Project Retweet, A Popularity Contest?

Image by Salon de Maria via Flickr

Twitter launched a new default avatar this weekend, instead of the usual announcement a bug unveiled the design as the default for many users. They were quick to acknowledge the root cause of the problem and rectify what had occurred.

I wrote recently about Phase one of project retweet and that I felt Twitter should concentrate more on other aspects. I would like to see threaded conversation introduced as I want to be a part of a global discussion not an empty echo chamber. The retweet is central to how people share content on Twitter though and details are beginning to emerge about how the new retweet feature will work. At first glance it reminds me of the Facebook/Friendfeed 'Like' with the Retweeted avatars displayed underneath. Twitter is already a popularity contest so will this enhancement increase that aspect of the service?

Related articles by Zemanta

• Twitter's New Avatar Takes Over Unsuspecting Accounts (mashable.com)
• SNEAK PEEK: Twitter's Upcoming Retweet Feature [Pic] (mashable.com)