[tmugavero]

I'm surprised New York isn't in the launch cities. The sheer density of people, businesses, and overpriced things requiring deals makes it a no brainer. Two cities in TX? I'd understand Austin over Dallas though (I'm from Dallas living in NY).

Facebook is also continuing its tradition of copying other people. They are the 1000th entrant into deals, so the only hope they have of success is their huge captive audience. Even that isn't doing well for them in the location game.

[TravisLS]

I don't really fault them for copying other people. That's a pretty decent strategy for the market leader to take.

Deals is a fantastic way to monetize their competitive advantage (the massive database of social profiles and friendship connections). I'd prefer they implement all the creative ideas they can to keep Facebook usable and valuable, rather than suffocating the experience with ads.

[gautamguptavc]

This could partly be because of Facebook's sales office in Austin which may make it easier for them to ramp up their own deals (sourced by them vs. partners)

[suking]

I don't think the location game is going well for anyone. Since techcrunch stopped pumping 4sq I haven't heard about it in a long time. I've never felt compelled to check in anywhere either.