While talking about what to expect this year is still fresh, I’ve dedicated this post to just that. And what it a doubt, Pinterest is the talk of 2012. Everyone I know seems to love it, so I figured I’d give it a try. Keep in mind, though, it’s only open to users by invite currrently.
That doesn’t mean I couldn’t do some homework in the meantime, however. Here’s what I’m thinking:
1- Pinterest is NOT a rip-off of Tumblr
I’m going to repeat that. Pinterest is not a rip-off of Tumblr, even though it may seem so. In fact, it might actually be better. Sigh. I don’t want to say that and obviously, I don’t know for sure what the future will bring, but it could stay true indefinitely. Who knows.
Pinterest is where content is shared and spread by recommendations. Yes, that’s just like Tumblr, but it’s better. Trust me. Why? Because it’s so much more personal, and visually appealing, which leads me to my next point.
2-Pinterest is Like a Colorful, Visual Twitter
For real, it is.
Like Twitter, Pinterest is a place where you can connect with those you wouldn’t consider your Facebook friends. Those who, most likely, you may never meet in person, although you’ll mix some of your real world in friends too. The point is though, users will impress you, so you’ll follow them, and vice versa. Sound familiar?
Also, like Twitter, Pinterest comes in abundance, which I’m relating not only to its growing userbase, but to its areas of content. Media outlets have highlighted how brides have created stunning pinboards circulating their weddings and everything that goes into them, as well as impressive boards dedicated to cars, but on Pinterest, anything is possible. And this is where the colorful quality comes in– there is no limit.
I’m curious about the history section on this site because I’m confident that I’ll find and be able to create an awesome board dedicated to 18th Century politics. Yeah, I will. Deal with it. The point? Only on a site like this, where the content, i.e., pictures and letters which are centuries old, and the persons involved are included in the textbooks we read growing up, could thrive in a Web 2.0 atmosphere.
3-Pinterest is Here to Stay
In this century, we thrive and breathe by recommendations. Word of mouth has persisted throughout all of history, but especially in this age because we are exposed to ideas and products at a rate which has never been seen before. Therefore, it’s only natural we look to others for guidance, whether it’s for advice on what store to buy jeans at, or how to lose weight in fast, cost-effective ways. And everything in between.
Recommendations, ours and our friends’, have been the basis for social media as the world has paid attention to them in recent years. ‘Like,’ ‘follow,’ ‘+1,’ ‘stumble,’ and ‘favorite’ are only a few of the terms we’ve embraced to replace what we really mean by them: “recommend.”
Pinterest does this in just another, unique way on its platform. By taking out the clutter of words we got lost in on blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and everything else by emphasizing the visual. It’s a characteristic that may not stay permanent, but for now, is the reason why Pinterest is certainly here to stay.
