When I started using Twitter I wasn't sure that I would like it, or continue to do it. But I have really taken to this social networking service. It is an easy way to share parts of my life, thoughts, or links that do not warrant a blog post. Since I tend to write LONG blog posts, this is a refreshing change.
Others have shared their thoughts on why Twitter is worth it. Michael Hyatt gave 12 reasons to jump on the bandwagon, and also wrote a helpful beginner's guide. Now that I'm comfortable with Twitter I thought I'd share a few pieces of advice for those getting started.
1. "Tweet" the angles (Twitter is the service, "tweet" refers to the update/post).
It's not worth tweeting that you had lunch. But the fact that your boss stole fries off your plate while he thought you weren't looking is. Avoid the obvious and find the angle of an experience. People want you to share your life, so give them the good stuff.
2. Use your cell phone.
Part of what makes Twitter so great is the easy of updating via your phone. If you have a Blackberry be sure and get TwitterBerry. It is easier than texting all the time. You can also send email if you use Twittermail.
3. Use your cameraphone.
If your cell phone doesn't have a camera, it's time to throw out that Nokia 6110 and upgrade to a phone released in the 21st century. The ability to share an image of where you are, or what you're doing can let people in on fun, exciting, or even deeply meaningful moments.
4. Do not respond to all comments.
People won't expect you to. Most are rhetorical. And, if you respond to most, people will expect you to respond to all. Just respond to those you want think others might find interesting. Remember, that when someone asks you a question like, "Why are you reading The Shack?," only people who read their Twitter see it... so people who read your response won't know to what you refer. However, if you respond, everyone who follows you sees your response. So, try to restate the question in your response if you choose to respond. All of your responses are public unless you use direct messaging.
5. Pace yourself.
Don't tweet multiple times in a row. If you have that much to say write a blog post.
6. Think before you tweet.
Keep in mind that anyone can see your Twitter, not just your subscribers, so don't say anything you wouldn't say on a blog.
One word of caution. If you want to get people upset on Twitter, just point out that you don't use a Mac, and that a Mac is for people who are not technologically savvy (like when I mentioned that my mother recently bought a Mac).
You can follow me on Twitter here.
Posted on August 24, 2008 at 8:24 PM ~ 11 Comments
Tagged with: advice, mac, network, social, tweets, twitter, web
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Ed, bro. No love to mac users? I was like you, anti mac, thought they were all snobs. Then my musician son (ok non-artistic people can live with a pc) took my whole family to the dark side. And I have never been happier. Now if I can just figure out whether tweeter is a big ole waste of time. But then the time I save on my mac probably gives me time to waste. Grin.
Someone help me out, here....what is the difference between Twitter and Facebook? Can't you do the same things on Facebook that you can on Twitter? I am confused. I'm fairly new to FB and getting used to it and now I am hearing that I need to go tweet something! This is just too much to handle... :)
Ed, thanks for including me on your blog...even if I was giving you a hard time on Twitter! I forgive you.:)
But still, get a Mac...I'm just sayin'.
J.Case
@Jay - in function, there isn't much difference in Facebook Status and Twitter. However Facebook has many other services tied in with it and is shared only with friends. Twitter stands alone and in public. I actually just wrote about this the other day (and check the comments): http://rob.orangejack.com/2008/08/22/facebook-focuses-on-twitter/
You are truly the emerging, post-modern renaissance man . . . teaching the principles of "twittering". I am in awe . . . as I should be!
I protest the many twitter comments about salads and such. I must be under conviction.
Actually one of my fonder memories (for it's story telling potential) is when Ed questioned my sexuality at a conference in Florida because I was using a mac..
D
Yeah Ed, Mac people are some of the most religious types you can meet. They always, always have to pipe up if you mention the Apple.
If you say you like Windows Vista publicly (which I do btw) and Mac people (who have never actually touched or used Vista) will be looking down upon you, making sideways comments and self-righteously spewing something at you. It is quite fun - i do it often on my blog.
They sincerely think they are better off than others who do not use Macs...no, they KNOW they are.
God bless my Macidolator friends; I just love em.
Ed,
I am agreeing with Doc Reid on this one...get a Mac, bro. I think that's the only thing I disagree with you about.
Hey Ed, loved the post, and I retweeted it. Haha, I also wanted to mention that you just might want to change the name of your screenshot/pic. Not having a "w" in "tweets" makes a significant difference to some people :P
My favorite way to describe Twitter to pastors wanting to know what it is:
"Twitter is the fastest way to connect with your congregations' cell phones."
The ministry potential is, of course, obvious and this always sparks interest in the tool.
Good list, by the way, Ed!