Tumblr‘s on the move again when it comes to adding new features. This time it’s a new way to privately message other users.
Called Fan Mail, this new features allows Tumblr users to send stylized messages to blog users they’re following. Currently there are two skin options for the message body and three font choices, one of which looks like actual handwriting. Just type in the username of the blog you want your message sent to, pick your style options and write your message.
According to Tumblr founder and CEO, David Karp, you’ll be able to send unlimited private messages via Fan Mail, which can be accessed through your Tumblr inbox, the avatar drop-down menus of the users you follow and on the top corner of the main page on each blog you follow. Unlike the current messaging system, you can’t post Fan Mail messages publicly on your blog without the use of a screen capture program.
Tumblr has a history of adding new features and making big changes to the dashboard interface, so this new feature isn’t necessarily a surprise. What might surprise some users though is that Tumblr developers have chosen to focus on this particular feature. Tumblr already has a private messaging system that, until recently, allowed unlimited messages (asks) to be sent. In the past few months, however, this feature has been limited, both by restricting the number of daily messages you can send and limiting the characters each message can contain. While Fan Mail does look neat, some users might find it a little redundant or wonder if it’s meant to replace the current ask feature altogether.
What are your thoughts on Fan Mail? Does it have potential or is it just plain unnecessary?
