sugarenia.com

First thing in the morning, I check my Twitter. Sad, I know, but I guess Twitter for me is something like watching the news with a cup of coffee for others.

Today was a different day. Everyone was rambling about some missing feature on Twitter, tagging their blazing tweets with #fixreplies. I didn’t realize what the fuss was, until I read an insightful comment at some blog: Twitter has removed the option to get replies from people you know to people you don’t, making users’ streams a far quieter place.

Following me so far? Good.

You know why I didn’t realize what’s the problem? Because I had that friggin’ option turned off.

It was the only way I could take control of my buzzing Twitter stream and keep it (relatively) noise-free. And I wonder, seriously, how can people cope with all the noise coming from their chatty followers. But choices are choices, I won’t judge.

So all of a sudden, there’s a Twitter revolt.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for user rights and all. But I think the whole #fixreplies thing has gone (already!) too far. Why?

People adding stuff in front of their @replies to get them public.

Seriously, people. Don’t. Why?

1. It breaks conversations. Twitter (and other relevant applications) cannot track conversations (in reply to) between users if you keep adding nonsense in front of your @replies. So we lose in context.
2. It obliges us, Twitter users that had this option turned off, to see each and every one reply of yours, even if we don’t. Frigging. Care.
3. It makes you look like a spoilt brat. Even if you’re papa Meyer or my beloved Andy.
4. It’s utterly spammy for no reason and all.

So the problem is, people: You’re getting the whole issue to other users and NOT Twitter. Don’t blame us. Don’t flood us. Follow proper online policy, breathe deeply, shut down your machine and get a drink.

Then come back and forget all about it in, like, two days. You’ve done this before.

Disclaimer: If this ridiculousness goes on, I’ll start unfollowing people. Not that you care, but I thought I should share the thought.