In a 10,000-word article outlining why Twitter’s plan to increase its tweet-character limit might not be the best idea yet, the Huffington Post intricately argues its case with the famous Polonius line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, “brevity is the soul of wit.” According to the article, the 140-character constraint Twitter places on its users is what makes the platform peculiar and has encouraged witticism over the years and this is likely to change with the introduction of 9,860 added characters.
Jack Dorsey, CEO and co-founder of the social platform, already promised that the feelings of creativity and brevity, along with the sense of speed will not be lost, when Twitter announced its decision yesterday. The networking service is moving to allow its tweeps more room to express themselves, by extending its message length to 10,000 characters per tweet, in addition to expanding the growth of the site’s usage by reinventing it.
The announcement has been met with mixed reactions, most of which has been disapproval from Twitter users themselves, resulting in memes, GIFs and tweets expressing displeasure, flooding the internet since yesterday.
Dear Twitter, From 140 to 10,000 characters… #Twitter10k pic.twitter.com/Q3Ro7EYWxK
— Ramel (@itsRamel) January 6, 2016
I’m not sure I understand under what circumstance anyone would ever need 10,000 characters for a tweet. #Twitter10k #socialmedia — Dini (@NandiniWahi) January 7, 2016
users: we’d like an edit button for tweets twitter: how about 10,000 characters? users: no we’d actually quite like- twitter: #twitter10k
— Jack Edwards (@jackbenedwards) January 6, 2016
This is 10,000 characters. Wtf @twitter? Don’t do this. I will block anyone who does this. #Twitter10k pic.twitter.com/tGXlm0zXQ9 — don’t come for me (@elisabethlehem) January 6, 2016
As the online polls continue to question Twitter’s wisdom, or lack thereof, on the issue of tweet characters, the reality remains that there are definitely Nigerians in the social media space who have always needed the extra word space that Twitter will now offer. The internet provides proof of individuals that never seem to be satisfied with posting one tweet and leaving it at that, without probably realising it. Although they abound in their millions, here are a few examples of such individuals.
Governor Peter Ayodele Fayose, @GovAyoFayose
Hailed as a “down to earth” leader, Governor Fayose is constantly entertaining on Twitter. Recently his Twitter page was filled with tweet-fights between him and other notable Nigerian politicians, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and PDP Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu.
One Chance APC CHANGE pic.twitter.com/XEHq2XVAGM
— Peter Ayodele Fayose (@GovAyoFayose) December 1, 2015
Femi Fani Kayode, @realFFK
The popular, outspoken politician who is listed as one of the Top Five Nigerian Politicians to be followed on Twitter is an essayist, amongst other things. Imagine the solid that Twitter has just done him with a 10,000-character limit option.
Empress Sugabelly, @sugabelly
Lotanna Igwe Odunze, popularly known as Sugabelly on Twitter, is a Nigerian blogger that likes to tweet in ‘parts’ and is also known for her rants and seemingly outrageous tweets. She became infamous for telling hilarious “lies” on social media and more recently, for her controversial involvement with the Late Abubakar Audu’s family.
Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, @PObahiagbon
The ‘Word Master’ stole the hearts of Nigerians with his verbosity and Nigerian Twitter has not been the same since he appeared on the scene. Tweeps constantly anticipate his reaction to trending topics on the social media site, as well his witty football banter.
Leke Alder, @LekeAlder
Leke Alder is one of the most inspiring Nigerian Christians on Twitter, in addition to being an influencer. His tweets are usually engaging and seek to address questions surrounding Christianity.
