Taking Tweets to the Grave
Recently, there has been an increase in many Twitter users to have a way at getting back to their old tweets. Apparently, one is currently only able to get back to their 3200 most recent tweets. A problem I don’t yet face, but probably will at some point. Because of this there seem to be services popping up to help those approaching or encroaching on the limit. Sites like, BackupMyTweets, allow one to start archiving the old tweets. For me, one question starts to arise when I hear about this.
Why?
It’s probably just me, but I don’t find my tweets that useful. Sure, I crack myself up sometimes and get to interact with some pretty cool people, but I’m struggling to find the need to relive them. I’m speaking for myself as I know others use Twitter much more intensely that I ever have or will. Some, to the point that it helps them do their job better. Maybe being able to get as these old tweets helps in some way? I’m sure there are reasons that I just don’t understand yet.
To me, this is one of the unique things about Twitter that so many other service miss. Twitter is lightweight. One is allowed to post anything up there, from multiple mediums, about anything the heart desires. This is a benefit! Who cares if anyone (including myself) ever sees it again? The whole fact that they don’t hold on to ALL of our precious tweets is right in line with the service. Short and sweet.
Maybe it’s another one of those things that as we use it more and more we get more attached to it. With this attachment, grows the feeling that there’s more meaning to it. Maybe because we’ve spent so much time on this service… hours and hours of tweeting… that it would be a shame if ALL of that work goes to the bit bucket.
When the ultimate bit bucket calls your name will you be taking your tweets with you? Maybe they’ll help me on the other side… somehow.
