Spruce up your Skout!

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A common practice for some of us once allergy season starts is “Spring Cleaning,” the act of thoroughly cleaning your house once the warm weather approaches. Purging the old to make room for the new is a good way to not only clear out your house, but your mind as well. So while you’re at it, why not perform some spring cleaning on your Skout profile?

Below are a few tips on how to do so:

  • Update your pictures. If your own mother can’t recognize you in your default picture, it’s probably time to update it. People want to see your beautiful face, the places you’ve been visiting, and maybe even what you’ve been eating. Let them have it!
  • Update your info. Season’s change, and people change – or at least their interests do. Why not redecorate your profile by updating your “About Me” section, as well as visit others. You may find your new best friend! Sort out your friends. Maybe someone on your friend list hasn’t been active in over a year, time to rid yourself of some excess baggage. This creates more room for you to add new friends.
  • Create a buzz! A good way to communicate with people on Skout is to post something in your buzz! It sparks up good conversation, and allows you to get to know those around you. Try a new Skout feature! Think your new friend on Skout is cute? Send them a winkbomb!
  • Have you been thinking of visiting London for the past year? Use Skout travel to chat with people that live there, so you can prepare for your trip! As you can see, there’s a lot that can be done. Have fun, enjoy the weather and spring into action!

Ready, set, spring!

It’s here: Festival Frenzy 2014

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coachella-sunsetCoachella officially kicks off the 2014 music festival frenzy with the first round of shows this weekend in Indio, California. With headliners like Calvin Harris, Lana Del Rey, Zedd, Lorde, and Outkast, the 2014 shows are sure to attract a record breaking number of attendees from all over the world.

While veteran Coachella goers have their weekend strategy down pact, surviving your first music festival without losing your phone (or mind or liver or soul) can be a daunting task. Here are a few tips to ensure maximum epicness whether it’s your first Coachella or third.

Lodging: If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to book a place to stay OFF site. If you plan ahead, the extra cost for an actual roof over your head, running water, air conditioning, Wifi, and electricity will be worth it. Otherwise, you can be traditional and camp on the designated festival grounds. All I have to say is, BABY WIPES. Lots of them. Either way, it’s sure to be an experience and you will definitely have the time of your life!

Attire: Whether we’d like to admit it or not, Coachella is the laid back, hippie sister of fashion week in New york. Still, functionality over function always. Unless you’re Selena Gomez in VIP, you don’t want to be THAT GIRL walking around the dessert in broken heels. Thus, I wouldn’t leave home (or your tent) without the following:

  • Comfy, close-toed shoes

  • A bag that requires as little effort to hold as possible, i.e. backpack, cross-body bag, or fanny pack. We recommend that way it’s easier for you to access your things, but harder for others to steal from you.

  • It’s the desert, so it’s going to be hot. DUH. This is where you have to be strategic, and think of everything, especially for the ladies. While rompers are easy to wear, they’re hard to use the bathroom in. Also, think about tan lines, and bring lightweight items that you can carry around in the day that will keep you warm at night. It’s the desert, so it’s going to be freezing at night. DUH.

Safety: We’re trying to have the most possible fun you can have without visiting a jail cell or emergency room. So we’re going to risk sounding like your mother in the name of safety.

  • Stay hydrated!!!!

  • Slather on the suncreen

  • Grab a mini first-aid kit to bring with you

  • Bring a portable phone charger (mophie is our favorite!), and write important numbers on a piece of paper (gasp) just in case!

  • BE SMART. Don’t take candy from strangers, or jump into random white vans. We don’t care if they have puppies and cupcakes inside, DON’T DO IT!

Last, but not least – USE SKOUT! What better way to connect with new and old friends at the festival?! Keep your buzzfeed buzzin, and don’t forget to share your experience and post lots of pictures! #SkoutOn

Don’t be a fool! Skout shares the best and worst of pickup lines

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In honor of April Fool’s Day, we’re bringing you the best and worst pickup lines and techniques your Skout team has heard (and admittedly, sometimes used).

 

Hey, I’m sorry but…my friends bet me I couldn’t go up to the most beautiful girl in this bar and start a conversation. So, would you like to get a drink with the money they owe me? -Donald Johns, Senior Designer

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Do you know what my shirt is made of? Boyfriend material. -Abi Barsana, Marketing 

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Is your name Gilette? Because you’re the best a man can get. -Rachel Tan, Office Manager

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Are your legs tired from running through my dreams all night? -Kim Walch, Financial Controller

 

What’s your favorite silverware?  Because I LOVE to spoon. -Jordan Barnes, Public Relations

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Is your dad a drug dealer? Because girl, you are DOPE! -Henry Tsai, Product Managerprofile pic

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you a parking ticket? Because you’ve got FINE written all over you. -Tuan Nguyen, Marketing Analyst

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Is your dad a baker? Because you’ve got a nice set of buns! -Mark Seidler, Creative Director

Were you arrested earlier? It’s illegal to look that good! -Kristen Van Bebber, AP/A Manager

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Girl you better have a license, because you are driving me crazy. -Carrie Tucker, Revenue Monetization Specialist

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Best Techie talks Skout goodness!

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Jeff Weisbein, founder and CEO of Best Techie sat down with Skout while at this year’s SXSW conference to catch up on everything Skout has in store for 2014. Read the full article here, and check out our favorite quotes below!

Are You Lonely or Looking for Some New Friends? Skout Wants to Help.

One of the most interesting features of Skout is the “shake to chat” feature where if you shake your phone you will be connected to another random user somewhere in the world who is also shaking their phone while using Skout. Once users are connected with each other through “shake to chat” they remain anonymous for 30 seconds at which time they can start chatting with each other before being allowed to view one another’s profile.

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One of the people I spoke with is moving from Paris to New York in a couple of months and has been using Skout to find people in the area. According to the Skout team this type of user behavior is very common.  In fact, it’s so common that Skout has built a feature that lets users [virtually] travel to other cities and meet people in them who using Skout.  So for example, I’m in New York, but I could “travel” to San Francisco with Skout to meet people in SF who use Skout.  This could be great if you’re going on a trip and are looking to gain some local knowledge before arriving.

 

 

Skout Success: Tom + Amy

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We love working at Skout because of many reasons: awesome co-workers, amazing team outings, gorgeous views of the San Francisco Bay. But, most of all, we love working at Skout because we are changing peoples lives. Let us introduce Tom and Amy, one of our favorite Skout success stories. Want to share yours? We love hearing them. Find out how to share yours below.

Tom + Amy

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Tom joined Skout to take a look around and see what all the fuss was about, and immediately took a liking to the features. Amy soon caught Tom’s eye, a few days later he built up the courage to message her. Soon after they started chatting. Tom learned it was Amy’s birthday and he decided to dust off his guitar and send her a birthday greeting. However, he goofed the recording and accidentally sent the wrong one. But Amy liked it anyway.

That action seemed to attract Amy’s attention, and they begun talking very frequently on Skout, and soon exchanged numbers. After a short while, they decided to meet. However, Amy was living in the Philippines and was only on vacation in Switzerland visiting relatives. They decided to meet in Germany, and it was set! Before their first meeting, both Tom and Amy admit that they knew this would be something different, something indescribable. (Did we mention that Tom drove over 300 miles to meet Amy? Chivalry isn’t dead, folks!)

“When we finally met and I saw her, I know that she would be the one for me, I cant explain my feeling that time, it was just like a sixth sense inside me.” -Tom

From that first meeting on, they were as inseparable as geography would allow them to be. They soon realized they were meant to be, and begun the process of setting their wedding. They needed several months to get all documents as required with translation, certification, legalization, and finally married in the fall of 2013.

“Without Skout, this wonderful story would never happen. But you guys have changed our both lives so much, that we want to say a big THANK YOU to you. Thank you for creating Skout and giving people around the world to get in touch with each other, you are the best.” –Tom and Amy

Let us know how we’ve changed your life by contacting Jordan@skout.com

Skout Takes a Stand on Shirtless Bathroom ‘Selfies’

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Article published here on the New York Daily News.

Bathroom selfies banned from flirting app Skout after it’s proved they lower appeal

The ‘cliché of shirtless people showing off their abs’ is now taboo on Skout, a match-making app used by 220 million worldwide. Celebrities such as Nicki Minaj, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey and Justin Bieber, however, may be the worst offenders.

At least one social network is putting the kibosh on bathroom selfies.

Skout, the so-called flirting app, has banned oversharing snaps of shirtless singles flexing their muscles in the mirror or stripped down in a tub full of bubbles, à la Rihanna, who posted steamy bath time photos on Instagram last year.

“This cliché of shirtless people showing off their abs — we’re not having that,” Skout’s global PR manager Jordan Barnes said.

Miley Cyrus, of course, is one of the celebrities who has posted nearly nude shots from the bathroom.

MILEYCYRUS/VIA INSTAGRAM

Miley Cyrus, of course, is one of the celebrities who has posted nearly nude shots from the bathroom.

The app, used by more than 220 million people worldwide, will no longer approve shirtless selfies taken in restrooms, powder rooms or water closets.

“If you’re dressed, it’s fine,” Barnes said.

The bathroom selfie is a trend embraced by celebrities on social media. Last week, Nicki Minaj posted a string of shower selfies, and Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey and Justin Bieber are also perpetrators.

Geraldo Rivera tweeted this towel snap — but Skout, for one, wants none of it.

GERALDO RIVERA/VIA TWITTER

Geraldo Rivera tweeted this towel snap — but Skout, for one, wants none of it.

Even non-celebrity figures indulge in the showy shots — a close-up of Anthony Weiner’s pecs leaked in 2011, and who can forget Geraldo Rivera’s nearly nude mirror selfie?

Barnes said Skout’s decision came after market research revealed that the toilet-side snaps don’t increase users’ popularity.

Rihanna's bath time fun time picture will no longer be welcome on one social-media site.BADGIRLRIRI/VIA INSTAGRAM

Rihanna’s bath time fun time picture will no longer be welcome on one social-media site.

Response rate drops 43% for people whose photos include a bathroom selfie, she said.

“People just don’t want to see that stuff if they’re really going to start talking to someone,” she said.

Dating coach Laurel House points out another downside of the ubiquitous mirror selfie.

“It makes it look like you don’t have any friends to take photos of you,” she said.

Barnes credits the “digital and mobile revolution” for the influx of the TMI trend.

Skout and mophie do SXSW!

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Ever wondered what it’s like to hang with the Skout team? Well now you can find out, and earn some kickass prizes and party invites along the way.

Skout and mophie have teamed up to bring you the ultimate SXSW Survival Kit. Is there anything worse than a low iPhone battery? We. Think. Not.  During the weekend of SXSW Interactive, March 7-9, spot and grab one of the team members by their awesome Skout tees and you’ve got a shot at winning one of the SUPER AWESOME SXSW Survival Kits complete with mophie juice packs, party invites, Skout swag and more. We’re here to make sure you don’t miss a single Skout message, tweet, Facebook update, Instagram #selfie, hilarious Vine or incriminating Snapchat. SM

In case you don’t already have a mophie pack, we’ve still got your back. Visit the mophie Hanger, located at 5th and Waller, to get even more hooked up (and charged up) during SXSW Music, March 13-14.

At ANY time during SXSW, upload a picture to your Skout Buzz, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #SkoutSXSW in your Skout swag and you’ll get Skout points dropped into your account on the house. Because we love ya’.

Worried you won’t be able to track us down in Austin? Worry no more. Follow us and join the convo here:

Facebook: facebook.com/skout

Twitter: @skoutapp @mophie #SkoutSXSW

Instagram: @skoutapp

Ready, set, SKOUT!!!

Android community: Skout 4.0 is here!

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We’ve rolled out Skout 4.0 to our Android community! Read below about the latest and greatest version of Skout:

Skout, the world’s largest global, mobile network for meeting new people, has released Skout 4.0 in the Google Play store for Android users. The new release encompasses a complete creative redesign, enhanced navigation and new features, enabling faster operating speed, user search and chat search.

“In-application chatting is our heaviest trafficked function, and we are thrilled to bring our users an enhanced way to connect and find each other. We’ve seen our community evolve into a communication-centric one, and this update caters directly to that evolution,” said Christian Wiklund, CEO at Skout.

Skout 4.0 rolled out on Jan. 6 to Android users. The update allows for chat caching and automatically populates the users most frequented connections to provide a seamless overall user experience and easily navigable interface.

“We have revamped the entire application, streamlining navigation with an additional focus on our chatting feature, so that our community can connect faster and easier, enhancing the overall user experience. We even added a feature that enables offline chatting, so that our Android community can be continuously connected,” said Greg Burch, VP of Engineering at Skout.

Skout facilitated over 350 million connections in 2013 alone. Founded in 2007, Skout leads the market in mobile people discovery. Download Skout 4.0 here.

 

Press contact:

Jordan Barnes

jordan@skout.com

Guest Post: 7 Reasons Why Philadelphia is Ideal for Singles

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Calling all East Coast Skouters! Social Monsters brings you the top 7 reasons Philadelphia is awesome for singles. Get out there and enjoy these hot spots with Skout friends!

Philadelphia’s reputation continues to grow as an up-and-coming hot spot for singles and it currently holds the sixth spot on Kiplinger’s list for Best Cities for Singles. A relaxed, hip vibe set against Philadelphia’s rich historical, architectural and cultural backdrop combines with a comparatively low cost of living to make this sizzling city the place to be for smart singles—literally! Nearly a quarter of its residents have bachelor’s degrees, many from Ivy League institutions. Here are seven reasons why Philadelphia is a great place for singles.

1. Free and Fit

Photo by htomren via Flickr

Runners abound in Philly, as do cyclists, bird watchers, swimmers, rock climbers and countless other fitness enthusiasts. Singles connect in clubs focused on their hobby in locations ranging from the breathtaking riverfront to challenging adventure trails. One of the country’s largest urban green spaces, Fairmount Park, offers 10,000 amazing acres for outdoor recreation, while the city is also home to a whopping 205 miles of safe and accessible dedicated bike lanes and trails. And Fido isn’t left out of the fun, thanks to a myriad of pup parks populated by dog-loving singles.

2. Crazy About Culture

Photo of Philadelphia Museum of Art by Andos_pics via Flickr

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is among Philly’s must-visit cultural destinations. Singles enjoy enrichment opportunities at the country’s oldest tuition-free art institution, the Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial. Be sure to stop by on Fridays when aspiring artists are entertained by burlesque dancers, roller derby queens and fetish divas during afternoon drawing class. Philadelphia’s thriving theater community offers Broadway-quality shows, and the city is also home to world-class opera, ballet and orchestras. America’s first zoo, meanwhile, features 1,300 animals roaming a 42-acre Victorian garden wonderland.

3. From Tastykake to Taste of Philadelphia

Photo by Saucy Salad via Flickr

Philadelphia isn’t all cream cheese and cheese steaks, although the city does lay claim to extraordinary examples of both, along with soft pretzels, hoagies and water ice. The city is a cultural culinary delight, offering everything from authentic ethnic street food to award-winning fine dining, thanks to a diverse blend of people and culture. Philadelphia celebrates its self-proclaimed title of “America’s Best Beer-Drinking City,” during its annual Philly Beer Week along with events held throughout the year.

4. Love the Nightlife, Love to Boogie?

Photo by ZagatBuzz via Flickr

Philadelphia offers a sizzling nightlife in no small part due to the vibrant Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, which includes everything from old school dive bars to ultra-modern swank social clubs. Whether you want to twerk the night away to beats by the East Coast’s most talented DJs or hold court with a pint from a corner bar stool, there’s something for everyone in Philadelphia. In fact, the city is included in U.S. News and World Report’s list of best nightlife scenes, alongside such glittery giants as Miami Beach, Las Vegas, New York, New Orleans and Los Angeles.

5. Live Well for Less

Photo by inajeep via Flickr

According to the most recent statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the cost of living in Philadelphia is only slightly over the national average, while Manhattan fully doubles that number. The disparity in housing costs is even bigger, meaning you get significantly more bang for your buck when renting Philadelphia apartments. Philly’s ongoing renaissance has transplants from New York and Washington flocking to the area to take advantage of the city’s premiere opportunities without the price tag.

6. It’s All About Access

Photo of Cape May by DaveMaherPhotos via Flickr

With New York just under an hour and a half away and Washington, DC just less than two via Amtrak’s Acela, Philadelphia is ideally situated to most major East Coast points of interest. Don’t forget the Jersey shore, as well as more refined beachfront destinations, such as charming Cape May and Spring Lake. Brave singles looking to bare it all can journey to nearby Gunnison Beach, New Jersey’s only nude sunbathing spot.

7. Brotherly Love and Beyond

Photo by re_file via Flickr

With clubs for everyone from vegetarians (the Philadelphia Vegetarian Social Club) to tall folk (the Tower Club of Philadelphians) to gay bowlers (the Philadelphia Gay Bowling League) Philadelphia promotes love and living in all of its incarnations. Singles are sure to find a welcoming home in Philadelphia’s signature setting.