photo courtesy of BenedictFrancis

I'm unhappy with Twitter.

Twitter recently introduced a new feature - a one click retweet feature.  For those that have been using programs like TweetDeck and Seesmic Desktop, this is nothing new.  I've long hoped Twitter would create a one-click feature for retweeting, as I do quite a bit of it on my RErockstar Twitter account.  I use retweets to pass on interesting information, follow up on someone's comment, and share real estate news with my fellow agents and San Antonio locals.

A few days ago, I tried the retweet feature.  I clicked the button and expected to see a message box appear with the familiar "RT @so-and-so blah blah blah" which I would then add a bit of thought to.  Instead, it just sent out the retweet.  It shared the information I thought was interesting, but didn't give me a chance to add my own thoughts.  Although it is sometimes hard to add in comments (usually placed between [ and ] to make it know that you're saying that) because of the 140 character limit, I do try to make comments as often as possible.  I want people to know why I choose to share this with them.  Otherwise I might as well just be broadcasting anything and everything.  That's not social in my view and the point of Twitter is to draw in a social element to the internet.

Imagine if I stood on a busy street corner and everytime someone walked by I told them something someone else had said to me.  "I'm free after 3:30."  " Agreeing with me is probably more reason to see a shrink." "Is it new or is it the one from the '80s?" "That's my usual spot on Wednesdays. I heard they might build one out in Helotes!"  (All of these were actual things said to me today.)  Would anyone walking down that street care?  Would any of my friends that passed by care?  I doubt it.

That's what the one-click retweet feature is like to me.  Senseless noise with no social interaction.  If you wish to retweet something I said, please add something to the conversation.  I'll appreciate it so much more.