Why Twitter Is a Big Deal

The article "Why Twitter Is a Big Deal" by Paul Graham explores the reasons behind the rapid rise of Twitter as a new and significant messaging protocol on the internet. While many questioned Twitter's potential impact, Graham argues that its success is due to its unique nature as a new protocol that doesn't require specifying recipients, making it a rare and valuable addition to the world of online communication.

Twitter as a New Messaging Protocol

The article emphasizes that Twitter's success lies in its innovation as a new messaging protocol. Unlike traditional messaging services, Twitter doesn't require users to specify recipients, allowing messages to be broadcast to a wide audience. This unique feature makes Twitter a significant addition to the existing communication landscape, as new protocols are rarely adopted on such a large scale.

• Traditional messaging protocols include TCP/IP (the internet), SMTP (email), and HTTP (the web).
• Twitter's success as a new protocol is remarkable considering the limited number of commonly used protocols in the digital world.

Twitter's Private Company Ownership

Despite its widespread adoption, Twitter is a protocol owned by a private company. This unique aspect is another reason why Twitter is a big deal. Typically, successful protocols are not controlled by single entities, but Twitter's private ownership has not hindered its growth and adoption.

The Impact of Delayed Monetization

The article highlights that the founders of Twitter have been slow to monetize the platform. This strategy, while unusual in the tech industry, has proven beneficial to Twitter's growth. By not imposing strict controls or restrictions, Twitter has maintained a sense of openness and accessibility similar to previous internet protocols. This has made it easier for the platform to spread and gain widespread adoption.

Twitter's Growth and Spread

The lack of control and the user-friendly nature of Twitter have played a significant role in its rapid spread. The platform has become a popular tool for communication, news dissemination, and social interaction, attracting millions of users worldwide. This remarkable growth can be attributed to the founders' decision to focus on user experience and community building rather than immediate monetization.

Twitter as a Private Company

Although Twitter is a private company, it has managed to achieve widespread adoption and become an essential part of the internet landscape. The platform's focus on user experience and its role as a new messaging protocol have contributed to its success. The founders' decision to delay monetization has allowed Twitter to flourish organically and become a valuable tool for communication and connection.

Conclusion

The article concludes that Twitter's success is a result of its unique characteristics as a new messaging protocol, its private company ownership, and the founders' decision to prioritize user experience over immediate monetization. Twitter has become a significant force in the online world, demonstrating the potential impact of innovative protocols on the future of digital communication.