Utilize Twitter Groups with Twibes

Create Twitter groups with Twibes. While native support for groups and group messaging within the Twitter interface is one of the most sought after features for Twitter to add, it has yet to occur. There have been attempts by third party applications to conquer the task of providing users with Twitter group type features, but so far none are quite up to par with what users demand. The closest variation to Twitter groups that I've come across so far is a little service called Twibes.

Twibes is simple and helps bring together users of a particular interest. Users can expand their network and view Twitter search results of that Twibe straight from the group page. However, as with many of the other Twitter Group clients, it lacks vital features. The ability to send a tweet to the entire group is something "coming soon". Although, this is something I have long opposed and will need to be handled delicately to avoid spamming. The advertising is also a bit much and blatantly let's you know why they are trying to make it a destination outside of the Twitter domain.

On the upside, the main page displays a nice assortment of popular and recently created groups as well as many of the topics that Twibes have been established for already.

A user has the ability to create up to 3 Twibes per Twitter account. This is a great limit in my mind, as it will hopefully restrict too many fake or non-utilized groups from being formed and diluting the service.

Twibes presents a unique proposition from a branding and engagement perspective as well. While there a numerous Twitter directories that allow users to classify themselves into categories of tags, do you ever really create a relationship with the tweeps in that directory? I understand maybe that's how you find them and further interactions can ensue, but that's the point. The directory was to locate them, not interact with them. The aspect of search results from the users in a particular Twibe creates an engagement in which you feel the other members are interested and knowledgeable in that Twibe's topic. As with many social tools the utility you gain comes from your own need and how you would like to interact with it. Twibes has pros and cons, but serves it's purpose of bringing people together beyond a basic directory.

If you would like to see an example or are at all interested in ad operations and would like to expand your Twitter network check out the Ad Ops group that I recently created http://www.twibes.com/group/adops

Ohh and YES, "A Twibe Called Quest" does already exist, sorry!