Twitter isn’t your standard social networking site. It restricts the length of your messages, its home to thousands of webmasters and it doesn’t have teenage girls whining about how much they love Twilight. Whilst this could be seen as a refreshing change, the micro-blogging service still isn’t the best… infact, it has several major flaws.
Spam
I’ll start with the obvious. Spammers are a big problem on Twitter; whether it’s white teeth or bulging biceps you want, there’s probably hundreds of people on Twitter dedicating their page to the adverts. I can’t remember the last time I logged on to Facebook to see that one of my ‘friends’ was informing me of a magic new way to make a living online… can you?!
The Staff
Twitter is one of the most popular websites in the world and employs over 150 of the most intelligent nerds on Earth, yet they seem to be incapable of monetising the site effectively! Myspace made nearly $500 million in 2009 whilst Twitter can only dream of making a fraction of that at the moment.
Negative Public Image
Whilst those ‘in the know’ are aware that there’s more to Twitter than pointless ramblings, the general public think otherwise. Funnily enough, my Gran heard about Twitter on the news and was moaning to me about how it was utterly useless, asking me why anyone would waste their life just updating their followers on what they’re doing. You simply don’t get this with other social networking sites, so why Twitter?
Growth is limited
OK, so Twitter is apparently gaining more and more users, but will it ever be as big as the likes of Facebook and Myspace? In my opinion, no. I say this partly down to the negative public image I just discussed and partly down to the fact that it’s lacking something. Lets take Facebook for instance… it’s more than just status updates; there’s apps, the ability to upload photos, fan pages and so much more, but Twitter just seems to lack these extra features.
And finally…
Ricky Gervais doesn’t like it and, if we believe what the English born comedian says, what he says goes.
 How about you? Personally, I’m a big fan of Twitter but it does have some massive flaws. What don’t you like about Twitter? What would you improve? How would you suggest monetising the site? As always, I’d love to hear your views on this article! |
Sorry but this post sounds like you’re one innocent, whiny teen.
Here’s my take. First of all, all forms of social networking sites have flaws. Down time, undeveloped aspects etc.
You have to give credit that Twitter isn’t monetizing yet. In fact, for three years up to now,, it still hasn’t. You’re the first regular user I’ve encountered that complains about Twitter NOT monetizing. When in fact, the moment Twitter directly monetizes, hoard of people would complain endlessly everywhere about it.
Spam, on the other hand is something that’s obvious. But that isn’t either exlusive to twitter alone. In fact, there’s twice as many in Facebook (like apps that says help Haiti by clicking when actually it’s spam). It’s even worse in FB because people can’t readily discern if they’re being scammed, spammed or not. That’s because the bad folks easily use facebook’s advertizing system (which doesn’t have any good safeguard at all).
Finally about Ricky Gervvais, well first, I don’t even know him in the first place (and so will 90-98% of tweeps) so I don’t think that matters. I guess what matters more is that Google, Microsoft (Bill Gates esp), and even Mark Zuckerburg (Founder of Facebook) are all advisors of Twitter because they’ve pooled in millions of VC’s (venture capitals) in Twitter to keep it running so people can enjoy it’s use.You can look that up in TechCrunch if you want.
Disclaimer: not really a twitter fan but I think it should be given justice.
Hi SocialMan, and thanks for the comment.
Firstly, I’d just like to clarify that this post is not a moan and nor was it written to be critical. As I said at the end of the article I’m a big Twitter fan and enjoy writing about it, but in my opinion it’s nice to write the odd article from a different perspective, which i think I’ve done here.
OK, on to replying.
As I said, I’m not complaining about Twitter not monetising. That said, from various articles around the web (with authority, not just some random blogs), it’s clear that Twitter do want to make a profit (also backed up by the fact that they’re a business with milliions invested in them – obviously they’ll want a return). The point I was making in the article is that since they’ve made such a good site, why do they not have the ability to monetise the site in an effective way that doesn’t hinder user experience? Obviously it’s not an easy thing to do – I can’t think of a way! – but you would have thought a company of their calibre would have got it sussed!
As someone who uses Facebook more than any other social networking site, I agree that spam is a problem there too, but you can quite easily eliminate your exposure to it. I mean, after a bit it’s quite clear which apps are genuine and which aren’t… even then, you can block notifications from certain apps so you aren’t drawn back in. On Twitter, however, there will be thousands of accounts which you’re bound to stumble upon which is just ad after ad.
The point about Ricky Gervais was more of a joke if I’m honest. He’s a fairly well known comedian that stars in several high profile films and TV programmes. One of his “things” is that he’s very big headed, hence the sarcastic point of ‘what he says goes’.
To once again confirm, I have nothing against Twitter and will continue to happily use their services.
Thanks again for the comment, and I hope this has answered some of your “worries”.
Yep, now I think we’re on the same page
I’ve read news though about Twitter’s monetizing strategies (since they really have to be on that direction now). Seems like Gates is not in favor to directly charging for use (so that’s on the bottom of the list).
However, they’re planning to charge companies that integrate with them (for apps etc.). they’re also planning on releasing gadgets that has direct (or sole) Twitter features and purposes. Other than that, having adverts on the Twitter stream is far off as of now. They wouldn’t take any chances of more ’spammers’ infiltrating the system.
Glad I could help, and thanks for the insight on some of the proposed monetising ideas.
As I said in my last comment, it must be an incredibly hard position to be in. The whole idea of Twitter is that it’s so simple to use, and I think that’s their downfall when it comes to making money, as they have to ask themselves:
‘How can we get money from the users – through ads, membership, and so on – without making the site, or indeed the design, more complicated?.
Like I say, not an easy job!
I agree that facebook seems a failure — but for twitter, i do not see it yet because i am new in it.
Dana @ Blogging Update´s last blog ..Why Should Free Blog be avoided?
Eh? I’m not sure FB is a failure at all… far from it. If I’m honest the title was an exaggeration, as Twitter isn’t really a failure either, but the flaws it has are pretty big ones.
I think Twitter takes longer to get used to because it’s a different concept to other social media sites (such as Facebook or Myspace). Because of that it’s easier to point out flaws in it; it’s harder to understand.
Once you get into it though it can be an incredibly useful tool. It’s all down to how you use it
Heather´s last blog ..The New Direction: Mission Plan
Ahh, that’s a very good point you’ve brought up there Heather!
I would agree that it’s an incredibly useful tool, but in my opinion it’ll never be as big as some of the more “normal” social networking sites like Facebook and Myspace.
Well it probably won’t lol – the normal sites have an established ‘format’ that people are used to and can instantly connect with. Whereas, for the moment, Twitter is seen as attention-seeking or a more geeky tool dependant on use.
Different things for different purposes I guess
Heather´s last blog ..The New Direction: Mission Plan
Hmm… Simon! I never thought that the overarching perception of Twitter from the rest of the world is a huge issue. Everyone loves Facebook, but only Twitter users like Twitter. That’s an interesting point. I think Twitter has gained enough traction that it will never fail, but there are major flaws in its business model.
Interesting article, Simon! It’s good that it comes from someone who is already a fan.
Nick Tart | JuniorBiz´s last blog ..Starting Out Online: From the SEO Perspective
Hey bro, long time no see!
Cool article for sure, I definitely have mixed thoughts about Twitter…but I don’t think it’s a “fail” in regards to monetization. I’m totally against ads on my site, and it seems like Twitter has the same sort of idea – for now. They may start putting ads up later, but for now they’re worried about their users, which I totally respect. Maybe that’s why they’re growing so rapidly.
You did mention how much MySpace made in 2009, which is a huge number. But, MySpace is also dying compared to other social network sites like Facebook, and I’ll even say Twitter too. But Twitter just keeps growing and growing, so I think when they do monetize (however they choose to do so), they will benefit hugely because they put their users first. Opposed to MySpace, who will probably earn plenty now from those ads, but start to lose that userbase because they care about money more, and eventually earn less than Twitter.
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Yeah, been too long since we spoke!
I think the question that needs to be asked is whether Twitter would monetise if they had a good way of doing so? I mean, personally I think they would (they are a business afterall), but I think their problem is, if they were to have ads, where could they put them?! As I said in an earlier reply, I think their simplistic design could be their downfall.
I agree that Myspace is dying, but then I suppose a lot of sites made for teens will just be trends. The trend a few years ago was Bebo, then Myspace and now Facebook. No doubt it’ll change again soon. Compare it on a smaller scale to flash game websites. One week they’ll get loads of traffic through word-of-mouth at a specific school, then the next week the teachers may ban the site and they will lose that traffic.
As Heather said though, it’s hard to compare Twitter as it’s such a different type of social network.
Thanks for the comment
Twitter should put a limit on the amount of people everyone can follow to 5000 like Facebook does. That’s just my thought. That would reduce spam a bit on there.
Twitter does have major flaws but I think the positives outweigh them.
I agree the positives outweigh. You might be interested in an article I wrote which basically discussed the positives and negatives of Twitter, ‘Twitter: Good or Bad?!‘
Hmm…I think Twitter can grow to the extent that Facebook and MySpace has. It is very possible.
And also with the negative image I think all the sites have it, Facebook and MySpace all have negative images, so I think that’s not much of a hindrance for Twitter. Everything in this world has someone thinking negative of it, so I think that’s normal
.
So in all, I think Twitter is not a failure. But I think it’s high time they thought of a monetization strategy or else they are being left behind.
Hope you are doing fine, Simon
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Shirley´s last blog ..Shirley Featured On GH Tech
I agree with Mr.Social Man. great insights!
Anyways as far as monetizing twitter, I think it all boils down to perfect timing imo. If you think about it right now any methods that Twitter can launch to monetize themselves is going to be annoying to users. But heck whats the need for monetization, if they’ve got over a hundred million dollars in private funding?
Twitter many look a fail as an whole (many of my friends are on twitter and do not understand what to do with it).
However on a micro level it is a success. As people do not understand they fall for the trap set by intelligent twitterer.
You see someone put a affiliate link, you think its a link to some awesome content (you a are a dumb twitterer) and end of buying stuff. Even those who know that it is a affiliate link will click it. Why there is no way in 140 characters (actually less) you can know about a product/service or whatever. You click out of curosity.
Agent Deepak´s last blog ..Get your Face on Facebook
I think you raise a couple of good points, but I have a difference of opinion on Twitter’s monetization strategy. Many of the biggest startups – Facebook and Google included – went through a period of wait before turning on the cash stream, and there’s good reason why. When they finally do start monetizing it’s like the proverbial cat is let out of the bag, and we all know the cash value of the site. In the meantime, they are riding a wave of hype and speculation while they mature their monetization strategies.
I think it’s also worth noting that Twitter is taking the time and making the effort to make its search functionality front and center. Search ads would be an excellent way to monetize the site; they just have to shift the way the site is seen to some extent.
Of course Twitter has its flaws but everything does. I actually think that it’s great that they can’t or don’t really monetize their site.
Anyway I love Twitter, it made me $48 yesterday. How could you not love it?!
Julius Kuhn-Regnier´s last blog ..The Lost Art of Failure
Hmm charging a membership fee; who said that? At first glance, that doesn’t actually seem a half bad idea. It would surely take care of a LOT of the spam issue…MANY I’m sure are there purely because it’s free and easy. lol
Dennis Edell´s last blog ..Here We Go! Theme Construction Part 1 – Your Participation Is Wanted-Needed!
they say they are going to monetize twitter but in what way? I don’t see any. And I agree, when too many people are using twitter it fluctuates which is what I hate too much specially when I have to contact some people.
Jp @ Beginners Blogging Guide´s last blog ..A Backlink for a Helpful Commentator
I get all my news from twitter, plus they are about to get the noble prize. Yes twitter is not perfect but all in all its useful and entertaining.
Twitter is an interesting service, I heard it was going to slowly waste away but I guess that depends on if it’ll ever be monetized. I have to admit social marketing isn’t something I do a lot of in my work.
Just wanted to stop by and tell you you’ve received a Sunshine Award back at my blog; check in there for details.
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Twitter is “TOOL” for celebrities to get even more popular , spammers to get more people to click on their links and justin beiber fans wining on all their status messages lol
I absolutely love Twitter. It opens up so many opportunities that would never be possible without it. The biggest flaws is the Spam
Alex Monroe´s last blog ..The Importance of Research, 3 Key Rules
I personally think they are doing a decent job. They have really fast growth and it’s hard to keep up but according to the Metcalfe’s law of network worth, sooner or later the earnings will outweigh the expenses and they will skyrocket up the food chain.
A few scandals here and there don’t mean nothing to me, it’s a great service and I would be handicapped without it as a blogger and a website owner. Nice post though, it’s good to hear different opinions. Cheers!
Gordon´s last blog ..Getting Rid Of Twitter DMs
twitter has been down again tonight. plenty of “fail whale”. they need to get their act together and cut down on this repeated disruptions. the service is so fragile.