As blogs and social network profiles continue to grow in value – and I’m talking cash/money – the chance that your favorite Web destination will change hands has grown dramatically.
Whether it’s a publicity stunt or not, Techcrunch is reporting that Rocketboom founder Andrew Baron has put his Twitter profile up for sale.
Here’s his explanation on parting with the 1,400 follower-account:
I really love my Twitter account but I feel like I haven’t been using it the way I want to. Quite honestly, I feel sorry for all of my followers because they wind up with my tweets in their timelines and I haven’t been able to utilize the medium the way I want to. I also participate in another Twitter account over on Rocketboom so I’m thinking I’ll post more over there and start up a new account to do what I want to do next.
It would be silly to just delete this account I have here, especially if there is someone out there that had like interests and had something to say or wanted to get involved in some relevant conversations. In terms of monetary value, I have no expectations or needs at all so I decided not to put a minimum bid on this. Whatever will be, will be.
As of this post, the eBay auction is fetching over $1k.
Personally, I find the whole thing insulting. I hate it enough when my favorite blogs change editorial hands. But to sell a profile or account, that people have chosen to follow, is just weak. I would immediately unsubscribe; and I have a hunch I’m not alone. Hence, making a potential buyer, pay the price.
Now do you feel when a blog/service that you follow changes hands?
I have to admit… that’s pretty amazing. It’s also taking the followers for granted.
And yet someone is going to pay him for that… bizarre.
I can’t say I have had much experience with blogs or profiles changing hands in mid stream but I think it would be hard for someone to take someone else’s place. It’s the kind of thing you would see in the old media I guess but … it’s more along the lines of more than 1400 subscribers.
I follow that account and don’t mind staying until the new owner comes in and see what he or she will do with it.
Whoever that person is, I think the price he or she will pay will be worth it with all the publicity that it will generate after the handshake.
Hey, if you’re going to reblog a TechCrunch article, how about a link, so we don’t have to Google it. Sheesh.
I really agree with you, Twitter profiles are extremely personal and one follows the user as he wants to know of that user. I am sure people would unsubscribe unless some real guru takes over the account.