Conversational Media Marketing

Some are wondering what my motives are in calling for a boycott of Twitter on July 4, a day I'm suggesting that we "declare our independence from Twitter" for 24 hours.

I can understand that some, perhaps many, consider this an exercise in foolishness (or stupidity) and that nothing will be accomplished. It's obvious that others view Twitter's foibles as nothing more than an annoyance, something to be tolerated until the day finally comes when we see the Fail Whale no more.

Here's my rationale:

1. Like many of you I've been frustrated with Twitter's performance. And, like many of you, I've done my share of complaining. The thing is, I was raised to believe that if something needed to be changed, just talking about it was not the answer. Action had to be taken. Based on much historical precedent, I feel a boycott is an appropriate course of action.
2. I'm sure that Biz and Evan are taking these issues seriously and I'm sure they're not oblivious to the cries of the masses that the service needs to be fixed. However, if they are listening, they're not communicating that fact. As such, I feel an incontrovertible shot across the bow needs to be fired. A 24-hour mass exodus would send such a message. (We send a message by NOT sending messages via the service.)

My rationale is not:

1. To get link-bait. I could care less about that.
2. To simply vent my frustrations. While I'll not deny the boycott is born out of frustration my hope is to accomplish something positive. 
3. Based on a disdain for Twitter or a desire to see it fail. Nothing could be further from the truth. I love the app. I want it to succeed. After all, it's where my peeps are.

Why I chose a boycott

Boycotts have been used down through time as one means to effect change. A great example, and one reason I suggested July 4 as the date for the twittercott, is the boycott of British trade goods in 1769 based on the "taxation without representation" issue.

There have also been scores (if not hundreds) of consumer boycotts over the years. That's what this is essentially, and I don't see the fact that Twitter is a free service as being reason enough not to call for one.

Call this effort into question if you will. That's your right. While I may be extremely naive, I'm also very sincere. If you happen to support the Twitter boycott (what I'm affectionately calling a "twittercott") I'd ask you to do at least one of the following:

1. Don't use Twitter for 24 hours starting at 12:00 a.m., July 4.
   I'm not asking you to permanently discard Twitter, just don't use it for one day. Use the boycott as an excuse to explore other services like Plurk, FriendFeed or the new identi.ca. Heck, use it as an excuse to get away from the computer or cell phone and enjoy the day with your friends and family!
2. Leave a comment here expressing your support.
3. Join the I started to evidence your show of support.
4. Help spread the word via your blog, , Facebook or other social network, and, yes, even via Twitter.

And, please, if you hold an opposing opinion, feel free to leave a comment to that effect as well. If Independence Day represents anything, it's our right to freely express our opinions and convictions no matter what they may be...even if that includes boycotting a service we all love.