I have read several blogs and listened to some podcasts that basically say there is no value to systems such as Foursquare and Facebook Places and that those who are using them are just wasting time checking in to locations.

Well, there is always another side to the story and I thought this picture would show there is a value to both the person checking in and the local businesses in the area that are listed on such systems.

Foursquare suggest The Horse's Mouth

While visiting Mickey’s Pizza in Buffalo, Texas I checked in to Foursquare. Although I already knew about The Horse’s Mouth Bookstore and Coffee Shop just down the street, it was nice to have Foursquare present me with a comment from another person who had checked in there before.

And this benefit is extended to the businesses as well.

What if I did not know about the coffee shop down the street?

This message is enough to get me to at least stop in and give them a look.

miio is a new Social Network with a rapidly growing community of people. It’s a lot easier on miio to find people with the same interest as you, and the WordPress Group is a great place to talk about any WordPress issues you may have.

For more information on miio I would recommend The Next Web miio review by Brad McCarty and / or the miio blog.

While doing my morning reading on Saturday, Brad McCarty’s post at TNW grabbed my attention. Before I knew it I had spent several hours on miio. Yes I tend to be an early adopter, but I think miio will quickly move to the masses.

Read Brad’s post for a more in depth review, but take my advice and stop by miio and give it a test drive.

Pronounced meee oh, according to Richard Lusk CEO of miio