Aug 09

Is Twitters Growth Limited by Character Count?

• By: John E Lincoln
• Categories: Blogging
• Comments: 9

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Will Twitter be Held Back by Their Character Count?

One of the draws of Twitter is its appeal from a micro blogging perspective, i.e., in order to create a post you don’t have to write too much, just 140 characters. But could it be that this short term advantage could be a long term failure?

What other successful sites online have a word count this short? Not many…

While this is true, there are other character limited communication mediums on the market which are successful. Text Messaging only allows a limited amount of characters on many phones for instance. Additionally, some Instant Messaging software limits character count. But overall, it seems that the best software, platforms, social media sites, etc. are unlimited in their capabilities, not constrained by tight word counts.

So why not create an expandable box? Or an option to create an extended blogging area on Twitter? Any way to add more information to Twitter will bring value to the site in the long run. Also, along these same lines it seems that Twitter just plain has a lack of features. I know this is opening up another subject entirely but I’m going to do it anyway…

So I ask you this, is Twitters success limited by its character count? Is Twitter limited by its hesitance to add new features and increase its offerings? What are they waiting for? Or is this the best it will get? And if this is the best it’s ever going to get, is this enough for long term success?

Tells us your thoughts below.

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9 Responses to “Is Twitters Growth Limited by Character Count?”

1. mark k on August 9, 2010 6:29 pmIt is limited. They need new features and a new business plan. They should take a look at Facebook and rethink their site.
2. Karen Social Girl on August 9, 2010 6:31 pmTwitter knows what they are doing. I find it ridiculous to criticize a site which has experience so much success. They are over 30 million. It is the simplicity of the platform that makes it work.
3. LinkedIn Genius on August 9, 2010 6:32 pmTwitter has experienced a rare phenomenon of media induced success.
4. Jessica on August 9, 2010 6:36 pmThey have ADDED SOO MANY FEATURES LATELY! Twitter lists, ads, top Tweets! What are you talking about!
5. MORONKEJI on August 10, 2010 11:47 amFrom LinkedIn:
   
   Though many people perceive Twitter as a place for random status updates, re-tweets and messages, my Mind Mapping shows how Twitter is largely a reflection of everyday conversation. Twitter is a platform dominated by the voice of the consumer and consists primarily of two-way conversations. Which pragmatically gives impetus to social discussant 'euphoria-chatting Real time'...................24-7, this is an unfair-edge over others......(social domain)
6. THOMAS on August 10, 2010 4:31 pmThe website Twitter allows for mass distribution of messaging. Interesting to see the news today, now you do not need a Twitter account to follow someone. Updates will be sent to you via SMS.
7. Angela Hill, Incitrio on August 11, 2010 8:15 amMark Twain once said: "I would have written you a shorter letter, but I didn't have the time." Twitter is a perfect tool for forcing users to be brief, concise and considerate of their audience. This is just the beginning of fully integrated online personas and communities.
8. Cory D on August 11, 2010 9:24 amOrange is an orange. Twitter is Twitter. Leave it alone! hehe.
9. John E Lincoln on August 11, 2010 9:31 amSome great comments here.
   
   Mark K: I couldn't agree more. Although, as of late they are releasing new features more regularly as noted by Jessica.
   
   Karen Social Girl: It is tough to criticize such a success. However, it's great conversation and looking towards the future in speculation is always fun. A good point though.
   
   MORONKEJI: Excellent insight!
   
   Thomas: Yes this is a new feature in Twitter, very exciting! Not sure if it will take off though and I do not completely understand the thought process. Who really wants individual SMS messages from a Twitter account. Seems like it would get tiresome quickly.
   
   Angela: Great comment. I agree.
   
   Thank you all. We appreciate your insight!
   
   John