The problem with Twitter is that monetization feel like the end instead of the means. Right now, the Twitter of yesterday feels more useful than today's, becaus

The problem with Twitter is that monetization feel like the end instead of the means. Right now, the Twitter of yesterday feels more useful than today's, because Twitter wedge all sorts of banners and ads into everything. My problem with App.net is that the user payment is only a means to an end no one has explained yet. I welcome any competition to Twitter to make them step up their game, though, so from a spectator's view, I couldn't be happier to see App.net succeed. As a hypothetical user, the platform holds no appeal to me. I still remember Jaiku, Pownce and Identi.ca.