4heroes.co.uk

As I posted my third ever “Tweet” on my nicely customised twitter page earlier, I got to thinking about how much I have been hearing and reading of Twitter lately.  I would imagine that you reading this, will probably be fully aware of what Twitter is but if not click here and you can see for yourself.

Twitter has become a giant, there is no denying that.  The US President is using it, CEO’s of huge corporations are using it and there are plenty of small businesses, like us using it too.  The question I pose this evening is:  Is Twitter a friend to a business or a foe?

At first impressions, almost everyone I know would say a friend due to the obvious easy advertising solution and viral marketing.  I myself, did indeed say the same thing but after really thinking about it, I started asking questions.  A recent article released by multiple sources claims that:

“ 22% of UK businesses willing to pay for additional Twitter functionality “

This has me worried as a new Twitter user and an up & coming avid fan; If Twitter did start charging for use, what would they class as “Additional Functionality” and what would be left to the small companies & individuals who are not particularly willing to pay for Twitter usage?  Will additional functionality be the only thing to pay for or will Twitter as we know it become a subscription-only paid service?  Now, I like Twitter but I would not pay for it (YET!)

Maybe because I have not got many followers or maybe just because I have only tweeted 3 times, I will probably at some point fall madly in love with Twitter just like many of my acquaintances.

“ Of most interest to Twitter itself, however, is that 22% of UK businesses said they would pay to get additional business functionality versus 36% who said they wouldn’t and 42% unsure. “

Now, this could just be me being cynical but I can see Twitter becoming yet another money hungry giant trying to screw the hard-earned cash from companies now trying to find more and more ways to market their products & services.  It’s not like we haven’t seen this before; websites allowing free use for so long, then switching to a subscription only service.  A great money making technique for Twitter to use perhaps, and probably a fantastic step in Twitter’s no doubt long life, but by the looks of the statistics above; depending on what Twitter define as “Extra Functionality”, if they do start charging usage fees, they will see a drastic drop in users.

Alongside this article, some information has been released regarding Search Engines such as Google, incorporating Live feeds into their search results.  Now, this could work as a HUGE advantage to anyone who knows how to use Key words to their advantage.   That is probably a story for another blog, hopefully soon.

Anyway to summarise a lengthy and rather nonsensical post, yes, even after all of that rambling…  I would class Twitter as a FRIEND.  Although I am weary of them becoming a money hungry giant, and I myself would not pay for it, Twitter is a great Micro-blogging service and a fantastic tool to keep updated and keep your clients / contacts up to date.

One last thought:  What is to stop Facebook, Myspace and other social giants charging for use? …  A scary thought I suppose!