What If…Google Bought Twitter?

Our geeky take on the question that everyone seems to be asking today:

TechCrunch reported a huge rumor this morning that Google execs are engaging in serious discussions with Twitter about purchasing the explosively popular microblogging platform, which recently turned down a $500 million offer from Facebook.  Although reported as a rumor, TechCrunch claims its sources are extremely credible, and have been updating their post throughout the day as more news breaks–the latest being that acquisition discussions are still in an early stage.  In other words–it may or may not happen.

But what if it did?

The Twitterverse has been buzzing with speculation:

For the most part, reactions have been mixed.  And it makes us curious: how might Twitter improve–or worsen–if acquired by Google?

Possible Pros:

• Integration of Twitter with Google services.  How cool would it be to be able to send tweets from Gmail?
• Under the monetizing-machine that is Google, Twitter would most likely remain a free service.
• Improved search functionality.  If there’s one thing Google knows how to do well, it’s search.
• Although there are a number of free Twitter clients out there, an improved basic web interface could be nice.  What innovations might Google make?
• Twitter being hosted on Google’s robust servers = less Fail Whale!
  

Possible Cons:

• Twitter could lose its low-commitment sense of identity and the feeling of close-knit community that attracted so many users in the first place.
• Privacy concerns–big brother would be watching!  Will our tweets be connected with our Google accounts and search histories?  How will Google use this information?
• Twitter would most likely integrate some form of advertising (not necessarily a con for us web marketers!) which is perhaps most tweep’s #1 reservation.
• Tweets popping up in Google universal search.  Will relevant tweets start rising to the top of the SERPs?  Where would Google draw the line?
• 3rd party Twitter services might not be able to co-exist peacefully with The Big G.  What will happen to all the great add-on services that make Twitter such an extensible platform?

How do you feel about Google possibly purchasing Twitter?  Does it make you excited about the possible improvements Google could bring, or are you pessimistic an acquisition could only mean doom & gloom for everybody’s favorite 140-character community?  Please share in the comments!

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