Twitter's new profile layout = Love+Hate

I love Twitter's new profile template for the same reasons I liked Facebook's graphical overhaul awhile back. As a designer it gives me a gorgeous, HUGE canvas to work with in promoting ideas, products, concepts, calls to action, etc. However, I'm also shocked and amazed that Twitter has so brazenly emulated Facebook. Shocked I say! Really Twitter, you couldn't come up with something better?
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In my mind the two services are dramatically different. While both have their pros and cons, Twitter can soundly be equated with democracy, scientific advancements and nothing less than revolution itself. Facebook, on the other hand, has an undeniable association with lots of problematic, unintended social consequences. Both are very valuable for marketing but I just believe that Twitter is superior for one main reason - it is primarily about ideas. Who knows what Facebook is primarily about. I'm not sure it's escaped it's origin as a "Hot or Not" web app. So, why would Twitter be emulating Facebook?

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While I embrace the change to Twitter's profile layout for it's potential to enhance visual communication, I'm surprised that the design team at Twitter couldn't launch something more unique to further differentiate itself. Is their marketing strategy really to be more like Facebook?

In any case, I"m all about embracing the new so whether you love it or hate it, if you want to try it out here's a free, chopped and layered PSD template with guides.
Download the Twitter Template PSD file.

Thanks to Jacob Cass at www.justcreative.com for creating the original flat file, mine is just a PSD version with enhancements.

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