In 2007 I announced to the world that I was leaving MySpace, moving my online presence over to Facebook, a new, clean, ad-free social network. Goodbye, MySpace!
In 2010 I announced to the world that I was leaving Facebook, moving my online presence over to Twitter, a new, clean, ad-free social network. Goodbye, Facebook.
Today I’m announcing to the world that I am leaving Twitter, moving my online presence over to App.net, a new, clean ad-free social network. Goodbye, Twitter.
Wait, really? Well, mostly. I am done with Twitter, and I’ll explain why, but I’m also jumping the gun a bit, because I have no idea if App.net will be the next big thing. Still, I want to announce my intention to leave Twitter, and App.net looks like the perfect solution.
Why Am I Leaving Twitter?
For the same reason I left MySpace and Facebook, ads.
Wait, you say, “Twitter has barely any ads”. Yes, for now. But the writing is on the wall, and I’d rather be the first to pave my way on the next big thing rather than stick around for a slow, painful death on the platforms I love – been through that twice already.
The Ads:
Twitter started out as a technology company. It burned through cash offering a free service that helped people communicate. It attracted developers, like myself, to build on their platform. Now that they’ve reached a critical mass they need to monetize that audience, and to do that they’ve chosen advertising? Sound familiar?
It should sound familiar. It’s the exact path Facebook has followed, and look how well that’s working out for them. (Gives big thumbs down sign, sticks out tongue and blows a raspberry)
Most Twitter users don’t realize this, but Twitter turned into a media company a few years ago. Their original cast left for other starts-ups, and experienced media exec’s are now running the show.
Their new business model is simple:
1) Keep eyeballs viewing tweets on Twitter
2) Show ads in tweet stream
3) Profit
There is a problem though… Not everyone views tweets on Twitter; in fact, a whole lot of tweets are viewed through third party apps. The solution? Block third party apps and force users to view their tweets on Twitter’s properties so they can control the ad viewing experience.
We Need Advertisers!
That’s Twitter’s second problem. Companies, the ones with huge ad budgets, still don’t see the value of Twitter as an advertising space. So recently Twitter announced a “Verified Partner” program where only developers who make aps for companies can be verified.
“Yes, yes, you’ve done a splendid job developing for consumers, now everyone knows who we are. Now stop doing that, instead develop for businesses, because we need their ad dollars.”
Pleeeease, Twitter. You think we’re idiots? We’re just going to roll over and start building apps for businesses so that we can see fewer tweets from friends and more ads from companies?
I’ve Got A Better Idea:
How about I leave Twitter, and start developing for App.net? Will gladly pay a yearly fee, because I trust that as a paid customer I am their priority.
Your paid customers are advertisers, so they are your priority. Your second priority is your users, because they are your product. Developers? They are a threat to your IPO.
Very well, Twitter. I’ll move on. But beware. I’m going to take my followers and applications with me. Starting with this post.
In other news:
Bloggers are taking over New York
Hey Dan, so, what about your twitter account? are you going to delete it?
I don’t plan on deleting it. I’m just going to spend my time and energy elsewhere.
And I certainly wouldn’t be foolish enough to continue developing on Twitters platform.
If I may be the devil’s advocate for a moment. I am about fed up with Twitter too, there is far too much crap in my stream, Spam if you will. There are too many links being auto tweeted an much less engagement. That isn’t any fun. So I’m sorry to say, that I see Triberr at part of the problem. My stream is not filled with ads, but rather Triberr tweets for rice crispy treats or someone’s latest rant about chicken sandwiches. It just seems contradictory to me to be leaving a platform, that which you have developed a company around and that is so reliant on Twitter for success.
Hi Cari,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
My Twitter stream looks quite different than yours. Mine is filled with conversations, and of course links, but the links are things I’m interested in, so I find that valuable.
I’m not leaving Twitter because of spam, I’m leaving because of they are shifting their platform towards advertisers and away from the needs of members and developers.
I’m not disconnecting Triberr from Twitter, I’m just not developing for Twitter any further. Triberr isn’t a twitter app, it’s a community with syndication capabilities. Currently we can syndicate to Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn (next week) and soon App.net.
You are most welcome. I did not know that part of Triberr’s hirstoy, but that is cool, and I for one thank YOU! Triberr has been great for me and I encourage all indie authors and anyone who wants to grow their blog to check Triberr out. Many thanks Dino for your comment.
I think what makes those social media networks important these day is to let you have a constant connection with your friends and families.