Counterpoint: In praise of 100px Campaigns

Me, earlier:

And as for Twibbons?  This innovation seems to me to be a hugely reductive exercise, shrinking political debate to a space 100 pixels wide.

I can’t really let this stand without relaying an exchange I had a couple of weeks ago.

Interesting: now @doctorow has changed his avatar, only one of my followers retains a green #IranElection picture.
– yrstrly, 4th Dec, 7pm:

SHAME! Go GREEN Again! http://iran.greenthumbnails.com/
@JoanneMichele, 7:03pm

Thing is @JoanneMichele @lissnup I’m not sure it matters. Would the green avatar thing raise MORE awareness on Twitter now? I doubt it.
– Yrstrly, 7:45pm

when it’s a rough day & I look at my tweetdeck & its filled w/ green …it matters @lissnup
– @JoanneMichele, 8:14pm

It really matters. So many ppl in Iran see Twitter, see green avatars, draw comfort & strength #Iranelection
– @lissnup 8:15pm

So, let’s not underestimate the power of solidarity as a campaign weapon. If we are reluctant to actually take to the rooftops and shout, then there is some virtue in the little gestures that pep up those on the front line.

I think this was a central purpose of 64forSuu.org too. Yes, it was “all about the hashtag” but we hope the outpouring of solidarity would have provided some comfort during a particularly dark moment.