Evidence is growing that Twitter will add an “undo-tweet” feature, but that those who want it will have to pay: app researcher Jane Manchun Wong discovered a subscription screen linked to the function. The ability to retrieve tweets also appeared in a survey asking Twitter users about features they were willing to pay for, as well as in the code for the app, and CNET received confirmation from Twitter today that it is in fact being tested.
When it will be widely available is unknown, but it’s understandable why Twitter might consider discussing the feature for its potential subscription service.
For its part, Twitter has not yet said whether the feature will be limited to paying customers; it is possible that it is not yet far enough to make the decision.
It’s also worth noting that the design of the button indicates that it’s similar to the “Undo send” button in Gmail, where the site simply waits a few seconds before actually sending the message. In other words, it is not really the edit button that people shout at, but that can at least get you to the feature (though minus the part where someone else can tell you you made a mistake).
If Twitter is open to suggestions for the undo button, there’s one: let it appear when someone blows through the offensive tweet alert, and give them a few more seconds to reconsider. Whether that would correct the general atmosphere on Twitter is hard to say, but it’s probably worth at least a chance, right?