Plurk API Could Change The Race

June 11, 2008

A few days ago, my response to Plurk was: BORING! I don’t like the interface and I think it is too hard to track down and add friends. I’m sure they thought the horizontal timeline was a novel concept, but I personally find it to be incredibly frustrating.

Today’s news: Plurk is set to release an API.

This could change the scene and make Plurk a more reasonable alternative to Twitter. Depending on the flexibility the API allows, this could lead to Plurk clients that actually turn Plurk into a much more usable service. I am an avid Twhirl user when it comes to Twitter. If something like this came out that made Plurk look the same way, I would be much more excited about Plurk.

What do you think? Do you think a Plurk API could be just the ticket to making the site the apple of the geek’s eye?

Bring On The Competition

One thing is clear, though. Regardless of how well Plurk does in the end, the emergence of the site is clear sign to Twitter that they are not the only way. Some strong competition to Twitter might have the effect of splintering off some groups onto the different networks, but it will help Twitter to be better (hopefully). Twitter is already paying more attention and being more open about their downtime issues. Perhaps Plurk breathing down their neck will serve as some additional motivation.

Plurk is only breathing because of Twitter’s downtime. If Twitter fixes that issue, say goodbye to Plurk.

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