Voice Media launching “Best Of” badges for nine publications
The badge for the Phoenix New Times
Foursquare’s old neighbors, Voice Media Group, are making a significant increase in their badge presence today with the launch of nine new badges representing their publications across the US.
Voice Media will be syndicating a significant amount of content to Foursquare, including event data. This finally gives Foursquare a quality source for events beyond sports, movies and concerts — at least in the eleven cities represented by the Voice Places service. They’ll also be incorporating Foursquare data on their own sites, like trending venues, tips and more.
“Content is king, and we feel that we have the best, most trusted, professionally curated local content in the country,” said Scott Tobias, CEO of Voice Media Group in a press release. “We are excited about this partnership with Foursquare, and we feel that it showcases the depth of our content across key verticals.”
The new badges (which can be “leveled up”) coincide with the “Best Of” lists from publications in Orange County, Houston, Dallas, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Phoenix, St. Louis, New York and the Twin Cities. They join similar badges launched in 2011 for LA and Denver.
Foursquare users will be able to unlock the badges by following their respective city’s page and checking in at venues on their “Best Of” list. The badges and their respective unlock texts are shown below. Not all the badges are active yet, so we’ll be filling in the details as they launch.
Village Voice Media, the parent company of these publications, shared a building with Foursquare before the latter moved to Broadway. In addition to the two badges mentioned previously, the Village Voice also sponsored one for their Choice Eats event. That brings their total number of badges to twelve.
What do you think of the partnership with Voice Media Group?
Badge | Name | Unlock Text/Hint |
|---|---|---|
 | City Pages Best Of (Twin Cities) Like us on foursquare | You can't unlock this by having a good time - you have to have the BEST time. Check out City Pages Best of page for hints on where to experience the best the Twin Cities have to offer! |
 | Dallas Wayfarer Like us on foursquare | Explorer of this great city! You've ventured into one of the Dallas Observer's favorite hot spots. Reward yourself with this badge of social savvy-ness...you've earned it! |
 | New Times' Best of Miami Like us on foursquare | You have to hit up Miami's best hot spots if you want to nab this. Need a clue? Check out Miami New Times' Best of Miami for the 305 cream of the crop. |
 | Riverfront Times Best of STL Like us on foursquare | Give yourself a pat on the back and keep up the good work! You've visited some of the best spots in STL. Now put down that toasted ravioli and get back out there! Give yourself a pat on the back and keep up the good work! You've visited some of the best spots in STL. Now put down that toasted ravioli and get back out there! |
 | OC Weekly Like us on foursquare | You can’t unlock this everywhere. Check out OC Weekly to see tips on some of the cool spots we’re hitting up! |
 | Houston Wayfarer Like us on foursquare | You won't settle for anything less than the best. From dining to entertainment, you seek out the Best of Houston and the Houston Press salutes you! You won't settle for anything less than the best. From dining to entertainment, you seek out the Best of Houston and the Houston Press salutes you! |
| Phoenix New Times Like us on foursquare | With your ability to find a way to the hippest joints in town, you've risen to mythic status! Phoenix New Times salutes you! With your ability to find a way to the hippest joints in town, you've risen to mythic status! Phoenix New Times salutes you! |
 | Village Voice Like us on foursquare | |
 | New Times' Best Of Broward-Palm Beach Like us on foursquare | You've found your way to South Florida's coolest locations! Relax, grab a drink, and accept this badge on behalf of New Times Broward-Palm Beach. Way to go, navigator! You've found your way to South Florida's coolest locations! Relax, grab a drink, and accept this badge on behalf of New Times Broward-Palm Beach. Way to go, navigator! |
 | LA Weekly Like us on foursquare | You have hit some of the coolest joints in LA. Accept this small token of hipness on behalf of LA Weekly! |
 | Denver Westword Like us on foursquare | You experienced some of the coolest joints in Denver. Accept this small token of hipness on behalf of Westword. |
