Recently, Foursquare released Swarm App, which breaks the native Foursquare experience by requiring users to use Swarm to check-in to places. In other words, they took the functionality of one app and split it into two.
My biggest issue is that Foursquare has not created a value proposition for two apps that earns them the right to more of my time, more space on my phone and more data about me.
The video above is my open letter to Foursquare CEO Dennis Crowley, who has sacrificed the user experience to pursue some business objective.
I’m asking you to help me, you and the many other frustrated users reach Dennis by tweeting the message below.
Click to Tweet: Open letter to @Foursquare CEO Dennis Crowley #killswarmapp http://ctt.ec/038rU+
Until just this week, users could opt into Swarm by downloading it. However, check-ins on Foursquare are completely disappearing, which forces a migration to Swarm. Not cool.
How Foursquare users are responding on Twitter
Some users, such as me, have taken to Twitter to complain about Swarm App. Here are a few examples:
@swarmapp hate you… took away the fun in @foursquare I already deleted you #killswarmapp
— Paola Glez (@linpah) July 27, 2014
@foursquare Definitely killed your identity and the whole business with it. You'll make history on the worst app tech decision#killswarmapp
— fjord 🇲🇽🇺🇲🇺🇦🇮🇱 (@22fjord) July 27, 2014
There is even a new Twitter account called @KillSwarmApp that’s surfacing not only complaints but reasons why Swarm is an inferior solution.
How Foursquare is responding to complaints
Foursquare has a prepared, stock response that lacks human engagement. This is a one time response as they ignore any follow-up questions.
@SpeakWithAdam Hi! You can check-in and meet up with friends in Swarm. Discover places nearby with 4sq! More here: http://t.co/lHkEdkuC7y
— Foursquare Support (@4sqSupport) July 24, 2014
If you find yourself unhappy with the change
Then just click the link below and tell Foursquare to kill Swarm app.
Click to Tweet: Open letter to @Foursquare CEO Dennis Crowley #killswarmapp http://ctt.ec/038rU+