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Teetering on both sides of the Twitter spectrum
By: Justin Lopinot | 03/26/2009
Here at Standing, people fall into two camps when it comes to Twitter: Those who love it and can't stop talking about it. And those who think it's just silly. There's not much in between.
As of today, I fall into the latter category. I don't get what the excitement is all about. Honestly, I don't think people care what I'm doing all day, and I could care less about what other people are doing (Shouldn't they be working instead of socializing online? I'm just asking.). However, I realize that Twitter is becoming a tool in the communications industry and I have made it a goal to start an account within the next few weeks. Maybe I'll be a convert. I'm open-minded about it. Honestly.
In the meantime, a friend shared a video about Twitter that just had me cracking up yesterday. If you have four minutes to spare - no matter which side of the Twitter spectrum you fall on - it's worth checking out. The guy in the cubicle on the left puts into words a lot of the thoughts that I've had about Twitter over the past year. Here's the video:
I'll end my blog entry by asking you, our loyal blog readers, to convince me to sign up for Twitter ASAP: What factors make you pro- or anti-Twitter? What makes it such a great tool for communicating? How can Twitter be used to help clients? And can you forgive me for asking questions that should have been asked in March 2008?
Posted in Digital Communications
comments
Christi says:
Fri, March 27, 2009 at 3:49:pm
I’m using Twitter within Facebook… since I was already updating my status there. Now I don’t have to visit three million places to keep in touch. I enter it once, and people from all over can see. Big exception, though. If I’m sharing something really personal… like ahem, my diet issues, I keep it to Facebook only. I’m finding myself creating an unwritten code on what’s said via Twitter.
Kurt Greenbaum says:
Sun, March 29, 2009 at 12:43:pm
I wouldn’t suggest Twitter is for everyone. Maybe it’s not for you. But I like it because: It gives me a window out into the world. I hear about stuff I might not have heard about without that running “conversation” going on. It connects me with people who have similar interests, again, which let’s me in on stuff. Example: I don’t have dancers and bankers in my circle; organically, the community that’s built up is people interested in social media, journalism, St. Louis and P.R. That is fascinating to me.
Sometimes, I can ask (or answer) a question about an issue that’s on my mind and get insights I might not have gotten otherwise.
I also think it’s just fun.
Justin says:
Sun, March 29, 2009 at 2:31:pm
I’m usually an early adopter, or at least like to consider myself one, but I’ve been so hesitant about Twitter. I know that I will be starting an account soon, and these are some nice insights into how you all are using it. Thanks!
Marijean Jaggers says:
Mon, March 30, 2009 at 9:00:am
Justin, I’m not going to let you turn into my father. 
I think twittering in a small town (like I do) may be a bit different than in the St. Louis metro, although I follow colleagues and friends in STL and industry people everywhere, as well, I’m more likely to pay attention to the people I know IRL.
Let us know when you sign up. @Marijean
Patrick says:
Mon, May 25, 2009 at 4:24:pm
Excellent blog. I am sure that reading this even after just two months from your post can give even a different perspective. What will twitter be in +1yr.?
Sharon says:
Tue, May 26, 2009 at 2:51:pm
Thanks so much for the amazing video. I think twitter is a great challenge because it’s so hard to see the benefit. How do you make constant 140 character updates about your life meaningful? How do you use such a crazy tool to communicate effectively? I do think there’s a lot of people who don’t understand how to use twitter. And there’s the challenge of finding the right people to follow you. Make people care.
I see twitter as the ultimate marketing challenge because it’s so easy to ask yourself “Why would anyone do this?”
I think I’m going to make it a quest to find the most meaningful, well-targeted twitters. Great post!! It’s awesome to know I’m not the only one who was scratching my head at twitter.
SeoTools says:
Sat, June 27, 2009 at 5:16:pm
You have a great vision. I do not agree with all you stated, but your thoughts are definitely interesting and worth reading.
Amber says:
Fri, March 27, 2009 at 3:48:pm
@amberlmorris here. Being one that falls into the “love” category (actually I really just “like” it), I think it’s all in who you follow. I mostly follow people in the marketing/communications field and find many posts useful. I think it’s also a tool our clients can use and being up to speed on it is work—not simply “socializing online” (not to mention relationship building is a big part of our profession). I will admit I do follow a few people just because they make me laugh—and there’s nothing wrong with a little humor every once in a while.