Twitter, The Toothpaste; Myspace, The Walkman

Upon first registering with Twitter, many get the same reaction: "I don't get how to use Twitter." After a couple of weeks, the sentiment upgrades to: "Still trying to figure this Twitter thing out." After about a month or so, some "get it," then go on to have an active and rewarding Twitter experience. But alas, many do not "get it," and therefore, they fade from Twitter activity... Not knowing that they will one day return.

When Myspace limped on the scene, first as a music site, there were many who were slow to "get it" as well. Then, as stories surrounding Myspace as a source of incredible exposure and fame (money opportunities) emerged, hoards of people flocked to "join" the site. Then, as Myspace became a some sort of other-land utopia for people to relive high school, (this time as the popular kids), the number of Myspace members really went over board. But now, some five years later, Myspace has become pretty much a social enigma; or stigma, depending on who you ask about it. Tell someone to "check out your Myspace page," and you're likely to get a mixed reaction. To some people, Myspace is old and played out. Indeed, its become like what the Sony Walkman once was, but in the age of the Apple iPod.

So how is it that mighty Myspace lost its gold rush appeal, while Twitter is "tweeting" on the edge of Apple- and Windows-like infamy? The answer is simple: Twitter is like toothpaste; it's a product that those in the know "need". Twitter is not a "site". (And that's refreshing.) It doesn't try to portray itself as a community of "friends." Twitter embraces it's station: it is a service; a service I must add that many people value tremendously. In the same way that phone texting allows one to text their family, friends, co-workers, and associates, Twitter allows one to text the world, and snoop in on other peoples texts from around the world... I repeat: the world! And though Myspace is now trying to market and position itself as also a "service", to most, it still remains nothing more than the cross between a big yearbook with accompanying music, and a "jump-off-style" dating site.

Epilogue
As a product, Myspace has lost most of its initial appeal, and subsequently, its power. It is no longer a nimble, unique secret; it is a giant, well-known (possibly washed-up) marketing strategy that doubles as a community of "friends." And as a service, well, it's future is likely more in the music distribution realm.

Because Twitter is such a powerful--soon to be fundamental--service, Twitter users should expect to begin paying a monthly fee. I do not believe that Twitter will try to monetize off of advertising. Therefore, they will have to turn to a pay-for-service platform. I suspect that the only reason that they haven't done so already is because they're waiting for the number of registered Twitter users to hit some predetermined benchmark. When that day comes, (and I predict that will be sooner than later), Twitter will be well-advised to keep that service price down...way down...like no more than $6 per month.

-Amir Said

Comments

[DYKC?™]

I can't see paying for a service like Twitter, simply because 90% of the people I am in contact with on the site I also speak to in some other online forum, and offline as well.

As a marketing tool, it hasn't afforded me additional eyes and feedback on my content in particular, but, I do see the value of the service for additional expsosure, networking and finding like-minded individuals.

[Claudia]

Yeah, I always wondered how twitter makes money since they don't place ads on the page. It is very valuable, but I agree the cost would need to be minimal.

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One of these days is none of these days.