The 140 Character Apocalypse

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This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on February 3, 2009). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.

Yesterday, Twitter was having a bit of a hiccup (which still seems to be hitting them on and off today) where most updates weren’t coming through. A few would sneak through from time to time, but it was mostly very, very quiet. Which led to an entertaining little bit of interaction with one of the few people whose updates were still appearing…

djwudi: Odd, no activity in my Twitter stream for the last hour. Is Twitter hiccuping, or are you all just really oddly quiet?

snail_5: It’s a mystery. :)

djwudi: It’s like being in some weird, 140-character sci-fi/horror movie. It’s quiet. Too quiet. All my contacts absorbed by pod people.
djwudi: Or zombies. A secret signal received, eyes glazed over, they rise from their ‘puters and shamble off into the world, hungry
djwudi: Like the signal in Steven King’s “The Cell,” only via Twitter. Hehe. That’s fun. The Twitter Zombie Apocalypse!

snail_5: o_O I do not support this plan. I don’t wanna be a zombie!
snail_5: Since I’m still talking to you maybe we’re both immune and will have to save humanity. :D

djwudi: Obviously, we either didn’t get the signal, or are immune. I’m hoping for the immunity. Either way, we’re still here…for now…!
djwudi: Better start scrounging to see what sort of weapons you can find. I should be able to make a mean rubberband paperclip shooter.

snail_5: I’m on the subway. If I’m not immune I’m screwed!
snail_5: I will outrun the zombies on my awesome rollerblades! If I can make it home I have a sword, and some plastic lightsabers

djwudi: Rollerblades are good! Speed may be of utmost importance. Hope your subway stop is soon, your ridemates sound questionable.

snail_5: No obvious zombies, but some showing preliminary symptoms. Listlessness, soulless eyes, a faint smell of decay

djwudi: Don’t jump to conclusions, though. “Listlessness, soulless eyes, a faint smell of decay” could describe many office workers.

snail_5: I’ll wait for more conclusive signs before I start bashing skulls. ^_^

Not long after that, things returned to normal. Apparently we managed to avoid the Twitter Zombie Apocalypse.

This time.