Twitter Snark

Twitter Snark

Posted on 13. Mar, 2009 by Michele in Communicate

“Too many writers don’t know 2 use Twitter. Twitter is about creating connections, not boosting egos.”

I tweeted this a few weeks ago. My point was/is this: So many people (and NOT just writers) are rabidly trying to boost their fan base and build their platform, but remain reluctant about doing any following and authentic connecting. This. Annoys. Me. Remember: people who only care about generating fans will end up alone on a stage. Believe it or not, there are people out there who are way cooler than both you and me. Do you care? Do I? It requires stepping off the platform and seeing real people.

Here it is straight: I’m not interested in being a groupie. I don’t care to be 1 of 13,248 people following some brilliant whoever. Unless that brilliant whoever is committed to sharing authentically. Or is interested in making my acquaintance. Or cares about consistently (and humbly) infusing my life with inspiration or wisdom. I’m in this whole networking whathaveyou to be in relationship with real people. In many cases, a relationship going both directions.

All this opens a personal can of worms: Why do I use Twitter? Or Facebook? Or any other social networking tool? If I quantify it, separating my personal agendas from my “others” agenda, how would the numbers fall? 50/50? 60/40? 95/5? How much of my corralling followers and friends is motivated by this desire to connect verses a desire to generate superficial fans? And can I realistically connect with 100 people? or 500? or 1,000? Sometimes (recently!), I’m not so sure. Though Facebook and Twitter have helped me create connections with many, I also feel like it’s watered-down my tight circle of time-built relationships. There is only so much of me. After that, I don’t know if I’m giving my best to anyone anymore.

Perhaps my struggle lies in the balance of it. Or maybe I’m attempting to draw from an interface what was meant to be drawn from face-to-face. And, if that is the case, I’ll never end up anything but disappointed.

At least worth considering, don’t you think?

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10 Comments

whittakerwoman

13. Mar, 2009

Good post. I get annoyed when it is only an advertisement for themselves. But I guess we all do that sometimes! Thanks for keeping me thinking! Are you in franklin today? H

Joanna

13. Mar, 2009

I prefer Facebook to Twitter. I feel I make a more personal connection due to FB’s capabilities that Twitter doesn’t offer. For example, I like to view my friends’ photos and also chat with them when they are online. That’s just my opinion though. - Joanna

Deana

15. Mar, 2009

We were just talking about that at PCS at dinner - I remember that conversation. Face to face is getting lost, and that’s sad. Twitter is a nice toy, but for me it doesn’t replace the value of real relationships. It’s like that conference and the DCW one - I love the resources (DVD of the material covered) but if you just buy that and skip the conference, you’ve lost 70% of the value. The real value in anything is face to face.

Great post. And I loved meeting you. Deana

Deana

15. Mar, 2009

I’m reading my last post and thinking WOW I communicated that badly - yipes. Everything has value - even the resources and tools - I just meant that I have to balance that with real face to face experiences and not hermit myself behind technology and training videos. I grow best when I risk putting myself out there.

I totally get the “I’m not a groupie” thing too. - Deana

Michele

16. Mar, 2009

H, WONDERFUL seeing you … the best surprise all week. Thanks for popping in for a visit. Next time, I want to share lunch!

Michele

16. Mar, 2009

Good thoughts, Joanna. FB does have a more personal feel sometimes. I’m not planning on throwing out Twitter. Still love the potential. I just realize I need to use it with a little more WISDOM and restraint. Wow … could probably apply that to other life stuff!

Deana, I’m glad we finally met this week. GREAT having you at the Summit. Looking forward to more blog time and even a little twitter time, too. Thanks for sharing life with me!

mandythompson

18. Mar, 2009

I’m pretty sure this is my first time on your blog - and this post really spoke what I’ve been feeling about web 2.0 lately. I’ve been on facebook for years, blogging for two, and started twitter about 5 months ago.
Honestly? I’m feeling overwhelmed and directionless… and definitely a bit disappointed.

Thank you for putting it into words. Now I don’t feel so crazy, or heartless, or overwhelmed.

Michele

18. Mar, 2009

Nice to meet you, Mandy. And the fact that we can meet like this at all is the reason I keep blogging and twittering!!! But, still disappointed right along with ya … Ever wonder what the payback or payoff will be down the road? A world of people who relate mainly via web 2.0? It will be interesting to watch it play out…

Susan

02. Apr, 2009

I’ve tried to be more disciplined using twitter and increase the signal to noise ratio - listen to more authentic tweets and less chatter & self-aggrandizement.
Frankly, I have connected to some that I would not have otherwise, which I am grateful.
I love getting the heads up that my friends have examiner articles or blogs posted - else I would miss so much. (And I want to support you guys and gals.)
Also, each morning I listen to Thru the Bible Radio, which has helped me grow tremedously. I twitter the website - http://www.ttb.org - when I am listening. Who knows? I hope the Spirit of God with move someone to listen to the program and get hooked on going through the entire Bible in 5 years. Then, yes, twittering is all worth it!

Michele

02. Apr, 2009

There are few people I see as disciplined as you are, Susan. Somehow you’re able to use Twitter and other apps for the good they offer, but turn them off without looking back when other more important to-dos need your undivided focus. I need to learn from you. That’s just the flat out truth!

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