Why Twitter is still the best Oct10 '07
Yesterday Google acquired Jaiku, an alternative to Twitter, which allows you to post micro-content (140 characters or less) which is then dispersed to your "followers" via SMS, instant-message, or simply over the web.
Such services combine many current communication/notification tools (web, SMS, instant-message, RSS) to stay in touch with anyone, anywhere in the world.
Although Google's acquisition of Jaiku is intriguing, Twitter remains the leader in micro-content platforms, for a few reasons:
- First one out of the gate.
- Clearest description of it's purpose.
- Less is more.
- Ease of use.
- U.S. based.
First one out of the gate
It's pretty certain that Twitter will go down in the history books as the "one site that redefined communication using modern technology." Prior to Twitter, no other service used the "140 character limit" model (the key factor in it's success).
Being the first one out of the gate gives you a distinct competitive advantage, but doesn't guarantee long-term success. So far, Twitter has stayed up-to-date with features, support, scaling, and the indespensible "oooh ahhh factor," which makes it's users excited to continue using the product.
Clearest description of it's purpose
Twitter redefined communication using modern technology, so it knows exactly what it's trying to sell. There is no confusion as to the purpose or intention of the product. Here is the message from the front page:
A global community of friends and strangers answering one simple question: What are you doing? Answer on your phone, IM, or right here on the web!
You know exactly what you're getting into. The site clearly defines what every aspect means to you. It's laid out in a constructive, simplistic manner, so as not to confuse users.
Less is more
Twitter's web layout is clean, uncluttered, and although it may be missing some features that similar services offer, such as the ability to post comments on individual status updates, Twitter keeps things simple, and doesn't overload features.
Ease of use
Following someone is a simple click away. Would you like their updates sent to your SMS or IM? Another click away.
While you're away from the computer, would you like updates from a specific person sent to your phone? Just text "follow [username]" to Twitter, and you're set. Want to stop SMS notifications for that person? Text "off [username]".
Globally, do you want all SMS notifications to stop coming in? Text "off". Turn it back on? Text "on".
Twitter's smart keyword commands are extremely intuitive.
Also, Twitter offers RSS feeds for almost everything, something that the other services are lacking. If I choose to follow people via RSS, I should be able to.
U.S. based
This argument is biased since I live in the U.S. However, I have yet to find another "Twitter service," like Jaiku, that works as smoothly with SMS and IM. Perhaps it's because Twitter better understands U.S.-based cell phone providers, and can tap into those networks easier. I'm not sure.
Also, I am estimating (I could be entirely wrong) that the U.S. is a much better "market" for new web technologies and finding users.
Categories: Reviews 
, Services , SMS , Twitter
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Never one to conform, Matt intends to promote the effect the web has on our lives, in an effort to intensify, instruct, and clarify all that is happening around us.
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