DISQUS

juhalassila · 5 months ago

I trust you guys. Do what's best for all TweetLater and Twitter users. From API and From TweetLater may draw negative attention/connotation from Twitter (and from users), and what I'm afraid is that my accounts will get blocked more easily. Probably less click-through, as the users may feel that there is a professional spamming behind. Would it be possible to let us to define the name of the source? I'd choose "From outer space", but of course this feature could be misused, too ("From Whitehouse")

What I'd like have is a parameter that I could set on/off:
"Trust TweetLater to STFU" that is if I have set it on then as TweetLater analyzes the behavior that leads to blocking of an account, then you may silence my accounts that have similar patterns, or better, make them less aggressive.

Anyways, I was just about to make the first payment. let's see what happens. Actually this is fun, although not all of us can understand Twitter. But what the heck, it's fun. Of course I wouldn't mind getting rich in the process, but that probably wouldn't be fun any more.

Dewald Pretorius · 5 months ago

The value of the source cannot be controlled by the third-party application. If TweetLater supplies a source paramater, Twitter automatically adds "from TweetLater" to the tweet. The "from TweetLater" cannot be modified. So, tweets will either say "from API" or "from TweetLater" depending on whether we provide a source parameter or not.

F. Andy Seidl · 5 months ago

I don't like from API, but that's better than from TweetLater. This API change would give a competitive advantage to clients like TweetDeck should they introduce a scheduled tweet feature since scheduled tweets would look just like live tweets from that client.

Jodi · 5 months ago

I'd prefer they didn't say we used Tweetlater. I think it makes us look lazy! When in fact, we use this because we are so busy!

Ryan · 5 months ago

From API, I think is the best alternative.

Chris · 5 months ago

I would prefer "from API" over "from TweetLater", but I would prefer "from web" most of all.

Robert · 5 months ago

I agree with Jodi, I am so busy building no way would I have the time to tweet all my followers one on one :>(

Jodi · 5 months ago

I agree with the poster on the best one.......from Web!

web · 5 months ago

"from web" was better

Michael · 5 months ago

As long as it does not take away from my 140 I could not care if it said from GOD in the source. Of course that is just my opinion :).

MaryAnnN · 5 months ago

Observe and then go with what gets the most - wanted - attention. The object is to be read and have piqued the interest of the reader, to learn more....however this reaction happens, that is the best way to proceed.

Vasili · 5 months ago

from api or from the web.

Bobby · 5 months ago

I think if you identify yourself, it will make it easy for Twitter to shut your service down. YOu need to find a way to program around this change

Dewald Pretorius · 5 months ago

Mate, I clearly identify my application on every single API call to Twitter. So, make that a few million API calls per day where Twitter can already see they are coming from TweetLater.

Lou · 5 months ago

I believe API is the best choice.

CrystalsQuest · 5 months ago

I'm torn on this one. On the one hand I would like people to think that I'm tirelessly finding things for them and going online to post them every half hour or so, but on the other hand I do believe in honesty - and it's a fair call that you guys should get the credit for providing the service.

I guess I trust that in the long run, tweetlater might be as much of a brand as aweber - most people know they're getting an autoresponder series or a broadcast email, instead of being sent something one on one from the list author. So long as the content is good, most people understand that a degree of automation is necessary.

What would be great is if someone clicking through on that "from tweetlater" was taken to a profile page in which we could put our reasoning to them, and say why we use the service. In my case, it would be because I don't like to spit out ten tweets at once, but space them out so I don't monopolise people's tweetstream while still giving them plenty of value. It also lets me keep track of what I've posted and yet to post. It would be a win-win, because you guys would then have a testimonial for every single user that created their profile page. If you gave those profile pages affiliate links to sign up, you'd have a built in incentive for people to come clean about the benefits they get from using you.

@CrystalsQuest

Dewald Pretorius · 5 months ago

That's a nice idea, but the landing page is static. In other words, Twitter would link TweetLater to http://www.tweetlater.com and that cannot be changed.

CrystalsQuest · 5 months ago

Surely with the great coding you guys have, you could find a way to use the page referral data to autogenerate a link to "view @user's profile" on the landing page?
Maybe you could also put the suggestion in to twitter that the landing page link should be allowed to pass the referrer's twitter account in future revisions? Even if they want permission given, it could be as simple as an extra tickbox when we claim the account.

rwmnet · 5 months ago

I much prefer from the web.

A.J. Wood · 5 months ago

I'm sure you'll do what you feel is best for your service & your customers. I've announced many times the publishing schedule I use with Tweetlater so I don't suspect I'd lose too many followers because of it. I find your service invaluable, and it's helped immensely in getting tweets out my followers want to see.

Wayne Mansfield · 5 months ago

prefer from tweetlater

Sharon Fullen · 5 months ago

I would prefer not to have from Tweetlater but I don't know what would work and still be honest. Perhaps something like "from the office of" which is honest. Needs to satisfied the experts and marketers.

proson · 5 months ago

Hmm, If I would choose between from API and from Tweetlater, I would prefer the latter rather than from API. It sounds like you are using a robot or something.....

Fred · 5 months ago

I prefer From API or From Web.

Steve · 5 months ago

I prefer from "API" instead of tweetlater.

Concerned · 5 months ago

I may stop using Tweetlater now (not your fault, but the reason I used it was because it said "from web.") If it starts saying "from Tweetlater," I will DEFINITELY stop using it. I'd reconsider that decision and see if you can use another brand or have it say "from weblink" or something vague like that. This is not a brand-building opportunity for you. Using your brand in this context will put users off.

Dewald Pretorius · 5 months ago

As noted in the update of the blog post, we have not and will not use the source display as a brand-building opportunity. TweetLater is large enough and popular enough that we have no need to do that.

BJ · 5 months ago

My vote goes to API or web... I'd rather fly under the radar as much as possible...

Vince · 5 months ago

NO, Do not put "TweetLater" in the Source area. That would be a very bad idea & defeats the purpose of using such a Tool. The entire point is to give the "appearance" that you are at the computer Tweeting away. I for one would STOP using "Tweet Later" if it was identified/labled as such & not as an API. "From the web" was the best and you should go BACK to THAT!

Martin · 5 months ago

From API is ok, but from web is much better.

Please change it back TweetLater :)

Gary Bush · 5 months ago

I think "From API" is probably the best choice. My guess is that alot of average users a) don't care where the tweet comes from, and/or b) don't even know what an API is.

"From TweetLater" is a little more self-explanatory to the average (non-techie) user. In other words, I think more people would figure out what "From TweetLater" means as opposed to what "From API" means. And some users could perceive tweeters using this service as being lazy/impersonal/spammers.

However, I also believe that if you produce great content then your followers will not care how you deliver that content to them. It all boils down to delivering great content.

Blake · 5 months ago

I think anything other than "from web" will negatively impact the value of this service. Half the benefit is how it allows the user to look like they're engaged in real time. "From API" and "from TweetLater" are about equally bad. It's really unfortunate because TweetLater users are likely to be viewed as spammy even when their content's indistinguishable from people who really hang out on tweetdeck all day.

Jeff Staebell · 5 months ago

I just started using TweetLater and liked the "from Web". I have Ignored or Blocked Followers with nothing but "From TwitterFeed" Tweets due to lack of engaging the community.

My plan for TweetLater is to use it to keep my visibility throughout the day while popping in and out as time allows so I can continue to engage as it's the real reason I came to Twitter. Part of that engagement is letting people know how or what you think about things which is where TweetLater is really invaluable.

So if it's going to go "From web" to "From API" then what's the difference with saying what it really is "From TweetLater"? For me the biggest thing I do when I vet is to see how much the person engages the community. As long as they are engaging I don't really care what other tools they use. As much as I'd love to sit at my PC and Tweet all day long, it's just not practical (although damn fun!!), so no one should be blamed for finding balance between automation and actual engagement.

Jake McKee · 5 months ago

The entire point, and I mean the ENTIRE point of using Tweetlater for me is that it's disguised so that my business profile doesn't look "planned".

Sadly, this issue puts an IMMEDIATE halt on my Tweetlater usage. Very very sad. I love the service.

Jake McKee · 5 months ago

So reading the update (very helpful, thanks), I'd suggest that you still maintain the "from API".... because that can sorta mask the posting source. i.e. it's impossible to know (in a reader's mind, at least) whether this tweet came from a desktop app in real time or a future post service like tweetlater.

Is it possible to toggle a preference for this by individual user?

ShawnByfield · 5 months ago

Hmm... My concern is for my followers. Yes, email subscribers have become accustomed to auto-response email. In fact, many of us now expect an immediate response from major websites.

But there's more of a real-time expectation on Twitter. "What are you doing right now" vs "What do you want people to believe you just did?" Showing "From TweetLater" will eventually change the perspective of followers, and could lead to a shift in the "right now" experience.

I feel that "From API" sounds robot generated. We use Twitter to follow real people, and shouldn't have any reason to question the authenticity of the post.

@ShawnByfield

rainbowhill · 5 months ago

Both choices are honest, but "from TweetLater" provides more transparency. The decision to unfollow or block is always a personal one, and it is usually multi-factorial in nature. If you are concerned about what people think about you that much, maybe social media isn't for you. Be useful to your followers and they'll follow you for all the right reasons.

My preference would be for "from TweetLater", I hope my followers on the other side of the globe understand I have to sleep too.

Jo Ann Hernandez · 5 months ago

I'm a major non techie so all this API stuff I don't understand. I do understand the implication of being connected with TweetLater. In fact, I've been thinking of posting a tweet on how much I love TweetLater and how useful I have found it for what I do. I would not want to be blocked or limited in any way so do your best to avoid that. I can't figure how people don't know that the tweets are being feed. I don't pay attention so there are probably others who understand this better than I that would follow and time when tweets came out. Please decide on what is best for the whole and yourself to continue your excellent service. Thank you for creating TweetLater and keeping the service going and outstanding. Thank you.

Jacob · 5 months ago

I prefer from the web ... if not then from api.

Marcus · 5 months ago

I prefer From Web or alternatively From API.

Wayne Davies · 5 months ago

I'd prefer it said 'From TweetLater'. That way, other people who can benefit from this excellent tool may find it sooner than I did.

Sunshine · 5 months ago

I would love if it would say from Tweetlater. Your service is great!

Paul Coughlin · 5 months ago

From api

FranciscoIV · 5 months ago

If you still can't spoof from web (should be a matter of how you make the header record look?) then from API is fine as all that says is an external app is being used, and at this point there are hundreds of them accessing the API for all kinds of reasons.

A.I. · 5 months ago

would not use this service if it said "from tweetlater". that wld defeat the whole purpose of using it.

Dave Lucas · 5 months ago

Why not change the name "tweetlater" to "tweetstream" or something that's not going to raise suspicion? I agree with a previous commenter: I use your service when I know already what I'll pretty much be doing at a specific time and know that I won't be able to pick up my cellphone and key in and send 140 characters. Like today. I have a plan and I have outlined it and timed it out on tweetlater. Not only do my people know what I'm doing, but I made myself a mental guideline by setting my day up on tweetlater.

Viki · 5 months ago

Thank you for informing us of API Change. It doesn't matter to me if it says "from web" or "from API".
I understand the benefits of having "from TweetLater" but for my purposes, I'd rather it not say "from TweetLater".
Just my opinion!

Mike C · 5 months ago

Is there a way to set it up to where there are 2 or more choices as to what it can say? What about a positive phrase like "adding value" or "building community" or "always positive inspiration" for API? Just trying to think outside the box. Bottom line: Tweetlater is invaluable ~ as it concerns me: to share the love of Christ/Gospel 24/7. Thank you so much for your application and what you do.

Kate Arnold · 5 months ago

I'm much happier with the reference to API than TweetLater, which just emphasizes the fact that I'm not present when the Tweet comes through. API is more innocuous, I think.

janetedin · 5 months ago

Much prefer that it remain as API

Somehow "from Tweetlater" creates an aura of impersonality - which is counter to the whole point of Social marketing - AARRGGH - Not unlike having the government make rules for how much air we can exhale!

Thanks for asking for out opinion.

Janetedin

pfmonaco · 5 months ago

For those of you that object to "From API" or potentially future "From Tweetlater" you can always set up a dedicated Ping.fm account in your TweetLater profile to forward your scheduled tweets which may be a bit more benign to the average follower.

If I were to ever be "called to task" for using Tweetlater or accused of using a spammer tool I would highlight the TweetCockpit management aspects and anti-spam filter/follow features.

CharlesSeymourJr · 5 months ago

You want to leave this as from API. Though you might quickly think about yourself and your own advertising by saying it's from TweetLater, WE don't want it identified as coming from TweetLater... why do we want to tell people we have programmed tweets? It does us NO good and may do us quite a bit of harm.

So you are right to leave it as From API - the alternative may kill your service.

Charles Seymour Jr
http://twitter.com/UltimateWAHDads

Ray Beckerman · 5 months ago

I agree with your comment, Charles.

Ryan · 5 months ago

I am amazed at the number of comments that suggests this is all the brain child of TWEETLATER. IT IS NOT, read the entire post, they in the corner on this one. TWITTER is changing the API so it is either identified as "from API" or from the name of the API accessing it. TWITTER is making the call on this one guys. Anyway if you are providing your followers with something valuable they won't care where the tweets are coming from!

threew · 5 months ago

Pretty much a draw for me... perhaps slight preference for "from API" but that's very slight.

Ray Beckerman · 5 months ago

I would rather it did not specify "from Tweetlater". I would rather it just said "from API".

Submissive Guide · 5 months ago

It's a bummer that Twitter decided to change the source label. I personally don't mind which is used, but API is safer, as heck anyone can use the API to create something that uses Twitter, forget to give source data. My followers know that I send out auto posts with tips, websites and such so, as I said, it doesn't matter. They follow me for the work I do to provide them tips, not just the conversation I give while I'm actually online.

Carl Watts · 5 months ago

Having it from API is much better than from TweetLater.

Michael Ekstrand · 5 months ago

So, basically, people want to say "from web" to deceive readers. I can accept "from API" to be ambiguous/not turn people off, but the active deception is disheartening. This kind of attitude does not speak well of (at least segments of) the TweetLater user community. I don't care if you use TweetLater but still provide value; just don't try to lie to me about it.

BearTrax3 · 5 months ago

API is fine - better than TLater.

Len Hill · 5 months ago

This is good the "from web" was sort of vague and now the "API" is more targeted.

kristen · 5 months ago

I dont think it should say from tweet later, because then people wont value the content as much...

John · 5 months ago

To sum it up, users want:

80% Web
15% API
5% Tweetlater

I'd say give what the users really want. This is one of the reasons that made Tweetlater popular in the first place.

Dewald Pretorius · 5 months ago

Unfortunately, "web" is not an option. That is now reserved for tweets submitted from the Twitter web interface.

Rachel Keslensky - Last Res0rt · 5 months ago

Because as we all know, everyone stopped using blogs and reading webcomics when we discovered that people could automate their posts, right?

I like the "Tweetstream" idea someone else suggested, but anyone who cares will find out one way or another, really. If disguising the source is the only way this service can survive, something is fundamentally wrong with it.

Murff · 5 months ago

I would have preferred "from web" as it disguises the fact that it is coming from a bot. Now everyone will know what is going on and our secret is lost for ever. What a nuisance.

Pat · 5 months ago

The Twitter world is getting very used to receiving communications from multiple sources. I have received a wealth of fantastic information on all subjects imaginable from third party sources. What matters is getting a response when a comment or feedback is offered. So it is the @replies and DM's that make it or break it. I would RATHER have tweets with great links and content coming from Tweetlater to get me the info, let me read it, and then get a "gee thanks" when I RT or an answer when I @reply them. It's all good if the follow up is handled, in my opinion.

Alan · 5 months ago

I am cool with API, but if you use Tweetlater, it will identify that we are using this great tool, and not actually tweeting at real time. This tool, is great for my business tweets, but would be less effective if it said tweet later. I agree the word of mouth is good for your service, I speak about it all the time with other business owners.

Kevin Lankford · 5 months ago

I love the Tweetlater concept and if you have to that "Tweetstream" idea really does sound like a good one. API or whatever else doesn't matter much to me as long as I an not considered a spammer.

klankford · 5 months ago

I truly trust tweetlater to do what is best and will continue to use it no matter what all this techno-babble means!

kraupu · 5 months ago

"From API" leave it, please. It's the best alternative.

JenChicago · 4 months ago

I appreciate the write up! I was wondering what that meant. Man! You can find answers to anything online!