Why Twitter Still Exists
With Twitter suffering chronic down time, people are beginning to openly consider alternatives. Yet Twitter’s user base is far from waning. Which raises a legitimate question, “how come everyone is still on Twitter when there are better alternatives available?”
The answer in my opinion, is a simple one: everyone is on Twitter. Think about it, what if you switch to Jaiku or Pownce? You’ll end up talking to yourself and missing out on all the action. Why? Because everyone is on Twitter.
In order for Twitter to suffer any loss, one thing will have to happen: several big names will have to simultaneously defect to a rival service which will likely trigger a mass exodus. Otherwise, limping or not, Twitter is here to stay.
Update: This kind of transparency and honesty is another reason why Twitter still exists. Good job on the communication front guys.
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May 22nd, 2008 at 12:16 am
Actually, the funny thing is - I wouldn’t leave twitter unless all the smaller names did, and I think that would be the same for many others. I don’t even follow two out of those three big names, and I’m pretty close to dropping the one I do because he never talks to me :)
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:14 am
@l.m.orchard: OK, it might also have to do with the fact that it’s a free service with no ads (though ads would be understandable), and the people running it aren’t jerks. Oh, and they’re pretty transparent too (see update).