Looking over Twitter today, a new player popped up on the search stream (Magpie). What is Magpie you ask? Well Magpie uses your Twitter account to allow advertisers to send out tweets based on keyword searches you create when setting up your account with Magpie. The advertiser then can send out their advertisement to all those who have signed up and match a specific keyword. As they state on their website “convert your tweets into bling-bling”
Now Twitter is there to engage your followers and not necessarily to advertise products from companies you might not care about or even know who they are. Yes you can argue what is the difference between having Google Ads on your blog or ads on your RSS Feeds with Twitter advertising through Magpie? Are you still in control as to which advertisement you can pick for Magpie? That doesn’t look like the case. I for one don’t even have Google Ads on my blog.
Some folks on Twitter have stated that if they get a Magpie related tweet from someone, they will automatically unfollow them. I’m inclined to have to agree with them. I don’t wish to have 1 Magpie tweet for every 5 of my tweets out there. Yes Magpie says I could make a hefty amount (almost 870 Euro a month), but I think that will quickly drop as some of my followers would stop following me.
What are your views on the “new bird” in town?
It seems to me that Magpie’s business model is based on the idea that people don’t actually READ most of the people they Follow. While that may be true, it’s still insulting to make a business model that relies on it (ie everyone who sees the ad really believes the account holder is an authority).
I am one of the automatic unfollowers. If I see that in my Twitter stream, you’re off my list whether you’re my boss, my sister, my lover, or my God (and God is following me on Twitter, did I mention that? well, he is!).
Magpie’d Twitter convos:
Hi, how are you! It’s BUY THIS NOW great to see you again. We missed Vancouver when BUY THIS OTHER THING we were in Dubai. RENT IN DUBAI Sal’s work with the UN has made a real difference SAVE NOW! in the lives of people.
Just sayin’.
I’d SO totally unfollow anyone who pushed ad tweets at me
As much as I love you, Gus, I’d unfollow you too! But I know you wouldn’t do that to me, would you 