There seems to be no bounds to the self propagating nature of Twitter and all that it encompasses. All you need to do is Google ‘Fail Whale’ and the hits of blogs showcasing inspired artwork runs in to the tens of thousands – not bad considering the nation is still in its first throws of love with the microblogging site. So much so that when I mention Twitter to my non-Tech friends a handful may have heard of it, a couple may be on it and only one seems to get it.

So what is the most recent Twitter craze to cause a storm? The Fail Whale. Designed by Yiying Lu, it is the instantly recognisable sign to users that the twitter servers are down. The blue mammal has been such a success that it has earned it’s creator a Shorty – the equivalent of the Oscars which awards the best short content creators on Twitter.

The categories are extensive, from best apps and brands to best design, tech and weird. So obsessed are people that flickr is abound with Fail Whale cupcakes, Fail Whale pumpkins, Fail Whale (children’s) mobiles and even people getting the Fail Whale icon tattooed onto them! The interesting twist to the story, however, if Yiying Lu’s apparent indirect payment for the image. Placed on iStockPhoto.com the image was found and purchased by Twitter. Possibly this will make you think twice next time you place something on the internet.

All that is left to do is sit and wait for next Twitter offering – perhaps a TwitKit that gives people a career overhaul or TwitSit, beanbags in the shape of their various icons.