Mediaphyter - A Communications Cocktail

In my previous post I discussed why I believe Wednesday’s Twitter boycott (aka Twit-Out) is doomed for epic failure. I realize in the days since that I might’ve been a bit too hasty in my judgment. While I still do not believe that the Twit-Out will have the impact the organizers hope it will I am in awe of and actually proud of the conversations that have arisen within the Twitter community due to this event. I am not completely recanting, of course. There are many points on which I still disagree. Hear me out.

Shey Smith contends in his blog that some of us criticizing the Twit-Out don’t get what the organizers are trying to do. I believe we get it - we just don’t agree with it. He also states that it’s the “only the heavy users are the ones who are really perturbed enough to join in on Twit-Out.” I don’t agree with this, either. Generalizing which users are willing to sit-out or not based on usage is an unfair representation of both sides. It’s undervaluing the con group and falsely inflating the pro. With about 600 followers and almost 7,000 posts I am not a Twitter icon but I am definitely a power user. No one is claiming that we non-protesters will sit back with blank-eyed smiles while Twitter is down. But if we’re going to do something, let’s do something that can shake the radar rather than merely be a blip on it.

Like what? Shannon Whitley has some ideas. He took the concept of fixing Twitter a step or six further than I did and suggested that Twitter move to an open source model in order to help improve its stability. Whitley is someone with whom I am consistently impressed not only due to his understanding of technology and social media across the board, but because he is someone who puts his ideas into actions that benefit the community at large.

I’m inspired to do the same. And while I don’t have Whitley’s technical prowess I can do this:

I’m declaring May 21 to be “Twitter Love Day” rather than a Twit-Out. Because generally, barring some heinous offense, when you love something you at least try to help it before you turn your back on it. Tough love is constructive. So, on this day rather than avoid Twitter and sending it to its room without dessert, I am going to try to collaborate with other Twitter users (either on the board or off) to come up with ideas of how to improve the platform. Then I will post them here.

This is not a competition to see which movement can be more successful. As much as I might disagree with Smith I completely respect his viewpoints, his passion and his many brilliant blog posts. I think, if anything, we’re aiding each other’s cause. Whitley put his noggin to work and came up with his open source suggestions. Smith is putting his fire and fuel into getting Twitter’s attention on behalf of the community.

What are you going to do?

Share your ideas and I’ll include them and credit you with a link to your blog on “Love Twitter Day.”