It’s been a rough couple of days for Twitter…
Numbers Up, Money Down
For those of you who follow technology and business, you will know that Twitter announced it’s first quarterly results since floating on the stock exchange. The results weren’t good…at all. In the first 3 months they made a loss of $511m, despite a revenue of $243m. Shares the day after plunged 23% as investors worried about the business.
These results are exactly why I say that social media should remain private businesses, and NOT go public in the way Facebook and Twitter have. I have always found it difficult to value what is basically fancy communication as a business worth billions. It’s not a physical product. Twitter and Facebook don’t actually make anything. So how can investors value these companies in the tens of billions? I would say advertising revenue but when you look at those figures neither Facebook or Twitter don’t really make enough from adverts to value it in the billions either.
Given these results though, Twitter still continues to grow. It may not be at a barnstorming pace, but it’s growth non the less and that overall is the most important stat. I still believe that it will overtake Facebook in the medium term as more and more people start to turn off their accounts. Twitter works well because it is a small service in comparison to Facebook and information can be posted and digested far quicker. Business has also taken to Twitter very well and are making the most of it’s unique way of quick networking. Which sort of leads me on to my next point…
Moans and Groans
I’ve stopped following a few people on Twitter recently. In the main the glazing community on Twitter is a friendly bunch, not short of good natured banter, swift networking and a great place to ask questions and generally have a laugh. However, over the past few months a few people, and it really is just a few people, have turned rather bitter about Twitter and the community on there.
I have seen comments about “cliques”, “back slappers” and other such terms spring up on my timeline. Usually I wouldn’t see them as I don’t follow those people, but I can’t escape re-tweets hence I do see them once in a while, and I do smirk when I see them. I can’t help wondering that these comments are borne out frustration of perhaps not being included in the main discussions and conversations. Or maybe events outside the Twittersphere on other online enterprises didn’t go their way, therefore creating a bitterness. What I would say in response to this is that what people see as cliques and back slappers on Twitter, is rather more a collective group of people that deal with each other on a professional level on a daily basis and find Twitter a place to communicate in a more relaxed manner. Yes there will be banter, tweeting of installation images and so on, but honestly, what else would you expect?! Quite frankly businesses and people are understanding the great way Twitter works and if that means a bit of promotion and re-tweeting, then so be it. If you don’t like the tone of the conversation, grow up, grow a pair and either leave or go join in a conversation that suits you better. Moaners and groaners don’t come across well on Twitter, and I know this from personal experience.
Keep it Clean
The glazing community online continues to grow and probably all our follower counts on Twitter have continued to swell. As I have already said, the general tone of the conversation has been good up to press, so lets keep it that way. The industry has enough problems to deal with in business day to day.
But I will say this; Twitter is a great place for free speech and opinion. My time on there is proof of that. But if you’re going to make comments, snide or otherwise, expect a backlash from those it is aimed against.
As always, all comments welcome in the section below.
Well , I know you are a fan DGB , but I can’t get excited with it at all , it is all hype , no substance , just gossip , pretty much existing only because it is cool and new(ish) it will be used by those die hards , and yes a few famous types will get followed , but most tweets probably go unread and wasted in the ether , and thus is the value of it . house of cards comes to mind
You mean the Emperor has no clothes..? What a surprise.
While on the topic of worthless wastes of the internet – is there any reason why EVERY time I post on your blog I have to confirm that I did so and want to receive follow up information? Surely it ought to be enough that you’ve accepted me (and the rest of us) as posters and just accept them?
Hi Londoner
I tested out the comments system myself this morning and found only that a comment has to be moderated before it goes live. There are also two tick boxes which you don’t have to tick so you don’t receive follow up information – leave those un-ticked.
Hope this helps!
DGB
Hi No it doesn’t really work – maybe as you are the moderator you don’t see what I see when I post – but basically I get this email (with the relevant links changed) with each new post I make on any of your topics asking me to confirm the post: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> From:* Double Glazing Blogger *Date:* Fri, 7 Feb 2014 02:46:53 +0000 Howdy. You recently followed one of my posts. This means you will receive an email when new comments are posted. To activate, click confirm below. If you believe this is an error, ignore this message and I’ll… Read more »
Right OK got it! Sorry about that, I’ll have a play around in the settings today and sort this out!
:-) Thanks. It’s not a huge deal, just one of life’s little irritations…
I guess others have the same issue.
I’m fairly new to Twitter and have really enjoyed making contact with companies and people that I would rarely get a chance to talk to. The Installers and locksmiths that tweet about thier work is really helpful for my job, I get to hear about your pain points, things that are good, things that need to change. I can see how proud you are in your work, especially when you post pictures. I like to retweet and share information that I think others would find interesting. I have been lucky enough to get quite a few leads and make some… Read more »
Have to laugh at the irony of moaning and groaning at the moaning and groaning of others. Saying grow a pair is a bit rich when you havent got the minerals to actually address them yourself, but make a back hand swipe at people on your blog. I dont follow you because i generally dislike the tone and attitude of a lot of your posts. I am man enough to admit that. I wouldnt normally comment on this and i was pointed this way as i dont visit here either, but i just feel that to make attacks at people… Read more »
Hi TWS Firstly, what is Twitter fame? I don’t think anyone in this industry is famous on Twitter. Celebrities are on Twitter, so yes, Twitter fame in that regard, but I don’t think anyone from this industry can be called famous. Secondly, what is a place of free speech without being able to respond? I happily post comments on here from people who disagree, like yourself. I don’t censor that. I also engage with people I follow on Twitter who disagree with what I say. I am prepared to argue if I start an argument. Thirdly, this isn’t the only… Read more »
Twitter fame is those who feel that the number of followers they have or their standings on “Most influential” lists means they carry more clout than others, or that their opinions mean more and argue as such, that what they believe is right. Responding is fine, but when you respond in the way you are castigating against it seems a little silly. Its like those posts you see that say “Some people need to grow up and mention me if they are slagging me off” and then dont mention them It makes me laugh. Just mention them, or sort it… Read more »
Twitter fame is building a brand that people want to follow like #Worcestershirehour and it gets noticed to the degree we got on Midlands Today News. Yes Mum I am (was) on the Tele.