When it comes to microblogging, the first word that pops into everyone’s mind is Twitter. Twitter will always be the heavyweight simply because they were first. Twitter should be just one of your primary microblogging tools. We all know what happens when we keep all our eggs in one basket. Listed below are six great twitter alternatives. These should be used in combination with Twitter. One more thing to keep in mind is updating. You can use web based apps to update all your microblogging profiles in one shot. There are also Adobe Air/desktop applications such as Posty that work just as well.
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1) Identi.ca
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Identi.ca was launched in July of this year. It gained traction quickly, partially due to it being the first open-source Twitter clone. It came on the scene at a time when Twitter’s service suffered from extensive outages and service limitations. Twitter users flocked in droves looking for a stable alternative.
Features:
- 140 characters limitation
- Open ID
- SMS capabilities
- (XMPP based) instant messaging client IM updates
- Crossposting to Twitter
- Option to automatically follow back new subscribers
- Adobe AIR/various desktop applications
It’s a win win situation for developers and end users:
Identi.ca is open-source, open data, has an API, and can be federated.
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2) Rejaw
Rejaw is an interesting microblogging platform. Unlike Twitter, you are not bound by 140 chars, you have a spacious 1,000 character limit. The ability to post images and video is a major plus. The user interface is simple, easy on the eyes, and easy to use. I particularly like the use of big fonts and big text implemented on the site. It’s a definite welcome for the visually impaired.
Features:
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- 1,000 characters limit messaging
- Ability to post videos and images
- Threaded conversations
- Permalinks
- Guests can comment on threads, no registration is necessary.
- API for developers
3) Pownce
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Pownce is the creation of Digg founder, Kevin Rose. It’s another web based instant messaging system aka microblogging application with some distinct features. The character limitation is unlimited which gives you a lot of freedom to ramble. You can post messages, events and even share files. Grouping of friends is a great collaborative feature built into the service.
Features:
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- No character limitations
- Ability to post videos and images
- Grouping
- Share files
- Adobe AIR/desktop applications
- API for developers
4) Jaiku
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Jaiku is currently a Google property, since Google acquired them in Oct of 2007. It’s very comparable to twitter, with a 140 character limit. It offers a lifestreaming element by allowing you to add your blog, photos, and other RSS or Atom feeds to your stream.
Features:
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- 140 character limitation
- SMS capabilities
- (XMPP based) instant messaging client IM updates
- lifestreaming capabilities
- Adobe AIR/desktop applications
- API for developers
5) Tumblr
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Tumblr is a microblogging platform abundant in features. It is highly customizable and is suitable for short form blog posting. There is no commenting system, but a third party application such as Disqus can be implemented. Along with posting messages, you can also post and share an assortment of media. You also have the ability to use a custom domain name. Overall, Tumblr blogs are easy to set up, maintain and should suit your basic microblogging needs, with a ton of bells and whistles.
Features:
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- No character limitations
- Ability to post audio, videos and images
- Customizable
- Email posting
- Bookmarklet posting
- IM updates via AOL Instant Messenger.
- lifestreaming capabilities
- RSS output feed
- Adobe AIR/desktop applications
- API for developers
6) Kwippy—
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Kwippy started out as an IM status aggregator. It has since evolved into a microblogging platform. It’s similar to Twitter with more of an emphasis on IM updating and aggregating. It currently lacks any mobile options. There is also an API, which I’m not sure has been publicly released yet.
Features:
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- No character limitations
- Convenient commenting on status messages
- Instant messaging updates via Gtalk or Yahoo Messenger
- Facebook statuses intergration
- Threaded discussions
- Permalinks
- RSS output feed
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Hi Mike,
Some more interesting kwippy features are
1) Ability to share/post kwips on various networks like digg/del.icio.us/facebook/twitter etc
2) Ability to invite members(followers) and non members to join a conversation(anon users can comment using the link in invitation email).
3) Email and IM follow up notifications if someone comments after you on a kwip.
Thanks for including kwippy in the list. Would love to know if you have any feedback/suggestions for us
See you on kwippy, Cheers !!
You missed Plurk and it's excellent timeline.
Hi Mike,
Some more interesting kwippy features are
1) Ability to share/post kwips on various networks like digg/del.icio.us/facebook/twitter etc
2) Ability to invite members(followers) and non members to join a conversation(anon users can comment using the link in invitation email).
3) Email and IM follow up notifications if someone comments after you on a kwip.
Thanks for including kwippy in the list. Would love to know if you have any feedback/suggestions for us
See you on kwippy, Cheers !!
Yeah, Plurk is the one I wish everyone used. But the poor adoption rate (and Twitter's renewed dominance) is killing it. For me, too. I use Twitter and Facebook. That's it.
You missed Plurk and it's excellent timeline.
twitter FTW
Yeah, Plurk is the one I wish everyone used. But the poor adoption rate (and Twitter's renewed dominance) is killing it. For me, too. I use Twitter and Facebook. That's it.
How do you track all of the replies across the board? Is there one location and indicating on which platform the person replied?
twitter FTW
I use ping.fm to post to all of these and more at the same time (including Twitter!). It even posts to my Facebook and Linkedin Accounts. What I want to know is: Are there other programs out there like ping.fm?
How do you track all of the replies across the board? Is there one location and indicating on which platform the person replied?
I use ping.fm to post to all of these and more at the same time (including Twitter!). It even posts to my Facebook and Linkedin Accounts. What I want to know is: Are there other programs out there like ping.fm?
Hellotxt.com
Updating.me
Posty (desktop app)
Hellotxt.com
Udating.me
Posty (desktop app)
Hi Mike,
Did you consider including posterous? It's a bit like tumblr but everything is posted via email – you don't even have to sign up for an account.
Hi Mike,
Did you consider including posterous? It's a bit like tumblr but everything is posted via email – you don't even have to sign up for an account.
Rejaw also posts new comments instantly on all clients. You can also use the threads like a live chat allowing for lively discussions. Emailing the URL of a whisper can allow for a group private chat.
Rejaw also posts new comments instantly on all clients. You can also use the threads like a live chat allowing for lively discussions. Emailing the URL of a whisper can allow for a group private chat.
twitter has some features that somebody doesn't have
I love twitter
and have used facebook in the past. But since twitter dominated the social media scene, i have not been much on facebook.
I love twitter
and have used facebook in the past. But since twitter dominated the social media scene, i have not been much on facebook.
thanks for sharing kwippy and rejaw, never know about his before
thanks for sharing kwippy and rejaw, never know about his before
I have just learned these sites aside Tumblr. I've been using social media sites for long and might try them as well.
I think twitter is the best! =)
Twitter is weak in features, is down frequently, but has the mass audience, and is marketing gold.
Web 2.0 is a funny thing, the market shifts so quickly, just look at myspace vs facebook.
“Follow the money” I say, which is usually the service where the majority of your real life friends are
Nice list. Got to check these “items” and see which really helps…
Twitter is so cool. I love the way disqus mixes the 2 so well Twitter is awesome.
moretwittertraffic.com