“Twittergate” Bastardizes Important Social Medium
March 27th, 2009 by Don TannerToday marked a new low in the Twitterverse as we discovered that someone had started a Tanner Friedman Twitter page and was using it to post vindictive and potentially slanderous tweets. These ‘imposter’ tweets ranged from re-writes of actual tweets from Tanner Friedman professionals to assorted news links; all with one obvious purpose—to impinge our reputation.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out who is behind this pathetic, desperate, libelous exercise. Crain’s Bill Shea, who covers the world of marketing and media, knows the ins and outs of the local landscape and provided ample speculation. Virtually within minutes of Bill’s blog post, the fake tweets mysteriously disappeared. Interesting.
What drives someone to be so vindictive as to (a) pirate the the name of another organization and (b) use that pirated medium to spread venom and vindictiveness? One can only speculate. At best it is a blatant misuse of an emerging and valuable communications tool. At worst, federal laws may well have been broken. Stay tuned.
March 27th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
The universe seems bankrupt as soon as we begin to discuss the characters of individuals. ~Henry David Thoreau
When you think a person has sunk as low as they can, they surprise you and sink lower. But the world has a funny way of finding the truth. Reputation and action go hand-in-hand. The Tanner Friedman brand cannot be tarnished by the spiteful and childish actions of those who have a brand that is built on a dark and ugly truth. Don and Matt, just keep doing what you are doing, your continued success will be the only weapon you will ever need.
Tim
March 28th, 2009 at 7:39 am
^ Well said, Tim ^
I’ll just add that this type of shenanigan makes ‘The Office’ seem like a realistic documentary about tragicomic megalomania, unfiltered behavior and sophomoric stupidity.
No offense meant to high school sophomores who are more mature.
March 28th, 2009 at 7:50 am
Obviously someone with no ethical standards has a lot of time on their hands.
March 30th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
It really is sad. The more things change….