I head that news earlier and immediately thought of the worst scenario.

However, keeping a positive outlook, it will be interesting how Twitter will change going forward if the 280 sticks.

Very very interesting! Lots of apps, websites and software vendors needs to re-check their UI/UX.

I don't doubt that the twitter broadcasters will love the 280 characters, but will it serve better those that read it?

Now all I need is the AdSense ads and I can start blogging on Twitter.

One thing the 140 did was keep the activity going. With shorter tweets, you got the feeling of fast movement, energy.

Been a LONG time since I posted anything, but still keep WebmasterWorld in my feeds, and have to say, I really got a chuckle out of this.

I've had a Twitter account since the very beginning, just to see what the hype was all about. Multiple attempts over the years has resulted in absolutely zero interest in the platform. It always struck me as the perfect platform for vapid ADD celibritards and the people who love them.

I think it was the worst thing to happen to internet discourse. Prior to Twitter, people used to compose their thoughts and present their ideas fully formed. Not always, but much more often than we see now.

Now... Everything is dashed out in pithy short form. Even in places like this. Above me I see one response to the original post that couldn't fit inside a 140 character tweet.

Well some people don't get Twitter, that's for sure. For the others, Twitter is unique and a huge traffic source if done correctly. I certainly appreciate it.

I think the 140 character limit was a unique feature for Twitter and they were aiming it clearly as a complimentary service for SMS. Now they know they can retain users and perhaps add clarity to tweets by allowing for longer Tweets. I embrace this.

Mack.

SORRY! I CAN'T HEAR YOU! (the noise on the social web is about to become doubled)

Twit (sic) is looking for a way to grow and this is not the path (though they don't know it yet). Adding another 140 characters will not repair the damage their new "content" and "censorship" and "fake news" via an obvious enforced bias has damaged their brand that has driven off 50% (at least) of their users and warned potential users of same is the bigger problem. 280 characters only makes the "allowed" echo chamber louder ... and those who stay will like it. The rest vote with their feet. 28,000 characters will not save them.

OR, as a news item for the Twitter social media platform, I am unimpressed. 280 characters will not save them, either.

In my experience, it's how you use twitter. I have to say, I don;t think the management of twitter really know the answer of what to do, and I don't think it's 280 characters.
Back in the day, twitter was much better in that it allowed software with real usability to work on its platform: for example, tweetdeck. Some of you may remember the original as i'm not referring the the current version, which is very much dumbed down, and, of course, now owned by twitter.
It shut down and stifled tools and services that really made it good in an attempt to lock down its systems from abuse by creative developers. When it bought tweetdeck, it sanitised the best features instead of embracing it. Sigh.

It has to be very careful as it's slowly, slowly getting trounced by FB which is breaking into everyone's territory.

Twitter still has some great aspects, but I agree, it's not for everyone.

140 character posts were horrible, as you did not have chance to say anything really useful and express your thoughts fully. Glad they are planning to change that.