It sounds almost ludicrous to talk about a history that is only four years old, but that’s how long Twitter has been declaring the “Golden Tweet” – the most “retweeted” micro-blog message each calendar year.
As expected, the most popular tweets are from celebrities. In their inaugural award, we search the archives all the way back to the year 2010 when,US TV personality, Stephen Colbert tweeted: “In honor of oil-soaked birds, ‘tweets’ are now ‘gurgles.’ http://bit.ly/cIhZNf”.
In 2011, Twitter made the mistake of naming a business’s “promoted” tweet the winner, but I think they can be forgiven this faux pas, as they had just begun offering promoted tweets. Besides, this one was for a charitable cause: from fast food giant Wendy’s: “RT for a good cause. Each Retweet sends 50¢ to help kids in foster care. #TreatItFwd”
The winner of the 2012 national presidential election also garnered the year’s “Golden Tweet” – Barack Obama’s tweet: “Four more years”was attached to a picture of him and Michelle.
To prove the point that “history” isn’t Twitter’s forte, on December 12 the microblogging spokesman Gabriel Stricker posted that the “Golden Tweet” of 2013 has already been determined. (http://bit.ly/1h6tow6) ‘Glee’ television show co-star Lea Michele’s tweet: “Thank you all for helping me through this time with your enormous love & support. Cory will forever be in my heart.” This tweet was also attached to a picture: the two actors embracing.
What’s next for Twitter’s “history”? How about a ‘Platinum Tweet’ for the most retweeted message of all time?
Summarizing the top tweets: a humorous reference to BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil spill, an effort to raise money for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, the boasting of a reelected President, and the public mourning of the death of an actor.
For me, Twitter is still a mixed bag, but I’d like it if you “follow” my tweets @Enduring_Wealth.
Tracking #1-230533