Since its inception, the new follower subject line has read “So and so is now following you on twitter!” I’ve always found this interesting, and sift through my auto-filter from time to time to see if twitter’s changed their messaging.

Through this line, they brand their service as a non-reciprocal relationship. I think a subtle shift to “So and so likes what you have to say” or “Start talking to so and so on twitter” might be a fresh move – it’s not just a semantic shift, either.

I’ve also hoped for twitter to introduce an optional text field to explain why I’ve chosen to follow someone. An initial introduction – “Hey! I love some of the links you’ve shared on accessible design” or so forth would likely lead me to reciprocate a follow. Twitter could send this message with the email notification or as a one-off DM.

Thanks for this post.