From Bump to Foursquare, apps have revolutionized the way people connect and communicate with each other. Bonfyre, a new free app especially for iPhone and Android users developed by Off Campus Media, is going even further. Using geo-location technology combined with daily and weekly specials, Bonfyre aims to create greater value for college students. With Bonfyre, students can spend less time coordinating activities, save more money with the use of daily specials, and never worry about relatives or bosses seeing any suspicious social activities (aka “checking in” at bars and clubs when you should really be studying or finishing up that last project for work).
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At WashU, we have 9 Campus Ambassadors – Rosa Heyman, Joe Craig, Natalia Ortega, Rachel Tyroler, Katie Dobscha, Spencer Gordon, Eric Schwartz, Dylan Richter, and Whit Chapman– who are part of the campaign to bring you the benefits of Bonfyre. Referred through a network of friends to the position, the ambassadors utilize their personal social networks to spread awareness and encourage the use of Bonfyre. Opportunities at campus-wide events – like this year’s Dance Marathon where Bonfyre donated 50 cents for every person who “checked in” with the app – or face to face interaction with students on the South Forty, are perfect to introduce the app to non-users. In support of campus events as a way to reach out to different communities, Bonfyre also donated $250 to this year’s Diwali and is looking forward to collaborating with Relay for Life and LNYF. Supporting these student endeavors not only raises money but also helps to raise awareness of their causes, as well as the Bonfyre app.
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So how does Bonfyre work exactly? Once you have the app, you can use the “heat map” to see where else your friends have checked in and what’s “hot.” Each person’s heat map is individualized based on your groups of friends and the networks you participate in, thereby streamlining what you see on your map. To register, you must have a .edu email address, and even if professors or other faculty try to register, they must still be your friend on the app to see you on their heat map. A special feature is the ability to check a location as a “residence,” so that only friends can see you there. That way, if you’re having private house parties for example, only those you are friends with will know! The best part is the many deals around campus and Saint Louis! The campus ambassadors work with businesses and restaurants to get discounts at the places you go to most!
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So what does this all mean for you? Here’s the 1-2-3 on how you can take advantage of this free app!
Step 1:Download the app at http://www.bonfyreapp.com/and introduce all of your friends to it! The more people that use it, the better it will be!
Step 2:Check in everywhere you go! Use the “heat map” to see where your friends are and search for local deals to save money. New deals are added every week!
Step 3:Love it? Hate it? Send feedback so Off-Campus Media can keep what you like and improve on the things you don’t!
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Though only available at three campuses so far, WashU, Mizzou, and SLU, Off-Campus Media is working to expand to campuses all over the nation! The developers are also always looking for ways to improve the app, so if you want to bring Bonfyre to your school or have any suggestions, let them know!
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Website: http://www.bonfyreapp.com/contact/
Twitter: @BonfyreApp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bonfyre