In a post about managing data and servers, Foursquare lists the “rudest cities in the world” based on the highest percentage of expletives in “tips.” Here is the list:
This is of course qualified by the fact that there are concentrations of Foursquare users in specific places (e.g., California) and the data are not representative of all groups of people all over the globe. Having said that the data being “thrown off” by user behavior on apps like Foursquare and others is impressive. I’ve often said that Likes and check-ins can turn into most popular lists or be factored back into algorithms, as WHERE is now trying to do in part with its Place Graph.
Publishers have all kinds of data that they can build new features or even whole apps around if they just dig into it a bit. Yesterday in fact I was with a company that saw certain types of behavior on its existing app and decided to quickly create another app to allow that behavior to more fully be expressed. (I’m being cryptic because they’re releasing it later this week.)
The larger points are the following:
- The data that you may be collecting are quite valuable
- A related point is: the way users are interacting with your app or site may yield ideas for new apps or features that could be highly successful because they fulfill a need that’s only being partially fulfilled today
I talk to publishers all the time that are scratching their heads and asking, “what would differentiate our app from others like it in the market?” Much of that discussion takes place in a kind of vacuum or closed conference room. It’s great to brainstorm and even to develop from a vision or flash of insight. But there’s also a ton of “data” that you can draw from to lead you to the next version of your app or new “vertical” apps.
Your users are probably already telling you what they want.
March 1st, 2011 at 3:50 pm
I take huge issue with this list. Boston is far ruder than Boca…
March 1st, 2011 at 3:51 pm
Yes . . . imperfect but I’m just using it as a “hook” to illustrate a larger point. How’s Backyard doing?
March 1st, 2011 at 3:54 pm
You’d have to ask Backyard.
March 2nd, 2011 at 1:34 am
Ben, you must never have been to Boca. haha.
March 2nd, 2011 at 5:46 pm
Phuck Yeah!!! we are second!!
March 3rd, 2011 at 6:03 am
Portland? You’ve got to be kidding. People are incredibly friendly there almost to a fault.
March 4th, 2011 at 1:09 am
NYC should be number 1 and 2 on this list…..
I have lived in 8 states (More than 2 years at each location) and 4 international assignments (Ave 3.5 yrs each).
Worked for many years as a “road warrior” and my work took me to NYC many times.
Worst yet I have met/worked with New Yorkers all over the world and they are RUDE where ever they are at work or on vacation….
Skiing in St. Mortiz they refused to leave skiis & boots in the loker room saying they were frrom NYC & don’t trust anyone.
In London they spoke loud and often about how they lived in the graetest city in the world (Never living any other place) and talked to most expats who had lived all over the world with much more experience and class…..
The New Yorkers are a group who never learned Please and Thank You in any language……
March 30th, 2011 at 8:11 am
The data collected does not mean that the city is rude, only that people expected more in that place. If rude people check in to a rude place, they aren’t likely to comment negatively, they expect it. As a resident of Venice, CA I am astounded to be on this list. People here are very laid back and friendly.