It sounds like the worst sort of dotcom pitch: Social networking meets location-based services. But it turns out that Dodgeball lives up to its memes. Combining the functions of IM, Friendster, and Citysearch, the new mobile social software lets you form "flashmobs with your friends," says founder Dennis Crowley. Here's how a night out in NYC might go down. - Brian Lam
[See illustrations at left for additional content.]
1. Step off the F train at 2nd Avenue and head for Luna Lounge. SMS your location to nyc@dodgeball.com, and the service blasts an alert message with your whereabouts to your circle of friends.
2. Luna Lounge is dead, and you're jonesing for a quick arcade fix. Text-message "Luna Lounge? Ms. Pac-Man" to Dodgeball, and it searches nearby dives for the game. Turns out, she's chomping ghosts in a bar just two blocks away. You're on it.
3. While you're playing, Dodgeball reports that your pal Stan is at The Magician. Maybe he's buying rounds again? Set a new high score, then scurry on over.
4. Update your coordinates when you get to The Magician. Dodgeball chimes in again: A friend of a friend is at the same bar, and - you lucky dog - she's cute!
5. SMS her through Dodgeball to break the ice. Then go introduce yourself and score her AIM name.
6. Oh, snap! You get a Dodgeball APB that Courtney Love just showed up at Pianos and she's dancing on a table. You and dozens of other gawker-stalkers descend like paparazzi.
credit Illustration by Patrick Farley
@ Luna Lounge
credit Illustration by Patrick Farley
dodgeball says: We found a match for-Ms. Pac-Mané within 10 blocks: Motor City Bar.
credit Illustration by Patrick Farley
dodgeball says: Stan @ The Magician (118 Rivington Street at Essex) at 11:14 PM.
credit Illustration by Patrick Farley
dodgeball says: Rita is @ The Magician (118 Rivington Street at Essex). You know Rita thru Mark. Reply to say Hi.
credit Illustration by Patrick Farley
"Hey Rita! Iém the guy waving like an idiot."
credit Illustration by Patrick Farley
"dodgeball.com user George is near you (@ Pianos, 11:58 pm) and says: Courtney Luv is here and actin the fool."
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