and the current version of FSQ Insights."

snthd 2y ago

"Places Pro" and "Premium Data" are not open source.