Where are the instructions?

Sounds good. Just surprised the rules of the game weren't included at launch.

I don't see the FAQ. Where is it?

Odd.. I tried to add a comment here and it didn't show up. Pardons if two show up. How's the FAQ coming? I thought it was slated to go up last Friday?

Upon installing the game to your iPhone, you'll notice a "Help" icon in the lower right. This gives a rather good amount of information regarding the game:

"Gowalla is a location-based game where you're rewarded for visiting both unique and everyday places. In Gowalla-speak, we call these places spots. A group of related spots is called a trip. Visiting spots and completing trips are the key to earning rewards.

There are three kinds of rewards in Gowalla. They are found on your Passport tab:

Stamps: We give you a stamp when you check in at a new spot. While some spots have generic stamps, "featured" spots have unique stamps that are quite lovely. You'll want to collect as many as you can.

Icons: Think of an icon like a souvenir. They can be found at spots where you check in. In order to pick up an icon you will need to drop an icon you are currently carrying. Occasionally, you may even be awarded a bonus icon when you check in at a spot.

Pins of Glory: These are special rewards you earn by completing trips, collecting icons or performing other deeds while playing Gowalla. Pins of Glory are the ultimate in Gowalla bragging rights.

CREATING SPOTS
While we're continually adding featured spots to Gowalla, you can help us by adding your own spots. Simply visit your Spots tab and tap the New Button (+). Here are some pro-tips for creating spots of your own:
•Outside is Outstanding
Gowalla needs to know precisely where you are to create a spot. Normally this works best if you are outdoors. If you'd like to create a spot at your favorite restaurant or club, you might try standing just outside the front door.

(Dr. Peddingferd tip: Access the Map App on your iPhone and get your location prior to running the Gowalla App. Gowalla seems to find you faster and more accurately if you have the iPhone find you first.)

Creativity FTW
Gowalla is more fun for everyone when we visit unique places. We'd all prefer to visit your favorite park or watering hole than your neighbor's busted driveway. Also, remember that your username is attached to every spot you create. Just so you know.

Be Clear & Concise
Naming and describing your spot are important. Do us a favor and check your spelling, grammar and punctuation before you save. And try not to be longwinded. You'll win friends and influence people this way.

Don't Be a Dork
Our attorneys made us put this one in here. Placing (or visiting) a spot on an airport runway could be funny. It could also be fatal. We're not responsible for any bodily harm that may befall you while playing Gowalla. use your head.

Finally, thanks for playing Gowalla. Have fun exploring!"

Happy Gowall'ing!

Dr. Peddingferd

@acordova ::

I rather thought the numbers under the icons were not points, but actually issue numbers (as in, 1275 meant you had the 1,275th issue of that icon — sort of a homage to PackRat, a wonderful little Facebook game).

The point of the game is the same as any location-based adventure (be it app or otherwise). Get out there to those places. You'll be introduced to new pubs, fun parks, entertaining venues, shopping centers of eclectic wonder. Explore your surroundings.

The rewards are tied in to the above. Plus you get icons and credit for Commissioning a new spot and/or becoming a Founding Surveyor to your favorite locations. It's fun to know you were the first person there!

Currently, trips can not be created by users. This is a feature that is in development, as I understand it, and we can expect it in the near future.

I think there is more light available on the game than some may be considering. The game is still in its infancy and already it has more pros than cons (ie: bugs). Speaking for myself, I have Commissioned 10 spots in my city alone. I've Gowalla'd over 50. And I'm not slowing up any time soon.

@ Dr. Peddingferd

I'm coming from the geocaching world so I share the same assumptions that you have about Gowalla and location-based games. I understand acordova's point too. Without a bit more explanation from the hard-working developers there are still many facets that aren't clear. (I think the points/issue numbers is one of those areas where it's all assumption until there's more clarity.) Keep commissioning ... keep bringing folks to fun places!

There is an official FAQ section on the website now: http://gowalla.com/faq

Yay... congrats!!! (Now to ask more questions to e-x-p-a-n-d the FAQ.) One of the questions that I've seen floating around is ...

Are there "points" to the icons? What would make me pick one up over another?

(Thanks for adding this. Have a great weekend!!)

Josh,

Yes.. I was wondering if there was some "score" associated with the "numbers" tagged on the icons. Sorry for the confusion.

KJB

It's been SIX MONTHS since AlamoFire indicated they would link this information on the homepage. They create the FAQ and then fail to advertise it anywhere on their own website.

Instructions on how to play your game should not be afterthought.

You may think the FAQ is completely outdated, but when I was finally able to find a link to it, my questions/problems were answered. It was pretty much a case of "too little, too late," but it addressed the problem of why I was unable to check-in to a location.

Also, in response to taking the FAQ down, I think a better decision would have been to leave the link or the tab visible on the website and put up a note stating that the FAQ was being updated and would be back soon.

While I'm sure many of you will disagree with me on this, I like the fact that the game doesn't impose a lot of detailed instructions. For me, learning how to play was not only part of the fun, but the reason I got so hooked on it.

When I was a kid, I learned how to play a card game called Mau. Nobody tells you how to play Mau. You watch until you think you know the rules and decide when you want in. The goal of the game is to get rid of your cards, but you're penalized with extra cards for not following all the intricate rules. It's both infuriating and addicting.

Gowalla is a very simple game to jump into and start playing. Even if you have no idea what it's about, you can pick it up very quickly. Without instructions to go off of, you'll make mistakes like vaulting items without realizing you can't get them back out. That's sort of like getting penalized in Mau. Depending on how long you've been playing, how many people in your city are playing, and how many spots have been created in your area, the strategy of the game will vary. Traveling away from your home base will also change the way you play the game.

In the end, it's just that...a game. A free and very fun one! If someone told you how to hit all the warp zones in Super Mario brothers, would it have been as enjoyable? Of course not. The more you play the more you'll learn.

The End.

I also think that there should be a few guidelines at least. For example - when should you check in? Anytime you pass some spot, or only if the spot is your destination and you stay there for some time? For example I pass a bridge every day, the bridge is a spot, should I check in every day?

Also, should one create a spot for work and for home? If Gowalla is an application to show others cool places - probably not. If Gowalla is an application to show others where you are - probably yes. Which one is it?