
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, 7:03pmThing is @JoanneMichele @lissnup I’m not sure it matters. Would the green avatar thing raise MORE awareness on Twitter now? I doubt it.
– Yrstrly, 7:45pmwhen it’s a rough day & I look at my tweetdeck & its filled w/ green …it matters @lissnup
– @JoanneMichele, 8:14pmIt 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.
I WONDERED what all those green avatars were about! I’m going to do mine now. Who says internet doesn’t translate into action?