Facebook launches New Twitter-like Feature

[Adamvv]

With Facebook introducing their new feature called @mentions, it begs the question: Will this spell the beginning of the end for Twitter?

The @mentions feature is considered by Facebook to be a 'tagging' update not unlike the sole purpose that is Twitter.

By emulating the popular features of Twitter, Facebook could potentially monopolize the increasingly popular 'status update'.

The implications of such a move are huge and could provide a shift in advertising dollars and social media focus for businesses looking to reach a certain audience.

[Adamvv]

Mashable has some great articles on the subject

[Anthony]

It was only a matter of time before Facebook did this. Twitter saw it coming.

[Adamvv]

That's aboslutely true, but has Twitter countered with anything? CAN they counter with anything?

[bbonline]

What a like on Facebook is the ads on its sidebar. Apparently, thought at first it was a free post ad but Am wrong. Though its a powerful feature for site promotion and exposure.

[megan isla]

I just recently knew the twitter like tagging status in facebook and get hooked with it. Another feature that gets me stick to facebook

[PokerNations]

To me Twitter has always been a glorified version of the Facebook status update.

I'm actually not really a fan of Twitter, but we included integration on our network since poker pros love to update from tournaments, so it made sense.

But anyway, Twitter is just a watered down Facebook with far less functionality and features. That makes it accessible, but it always comes across as a "me" focused service that doesn't really encourage much in the way of member interaction.

Here, let me tell you that I ate toast for breakfast and you can't really reply to me all that directly, so I can just be a narciccist and not truly interact with others.

[bonusbeast]

I definitely don't think the is the "beginning of the end for twitter", Facebook will most certainly take some market share from twitter, but the will both continue to thrive.

[franky123]

Hello friends,
I think Twitter and Facebook have separate features and due to this both are getting popularity day by day. I am also member of LBA (link Builders Associated) on Facebook while it all using Twitter regularly.

Thanks
Franky

[thepokerkeep]

Hello friends,
I am also member of LBA (link Builders Associated) (link spam removed) on Facebook while it all using Twitter regularly.

Thanks
Franky

FFS - is there really a need to spam your FB link group here?

[TanyaEverest]

I don't think Facebook's addition will really affect Twitter too much. Overall, the market is really different between the two. Twitter is much more for business types, news, and yes, Ashton Kutcher. The @ mentions on facebook is the same thing as tagging someone in a photo-but in a message. Twitter isn't going anywhere. (I'm on team twitter).

[Adamvv]

I agree that Twitter has focused more on the business side of things if we are looking at market impact and focus, but Facebook seems to be pushing into the business side - and I think the potential is higher.

Let's look at some numbers quickly.

Facebook has roughly 350 million active users (as per their site)

Twitter has roughly 75 million users (as per computerworld.com's stats)

Yes, Twitter is growing at a faster rate, however the number of inactive users is significant. With Facebook, users are more inclined to log in, whether it be on their computer, or through their mobile device.

This presents a huge opportunity for Facebook, not only because of the sheer volume of users, but by their user activity level.

If Facebook were to develop a 'business-oriented' side of their operation - while leaving the 'friends-oriented' side separate, the potential for growth would be worthwhile to say the least.

That being said, I do like Twitter and Facebook for different reasons, but if Facebook puts resources into their business-side of things, I can see them take off and leave Twitter in their dust.

[Anthony]

I agree, facebook has too many tools available. Twitter should be worried.

[TheGooner]

I use twitter with an automated tool to provide a "tweet" every time there is a site update ... see GoonersGuide on Twitter .. and I find it's a great way to get Google to know about new URLs.

However - in terms of Twitter being a "business tool" beyond Google notification - or being useful to people who are not selling something - huh? How?

I follow a small handul of affiliate programs on it - but their twitter content so far is sporadic, pretty inane and mostly useless ... and most of my followers (I check once a week) are either related sellers, spammers or almost totally silent.

At least facebook with it's status messages, threaded comments and link posting is a reasonable way to stay in touch with geo-remote friends and contacts ... I can see that.

But can someone give me a REAL WORLD example of what they actually use Twitter for (apart from affiliate selling and link generation)?

If the only people tweeting are sellers and 12yo pre-teens then WHAT ON EARTH in the attraction to twitter ?

How does it enrich your business internet life? Example please?
How does it enrich your personal internet life? Example please?

What am I missing?

[Adamvv]

The thing is, Twitter is becoming much more than a status update for preteens.

the potential for business is huge and only growing.

How so? How does it enrich your business life?

I prefer to see twitter as an instantaneous source of relevant information. I follow the people and companies that offer education, information, news, strategies and the occasional promotion.

This enriches my life because no matter where I am, I am connected to up-to-the-minute news and information about the work I do, and the opportunities out there.

From Jan 2009 to Jan 2010 there has been a 347% change in subscribers. (according to Comscore)

Almost a fourfold increase in the span of one year, and this includes a vast number of businesses.

Why this is significant is that it is relevent information. There is a sea of information that can increase your knowledge and understanding or your business and others and by following the right people, it creates a funnel of information that I care about. THAT enriches my business internet life.

[poker princess]

Thatz a cool application in Facebook. I have been using it for quite a while now

[TheGooner]

Why this is significant is that it is relevent information. There is a sea of information that can increase your knowledge and understanding or your business and others and by following the right people, it creates a funnel of information that I care about. THAT enriches my business internet life.

an EXAMPLE please Adam.
Show me the light !!

[Adamvv]

an EXAMPLE please Adam.
Show me the light !!

Ask and you shall receive

It really depends on what you want to get out of it.

I wanted to increase my knowledge of social media and it's potential translation to affiliate marketing, I began following industry leaders like Mashable, 10e20, shawn collins etc.

For example, just the other day, Mashable put up a tweet on how Twitter has reduced spam to 1%. This was relevant to my thirst for information related to the topic i was interested in and it allowed me to strengthen an argument to use Twitter more.

Look at it this way, Twitter is not a source of information. Twitter points me to the sources of information.

To use Twitter effectively, you have to follow the right people, have the right people following you, and be able to optimize 140 characters to get your point across and convey a message and link that is interesting and relevant to your audience.

How else can it enrich your business life?

If you follow your competitors, it can give you immediate access to what they are doing. Promotions, updates, whatever - the more you know about your competitors, the faster and more effective you can be at reacting. Granted, a knee-jerk approach to your business is not the most effective method (obviously), but given that other people WILL come up with good ideas, it's a good thing to hear about them in real-time so that you can do something about it asap.

The fact that you can search in Twitter is just another bonus. Users are searching for things like #freeroll, #gambling, #freebets and these can all translate to your bottom line if you use Twitter effectively for your business.

[MarkJohn]

source [/b]of information. Twitter points me to the sources of information.

That's a great point. It's a bit like writing for PPC campaigns. Make the text interesting enough to compel someone to click, and then deliver the goods on the landing page.

[Adamvv]

That's a great point. It's a bit like writing for PPC campaigns. Make the text interesting enough to compel someone to click, and then deliver the goods on the landing page.

Exactly. The landing page is a whole other issue though lol