Retweets

[tweet] /via [username] isn't the
same as RT [username]: [tweet]

I've been using "RT" and "via" to retweet.  In the back of my mind I know something is wrong and that there is a difference between the two but I did not bother to Google it until I was reading Maxvoltar.  Lo and behold at the bottom of the sidebar where you can find tidbits of wisdom it says:  "[tweet] /via [username] isn't the same as RT [username]: [tweet]".  I know I have been procrastinating to find an answer before but I had to Google it, stat! Glad I found the article "RT" vs "via" by atebits and summarize it:

What I found recently is that “RT” and “via” don’t mean the same thing. “RT” is typically used for verbatim retweets, sort of like the equivalent of “Fwd” for those chain emails your grandmother still sends you where Bill Gates will pay you money if you forward it to 10 people. “via” on the other hand is used when you want to add your own context to some existing tweet while attributing it to the original author.

Here are some examples:

RT

RT @smashingmag: New on SmashingMag: How to Choose a Typeface - http://t.co/s2uelMoless than a minute ago via HootSuiteEarl Migriño
emigrino83

Wrong Via

Firefox 4 RC for Mobile Is Now Available for Download - on.mash.to/fWFq2N via @mashableless than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhoneEarl Migriño
emigrino83

Correct Via

We experience "Earth Hours" in a daily basis here. Anyway, an Earth Hour 2011 iPhone App http://t.co/FIm8uxn via @socialgood @mashableless than a minute ago via HootSuiteEarl Migriño
emigrino83

I know some apps have also been using "RT" and "via" alternatively but you know, things that are different are not the same.