Developer description
The BarLink concept is simple: Combine the popularity of text messaging and online social ...
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The BarLink concept is simple: Combine the popularity of text messaging and online social networking within a location-based live environment — connect online with real life
Here’s the scene we all see so often: You’re out with friends, socializing the ‘old fashioned’ way – in person at your favorite gathering place, having a few drinks, meeting new people. Yet, what are so many of those new people around you doing? They’re communicating with their phones instead of with the crowd around them.
It’s true, there’s something so very addictive about staying in touch, seeing what others are up to, what they have to say about it, and reading responses to what you’ve shared. That’s why 60% of people using the internet today are somehow involved with an online social network – that’s a 230% increase from just three years ago!
Okay. We get it. Online Social Networking is popular… and highly addictive. But we all still like to go out with friends, right? Then why not an online social networking element in the places where you like to go socialize the old fashioned way?
Imagine it – a Message Board, similar to an online chat room, on TV Screens, right there, over the bar. And you don’t even need to be online, you can simply text your message to the Board. Your favorite location will have its own Message Board, visible to those at that Location as well as online for those at home on their computers.
The Boards light up with banter, flirtation, innuendo, and shtick from those participating, both in person andonline at their computers. During sporting events, Members have a new way to support their favorite teams or heckle fans of the opposition; Flirting with that person on the other side of the bar will take on all new dimensions; Location owners can communicate promotions with their regular patrons even if they’re not sitting at the bar.
BarLink provides an exciting new social networking concept in real-time, location-based, live environments. When online, Members can create profiles attached to their phone number for text message recognition, can add other members to their list of friends, can build a list of their favorite Locations, and can message other users.
BarLink creates a fun new way to meet people when you’re out, or even when you’re not, while at the same time providing the online connection experience that people crave.
Last updated 2 Dec 2011
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Editor's review
Published 28 Jan 2012
Dear oh dear, whatever next? I guess I’m getting a bit too old for new crazes in the pubs and bars of the world but just reading the developers blurb for this one gives a strong enough hint that the art of conversation and personal interaction is sadly on the way out. There is obviously a market for something like this as the site points out what we all know already. That is on that many a night out with a group of friends at least half of them will spend more time tapping away at their cell phones than taking part in a discussion. Well, my friends wouldn’t because they wouldn’t be invited if that’s what they get up to!
So the answer to the problem of course is to give these socially shy individuals a platform to interact digitally within the establishment they happen to be in. Imagine if you will the giant screens up above the bar where you can have your text message flashed across the room.
The site encourages flirting but to be honest I think most people would consider that approach to be weird at best and certainly cowardly at worst. What would the relationship have going for it if a successful union was made? With conversation dying out they’d probably have to take their mobile phones back to the same bar to discuss the kid’s education!
Sorry to be such an old fogey on this one but a night out with friends can surely be enjoyed without resorting to the phone. If not why go out at all, just crack a beer open at home and text all your chums.
On the plus side I suppose you could use it to order a round of drinks and save the time it takes queuing up!
Conclusion
Time Gentlemen please!
PS - (Admin) This reminds me of a bar in West End London in the pre-cellphone '80's where each table had a telephone which could be used to call any other table. Obviously, the boys called the girls and the girls checked the boys out and hung up - well, they did with me anyway :-(
