This is an interesting topic, and the arguments for all sides are pretty compelling! Arguments against displaying share counts are usually things like:
- Performance: requesting the extra JS from social platforms to display share counts isn't insignificant.
- UX: adding more layers of distraction doesn't do the actual content any favours.
- Twitter stopped: we can no longer use Twitter's figures anyway, so the numbers we're left with are less dependable.
- True value: do share and comment figures accurately represent the value of a tutorial or article? Comment threads can often be huge, purely thanks to trolls and/or negative comments. Pandering to social media popularity doesn't always mean striving for quality.
The arguments for are most often:
- More sharing: the presence of share figures encourages further sharing.
- Proof: when scanning, an article which has been shared lots relative to others is perceived to be worth looking at. Share counts help readers filter.
- Social: without any evidence of community interaction, a sense of loneliness is created ("Am I the only one reading this thing?"). Share and comment counts show that there's a conversation going on. On a community-based website like Tuts+, where our audience is our strength, a lack of emotional connection is a serious handicap.
If we do decide we want our share figures back, there is the possibility of grabbing Twitter's numbers through a third part service like http://ift.tt/1lffuyI (note: I've never actually used this).
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