Have you read the Twitter username squatting policy? Well, it’s extremely stupid. Here, read it:
Username squatting policy
Username squatting is prohibited by The Twitter Rules.
Please note that if an account has had no updates, no profile image, and there is no intent to mislead, it typically means there’s no name-squatting or impersonation. Note that we will not release squatted usernames except in cases of trademark infringement. If your report involves trademark infringement, please consult those policies for instructions for reporting these accounts.
Attempts to sell, buy, or solicit other forms of payment in exchange for usernames are also violations and may result in permanent account suspension.
Why this is stupid
I’m not sure I should have to explain why this is stupid, but let me give it a try…
Let’s start with the obvious: this policy benefits precisely NO ONE.
Twitter wants to have a large user base right? But Twitter doesn’t need MORE users, it needs more ACTIVE users. Getting rid of the dead weight actually helps. Better to have a higher percentage of active accounts than it is to have more accounts.
Twitter has a vested interest in having active accounts in good standing.
Why should a brand need to add an underscore (_) or numbers after their name because of an account that is functionally dead?
And if they are going to expressly forbid the sale and transfer of this usernames, then there isn’t even a market opportunity like there is in domain name squatting. They are simply letting the shortcomings of their platform to grab people get in the way of active Twitter usage.
Riddle me this Twitter:
- How many brands are getting screwed by this because someone signed up in 2011 and hasn’t tweeted since?
- How many good ideas have been compromised because someone without follow-through signed up in 2012?
In summation
Twitter, your username policy is broken. Here, let me fix it:
All Twitter account must remain active. If you don’t, we’ll release the username back into the world.
If you don’t sign in and use the account at all within 1 year, we’re taking it back and giving it to the people.
Domain names expire, Twitter accounts now do as well.
Use your Twitter. We don’t care if you follow news, run searches, or post content, just don’t be a jerk and hoard an awesome username.