My spin on Twitter
be kind and remember we're all in this pool together
Looks like my first “tweet” was on Oct. 8, 2007, so while I wasn’t a super-early adopter, I’ve been able to evaluate it over the long haul.
It’s what you make of it
One of the things I really adore about Twitter is its simplicity, which I’m happy to see is a core value. It’s blindingly easy for anyone to start using it, and your own personality can be right there, without a lot of fluff and glop and techno-decisions. Because I choose who I follow, I control the level of chatter.
Simplicity. Simplicity. I don’t have to create a community page/site or sign up for forums on distinct topics in order to participate. Though I use a Twitter app, I needn’t. I can be fluid and follow my interests. (In no particular order, they include: Boise, Treasure Valley, Idaho, web design, graphics, web development, painting and drawing, gardening…friends!) I can fade out when I’m busy and hop back to the party (bar, water cooler, coffee shop: pick your metaphor) when I want to join in. This local Twitterer, @TheImageryLab, puts it rather nicely: Twitter is like your own private radio or TV station.
Still deliberating? Jump in
If you’re reading this, you’re probably already on Twitter, but if you’re not sure about that amalgam of wiggly, ever-changing, ever-growing beasties that are in the “social media” box, I would suggest you just try a few out and see what flavors you like; you’re not obligated to any. See what fits you. You don’t have to be on everything; don’t exhaust yourself.
Bad Twitter behavior
It’s annoying when someone dumps a pile of RT (retweets) in my window. I like people who consider their readers/followers and craft good Twitter practices. I won’t follow someone who has no profile/webpage, and I appreciate avatars with people’s faces (if you’re a person; if you’re a business you’re off the hook). I recommend that everyone personalize their Twitter page (and plan on offering this as a free value-add for my web design clients). I’ll block anyone who follows me who’s Twitter spamming (including “get rich with Twitter” scum); hey: clue over here. Twitter’s about conversation, not yelling. If I want ads crammed down my throat I know where to go.
Recipe for Tweet success = balance
I try and balance my tweets between lending and offering help, a limited number of RTs, hot news, encouragement, and personal observation. Just like in real life, people on Twitter don’t all have the same world view (to include politics and religion) so I try and keep that in mind; like habaneros in a recipe, a little goes a long way.
