Why does Twitter get involved in so many interesting lawsuits? In its short life, the company has kicked up legal hornet nests involving everything from stalking to satire.
While technology companies always outgrow the laws that govern them, Twitter’s 140-character message system is proving to be particularly disruptive. At the same time, the microblog has been more aggressive in defending free speech than established companies like Facebook and Google.
Here are five examples that show how Twitter’s unique platform is creating a new set of media rules that are forcing the law to play catch up:
Michelle Obama’s first day on Twitter was the tweet heard ’round the world, with more than 60,000 followers signing up to follow her the morning she launched. Initial tweets from @MichelleObama noted that her staff would be doing the heavy lifting initially, but that every tweet from the First Lady herself would be signed “mo.” It was a nice touch of transparency, creating excitement without over-promising.Mrs. Obama’s fellow Twitter-newbie, Rupert Murdoch, however, is off to a rockier start, or so say numerous critics; Murdoch began his Twitter account to thunderously merciless reviews. Among the complaints, he doesn’t include links in his tweets. His tweets have been called “insipid,” “banal,” and “pedestrian.” Most important: readers say Murdoch’s tweets simply don’t add value for his followers.
via 4 Strategic Requirements For Corporate Tweeting | Fast Company.
Gurley also writes about the tech landscape at Above The Crowd, where recent essays discuss the ingenious business plan behind Android — it’s a way for Google to create an unassailable “moat” around its core search business — and why some startups’ revenue is worth more than others.
via Bill Gurley Explains How Twitter Will Rule The World And Why Groupon Won’t.
How a late-night Luddite accidentally fought his way back into bedrooms and computers, smartphones, and tablets across America.
The day Virgin America’s Promoted Tweets went live it recorded its fifth-highest sales day in its history, said Porter Gale (Virgin’s VP, Marketing). “Retweeting obviously helped, she added, but so did association with the latest thing on Twitter.” That is, part of that consumer response reflected the amount of free press Virgin America received — worth $10 million, she estimated — from media coverage of the new ad program, which often mentioned its initial advertisers.
via Marketers Atwitter.