On Saturday, I became the mayor of Larry Bud’s.

This was a big moment for me. After weeks of visiting the popular sports bar (it’s located in the same strip mall as my day job – don’t judge), I finally ousted the current mayor.

No, I wasn’t voted into office by election. There wasn’t a huge political coup or even a duel between the former mayor and me. I managed to kick him out by the power of my Blackberry and a little app called Foursquare.

Welcome to the stalker-friendly, over-sharing world of location based social networks.

The concept is quite simple; mix microblogging with maps and turn it into a game. Using services like Foursquare and Gowalla, users can “check in” from their smartphone when they arrive at a restaurant, bar, store or even their workplace or homes (although those two are kind of nerdy and should generally be avoided). Check-ins can be broadcast across other social networks like Twitter and Facebook to let your friends know where you are and what you’re up to.

With each check in, you can also see if other users are at your location. Maybe a friend is sitting at a table across the restaurant and you didn’t even realize it. An even more useful component is the list of tips and recommendations left by those who have checked in before you. These can range from great drink specials to can’t-miss dishes to secret menu items and more.

I know what you’re thinking: “This is lame. Why do I want anyone to know where I am and why would they care?”

To be honest, this location stuff is not for everyone (probably the same individuals who don’t “get” Twitter). But there is a compelling twist; both Foursquare and Gowalla have points systems and offer rewards. With each check in, you earn points which can turn into badges. You can also earn badges for specific things like checking in after 3 am on a “school night” or going out for multiple nights in a week.

But the ultimate reward? Free stuff. For example, some bars and restaurants in large cities offer specials to the Foursquare “mayor” of their location (and one can only hope Wichita business owners will jump on that bandwagon). Who is the mayor? The user who has checked in more times than anyone else at a specific location.

It may seem dangerous to broadcast your location to the rest of the internet, but that’s where you need to be smart. Only add people as friends on location based social networks if you actually know them. Don’t link your Fourquare or Gowalla account with Twitter or Facebook if you want to keep your location a bit more private (this will also prevent you from spamming your followers and friends). Don’t check in someplace if you don’t want people to know you’re there. Basically, use common sense and be careful.

Like all social networking tools, Foursquare and Gowalla are about connecting you with other people and having fun. So if you’re curious, give it a try. Just don’t try to take over my mayorship of Larry Bud’s. I worked hard for that one.

Now I just need to figure out how I can oust the current mayor of The Anchor…

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