Twitter Inc. (NYSE:TWTR) is at it again. Making updates and changes that are concerning its user base. Currently, Twitter CEO Dick Costolo, is attempting to tweak and prod Twitter so that it is more user-friendly and easy to understand. However, with 241 million users, it appears that people do, … in fact, comprehend how to utilize most or all of the micro-blogging site’s attributes.
Recently, Twitter started experimenting with a version that does not include the “Retweet” function. When people use Twitter, they are in the mood to interact. Additionally, they are in a race to get more Twitter followers. How are both of those goals accomplished? Well, retweeting is one popular way.
The updated version is being tested on a control group with a small amount of users. As a result, they are responding in a not-so-positive way. The button now shows, “Share With Followers”, “First Add Comment” and “Cancel.” So, some people are very confused.
The “Share With Followers” button executes the same action as a retweet. However, not everyone feels excited about the change. Especially without any warning. Some Twitter users have complained that it sounds too much like Facebook’s share feature. Others think it sounds like something their mother would say, which is not something most teens want to be associated with.
Given that the retweet is a core part of the Twitter vocabulary, it could have devastating effects if Twitter decides to do away with it all together. There are countless articles and books explaining how to increase your retweet ratio. All of those social media marketing tips would be put to rest.
While it is true that Twitter needs to come up with more options for broadening its user base, killing the retweet might not be its best course of action.
