The ReTweetolution

There is a huge debate right now in the digital world about Twitter’s new Timeline-esque interface. Some love it and some hate it.

I’m going to talk about why they NEEDED it.

Twitter is a bastion for information distribution. It is dependent upon users getting the content they want to receive quickly.

What happens when that info comes too quickly? What happens when content appears so fast you barely have time to process it?

That is what is happening within the twitosphere right now. There is way too much happening to keep track of it all.

That is why it was a great move on Twitter’s part to implement a change in how they operate their platform. Creating a more streamlined and user-friendly look helps keep users on track and getting the information they need.

Why be different for the sake of being different? Adopting a look similar to a competitor may seem counter-intuitive, but only when it decreases market share.

Users go to Twitter for info and Facebook for friends. They are two distinctively different platforms with different purposes. Twitter does not have to worry about losing users to Facebook. Now, they have provided one look that a user can understand immediately and navigate through easily.

Great move Twitter. Keep up the great work.

The Rift in Virtual Reality

Story:

Facebook recently acquired Oculus Rift, a company spearheading the virtual reality race. Originally a Kickstarter company, Oculus Rift has received a HUGE backlash from the buy.

Facebook has also taken a large hit on their stock prices.

Many large-scale contracts that would have benefited Oculus Rift have been pulled in the wake of the acquisition.

All in all, it has been a rough few days for both companies.

Why It’s Important:

We have seen this kind of acquisition backlash for a few years now, but it seems to be coming to a defined point with the Oculus-Facebook deal.

People are coming to understand the depth of power large media companies have at their disposal. Many Americans are frightened by the access to personal information that Facebook, Google and like entities have at their fingertips.

Oculus Rift gives Facebook the power to mold the ENTIRE user experience around exactly what they want you to see.

That is a scary proposition.

On a more personal level, don’t we all love a good underdog story?

That is why Kickstarter campaigns have so much power, because underdogs sell. We want small things to grow. We like to see the weak guy kick ass and take names. It makes us feel like we have the ability to succeed, regardless of our status.

So when a little company fighting to revolutionize the world gets bought out by a big company that we fear, of course there is going to be major backlash. And with the Acquisition Wars happening right now between the digital conglomerates, we have every right to feel that way.

While I think the acquisition could be great for the VR race, it worries me that media conglomerates like Facebook and Google will be spearheading the initiative instead of fledgling companies.

We are depriving the market of new ideas and businesses as they get bought up by these titans.

Let me get up on my soapbox real quick.

This is a pivotal time in the digital world. As consumers, we have to find our place within the sphere.

The only way to battle the conglomerates is to hit them where it hurts.

You just have to stop looking, and start speaking.

Making our opinions known and keeping companies in check is fundamental to holding our power within the digital ecosystem.

So gripe, complain, blog, and/or protest.

Do what you have to do to make your voice heard.

We ARE their revenue streams.

Without us they are nothing.

Let’s bring the power back to the people.

 

Thanks for reading. Fight the man, get off of Facebook and read all of my blogs instead.

Comment below, I read somewhere that it is good for you or something.

Peace Out Cub Scout

Love and Facebook

Facebook knows when you are in love. Ain’t that something?

Not only do they know when you are in love, they probably know before YOU do.

Now that is powerful analytics.

Facebook released findings from their amazing analytics department on Valentine’s Day showing how engagement between two people grows and climaxes around the time the couple makes it “Facebook Official”.

From that day, engagement slides off. Presumably because they are spending more time together. Personally? I like to think it’s because they are beginning their long journey towards utter resentment of each other. That’s just me though.

Why It’s Important

Love is great and all, but what really matters is that Facebook can analyze consumer behavior and pinpoint future actions through research.

That is so friggin’ cool guys.

Using emotional verbage and post frequency metrics, among many other types of analytic formulas I’m sure, Facebook can ubiquitously advertise to consumers.

(The definition of Ubiquitously. Big words can be scary sometimes.)

That means cold medicine ads before you even have the sniffles.

Gym ads shown right before you have your “Holy Crap I’ve gained 100 pounds since college” epiphany.

Anti-Depressant ads when you figure out that douchey guy from high school now owns a yacht and 6 mansions.

You get the point.

The possibilities are immense, and the amount of money to be made is CRAZY.

Almost as crazy as that ex that keeps stalking your profile.

Am I right?

Check out the Mashable article on this subject here

Another great article on Facebook using consumer info here

Thanks for reading, comment your thoughts below.

Peace Out Girl Scout.