This is why I like Tumblr. They take something trivial, offer it for a trivial price, and make you feel anything but trivial when you use it. At the risk of letting my innr Tumblr fanboy loose, here are a few thoughts why highlighted posts make Tumblr coolr (as it turns out, losing the “e” at the end of “-er” suffixed words is fun).
The absence of promoted tumblogs in the directory is a testament to Tumblr’s continuous experimentation. While it is difficult to gauge what Tumblr stands to gain (monetarily) for the highlighted post experiment, it at the least results in a renewed interest in Tumblr from the press and from users looking for shiny new buttons to press.
The price point of $1 encourages users to experiment too. Thanks in no small part to mainstream adoption of the app economy, consumers are conditioned to paying $1 for an app, a song, or a ringtone. Although it is maybe more difficult to measure, I would posit that paying for apps has perhaps made people somewhat more likely to pay for other small digital goods (I guess Mark Pincus is as much to thank as Steve Jobs on this one…). For $1, a lot of users will at least try a highlighted post for the thrill. Also, well all know that brands cannot help themselves enough when it comes to taking advantage of all the bells and whistles of the webinet - so, don’t be surprised when every post from your fave brand tumblrs has a kitschy button next to it…
Most important of all, highlighted posts allow super-fan users to actually support the company financially. I am in the middle of writing a list of companies/apps I wish I could pay for. Tumblr is near the top. I like it a lot, to the point where I think it is worth my money. Opening up a simple feature like this allows anyone like me to toss a few washingtons their way. Other beautiful apps like Path have built in “premium” features for those willing to support the company - and it is nice to see Tumblr. While this little feature doesn’t necessarily address the constant whining about a “business model”, it at least allows users to show Tumblr that they value the platform enough to throw a few dollars their way.
So, that’s all some good speculation and conjecture, but here is the real killer: Tumblr has unabashedly used their popularity and dashboard platform to solicit donations for specific causes (Red Cross/Japan, etc.). Tumblr continues to leverage their user base to support the cause, allowing them to simply donate an extra $1 to the Red Cross while they are hilighting their post.
I’m done now. Bye.
Introducing: Highlighted Posts
Every now and then, a post comes along that’s meant for big things. It could be pulling the wraps off your new project, promoting your next show, raising awareness for a cause, or just sharing a truly incredible photo.
Today you’ll have a new option to Highlight those extra-important posts. For one dollar, your post will stand out in the Dashboard with a customizable sticker to make sure your followers take notice!
