Gabe at macdrifter.com:

I’ve heard the arguments saying that App.net is about sending a message to Twitter. I’ve heard that it is about creating a developer friendly Twitter. I’ve also heard it is about putting users before advertisers. I think App.net is more about wanting to cut-off an entire segment of Twitter’s users and paying for the privilege to do it.

I link to Gabe’s writing often because we’re like-minded and he flushes out his thoughts much more effectively than I do. I totally agree with his his opinions on app.net, but the difference is I didn’t back it. I wish the team all the best, and was happy to see it funded, but I didn’t like the vibe I was getting from early adopters on Twitter. Yes, Twitter’s business practices need a lot of work, but I’m not convinced that app.net is the answer. I like the idea of a paid/ad-free service, but not when it’s at the expense of the “uncool”. This is certainly not the opinion of the majority of app.net users, but it’s enough to turn me off.