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As a way of background, both Foursquare and Jiepang are mobile applications that are supported on iPhone/iPad, Android, Blackberry, and Windows Mobile (the Foursquare app will also work with Symbian 3.2, 5.0, and ^3 Smartphones). However, for my past 3 weeks, I used both the Foursquare and Jiepang app on my Apple iPad which worked remarkable well.

Basically, both this applications allow users share their location with friends by “checking in” via a smartphone app or by text message. Points are awarded for checking in at various venues. Users can connect their Foursquare accounts to their Twitter and Facebook accounts and Jiepang connects to Sina's micro-blog, which can updated when a check-in is registered. By checking in a certain number of times, or in different locations, users can collect virtual badges. In addition, users who have checked in the most times at a certain venue will be crowned “Mayor” or "Landlord" (for Jiepang) until someone surpasses their number. 

When getting started, I would advise trying to add some friends. Both platforms make this easy by connectors to SNS and micro-blogging platforms. As without a few friends, I found the applications seem quite hollow as know one 'see's' where you are and what you are doing. It appeared a pointless exercise without a sharing experience. After I added some of my twitter, Sina and Facebook friends, my motivation was much higher to use the apps as I could also get to see where they were visiting and where they were. 

In terms of checking in, you need to location the venue from a list or if the location is not in the list then it can be added. In Jiepang, almost all my venues were already in the list. Most did not have a 'Landlord' and I take it that that most of these venues have been added via a machine crawl rather people adding them. In Foursquare, quite a number of my frequented venues were already in the list, such as Costa and Starbucks... Unlike, the reports from the US, I saw no evidence of venues having embraced either of these platforms. For example, marketers in the US have tried to leverage Foursquare by offering special offers for new check-ins or for the mayor at that venue. (more information can be seen in this presentation)

So in summary, I think the apps are intellectually interesting. I like the idea of being able to broadcast my location and perceptions of various venues (via tips) but on the downside the personal motivation to continue to checking-in becomes difficult to hold as I am only rewarded with 'virtual badges' (This reminds me of my days in Scouts just trying to collect as many badges as possible) ... but this badge collecting notion does not do it for me and suggest many others. From a marketers perspective in China, I would say that Foursquare is so niche that it has only a tiny footprint (user base) in China and not worth using in serious social media campaigns. Further, I would fear Foursquare could once again be blocked by the Chinese Government and the investment in developing a friends network could be lost.  

Jiepang on the other hand had a much higher usage (as your would expect) and a much more comprehensive use of tips/feedback. That said, I don't think it is ready for social media campaigns beyond very tactical use for in retail based organizations.

If you are a user of Foursquare and Jiepang then please let us know your experiences.. I would also welcome you following me and sharing our location.

UPDATE: Larry @ Jiepang