Twittering Time Away
James, James, James… What are you doing?
“Harry, I need you to resize this image. Can you do it for me? I know you’re busy and all, but…”
James sounded like a hopeful little kid. “What’s it for?” I asked, elbow deep in coding.
I stopped what I was doing and tried to ignore the twinge of annoyance I felt. James knows how edgy I get when something isn’t working right and I’m interrupted. “Is it a rush? Do you need it for a client?”
“No, no… I’m trying to set up a cool-looking page on Twitter. I can’t figure it out.”
Twitter? I had heard of it but never bothered to know more. “What the hell is Twitter?”
“Uhh… A social media thing. I thought it would be good for networking. Maybe.”
I adjusted the earphone to make sure I was hearing right. “Social what? James, since when are you into social networking?”
“Well, I’ve been curious about it… Michael Martine uses it. Wendy Piersall…Brian Clark… Jon Philips told me I should get myself set up. So… I thought I should try.” Ah, it was the lure of something new and shiny, bound to be irresistible to James.
My next logical question was, “What do you do with Twitter? How does it work?”
James went on to tell me that it’s supposed to help leverage your business somehow by telling people what you’re doing in 140 words or less. “Yeah, I know. It’s a bit silly,” he squirmed. “It’s stuff like ‘I’m drinking coffee’ or, ‘I’m watching TV’. Only better.”
“How about ‘I’m working’?” I grunted. I knew James couldn’t see the shake of my head, but he could hear it in my voice from 3000 miles away. “James, that’s dumb. Sounds like a major waste of time.”
I went to the site to check it out for myself. Sure enough, there it was:
Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?
Now, why in hell would anyone want to do that? Isn’t instant messaging good enough these days?
“James.” I had to talk sense into him. “You – of all people – don’t need Twitter.”
Here was a man who constantly complained of too much to do. Here was a man who kept himself invisible on instant messaging so as not to be bothered or distracted. Communicating with others already ate up a huge portion of his day and now he was getting into Twitter…
…and even going so far as to spruce up a profile page to make it look good.
Someone told James within his first five minutes on the site that James was the last person he thought he’d see on Twitter. I beg to differ.
Harrison C. McLeod is the last person you’ll ever see on Twitter. Or Facebook, or MySpace, or any social media site.
After looking at the Twitter, I could see how it could become addictive. We’re a very voyeuristic society. We all want to know what everyone else is doing at any given moment.
Seriously, though, what’s the point? Will it help your business if you tell the world, “I’m scratching my ass right now?”
I don’t think so.
I don’t think much of social networking sites or programs or whatever they’re called. Sure, they might have some value, but once the teenybopper crowd gets hold of them, any potential business value goes right out the window.
It’s like bubblegum for the mind. It has no nutritional value. All you’re doing is chewing all day, popping bubbles, giggling and getting nowhere. Eventually, it goes stale.
This isn’t a rant. Believe me; you’ll know when I’m ranting. I’m just a little surprised that James, of all people, would get sucked into silliness like this.
Care to compose a rebuttal, bro?
61 Responses to “Twittering Time Away”
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Thank you! I’ve seen so many blogs that have talked about Twitter as The Next Big Thing that will bring you clients, save your career, earn you fat wads of dosh, and do your dishes. I signed up as soon as I heard–and, frankly, I’m bumfuzzled. I can’t figure out how this will help my career in any way, or what I’m supposed to be Twittering that’s a) relevant, or b) interesting. I’m willing to be enlightened, but it does make me feel less like a fossil that you’re not seeing the usefulness either.
Love your blog, though. Now, *that’s* useful.
I have a Facebook page. Every so often I log in to see what embarrassing photos from my youth one of my friends has linked to it…
I have a Twitter account too. Haven’t used it yet, might try it out some time.
Strangely enough, I signed up for both at one time or another so that I could try out some other piece of software that can access both of them (Digsby, actually, which is a multiprotocol IM client – the one I use to chat on Yahell with you guys…)
Brett Legree’s last blog post..the road ahead.
I’m with you, Harry. I socialize a little online through blogs and forums but I’ll never be into Facebook, Myspace, and all that. I have a few digg type accounts but I really don’t do much with them.
The thing about those sites you’re talking about is they are basically designed for people to just “hook up.” I think the kid who created Facebook said himself he created Facebook to find chicks.
Then great. All I guy wants to see is his girl on Myspace or something getting messages from guys from her past, possible ex’s and all that. I hate hate hate those social sites like that.
Sorry James.
But then again, I must admit – I’ve never explored Twitter so I can’t give it a logical assessment for business use.
I’ll be out for awhile so sorry if I don’t rejoin the conversation until later.
John Hoff’s last blog post..Google’s PageRank: We All Love It, We All Hate It
Yeah, I have a twitter account too and this post just inspired me to pretty it up some more. http://twitter.com//monikamundell feel free to add me as a friend so we can twitter away.
I finally surrender to this. Like you Harry I have refused to get sucked into it as by gosh I have enough to do. But then so has everybody else and it does look like fun.
Monika Mundell’s last blog post..Let Go Of …!
I dunno, Harry…
Twitter is kind of addictive. I gotta be honest with you.
I’m not sure what it is; I don’t think its helping me personally with my business; but I really like using it. My wife likes it even more than I do.
I think the appeal of twitter is similar to the original appeal of the blog: we want other people to notice us. It might be no more and no less than that.
I also think there’s a voyeur aspect to Twitter, like you mention. You can stalk your favorite person all day long without having to leave the comfort of your home.
But, is there business value? For some. I think it depends on your audience demographics, at least to some degree. My wife has gained 6 feed subscribers in recent days because people started following her on Twitter. Like I said, it hasn’t really helped me. I dunno, maybe I’m not doing it right.
I think, also, that there’s a lot less “I’m scratching my ass right now†than “I’m inventing the greatest product ever” or “I’m getting ready to post my greatest masterpiece” from folks with a business aim. I can see where, if done correctly, these tweets become messages scrawled across the sky.
Now, FaceBook and MySpace? I’m just too damn old to get these.
Bob Younce’s last blog post..Banging My Gong – The Brand
There – my first Twitter update!
(discussing the merits of Twitter on MwP!)
Brett Legree’s last blog post..the road ahead.
@ Brett: I just followed you.
Monika Mundell’s last blog post..Let Go Of …!
Hi Harry:
I’m with you. Whatever happened to *real* relationships? You know where people interact on a deeper level than superficiality?
The only social network site I participate in is LinkedIn, and that has a totally different feel. It is more business oriented – you’re not going to find a lot of YouTube vidoes plugged in….or way too much personal information that maybe everyone is better off not knowing.
@ Monika: cool, and I you!
Brett Legree’s last blog post..the road ahead.
OOH! OOH! I Wanna Play!
I’m following you both now!
Bob Younce’s last blog post..Banging My Gong – The Brand
@ Brett: cool
@ Bob: I will add you know.
Monika Mundell’s last blog post..Let Go Of …!
Goooood Mornin’ MwP! It’s 5.30 in the AM here in sunny Las Vegas and yours truly is manning the fort alone today.
@Everyone: Since I first wrote this post last week, I’ve been watching James’ progress on Twitter, and in my usual balanced manner, I’ve begun to see some of the advantages.
Since he’s been on it we’ve gotten a lot more traffic and we’ve finally broke the 500 subscribers milestone James had been trying so hard to reach. We’ve also gotten a lot more attention from a few big names too. So it does have its good points and I’m sure there’s a post in the works about it from James.
@ Harry: good morning from sunny (and cold) Canada – I won’t mention the sn*w as it is a forbidden word for James
I guess like all tools, it has good and bad uses…
Brett Legree’s last blog post..the road ahead.
Oh, Harry, You are the man.
No ROI.
Even if you “eventually” got business, how much of your time (dollars) would you have traded for it? That’s a loss, folks. And wasn’t it James who said Skype was already going too impersonal?
I read about 20 blogs each day (time waster enough, but it helps me come up for air as I work), and at least one every day is espousing social media. This morning I read a post that was the exact opposite of this right before I read yours (sorry), … saying business from these efforts is around the corner. More like over the rainbow, right near the pot o’gold.
Another hot one. Between the two of you, one is always saying what I’m thinking, which is odd since I’m fairly contrarian.
Men With Pens—Going Against the Grain
Regards,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Tip of the Week: Be Transparent, or, (One More Reason) Why I Heart Jeff Bezos
I used to think exactly the same — why on Earth would I want to have the movements and actions of so many people twittered at me and interrupting my busy day?
But then I started using it. After a couple of weeks, it became an essential part of my morning routine: fire up Twitterrific and check in to see how everyone is today. For me, it replaces the ‘office culture’ that I lost out on when I left full-time employment to work for myself from home.
Perhaps it seems silly, but Twitter has replaced the social element I got from working in dull 9-5 job, and connected me with a whole world of others who have gone solo too. It also works brilliantly when bouncing ideas and links around.
Yes — used badly, it’s a massive time drain. But used well, it’s a blessing!
Nick Cernis’s last blog post..Writing Things Down (WTD): 13 Reasons To Switch Back To Paper Today
@Kelly: That’s it exactly, no ROI. It’s the same thing with what I see of the habitual gamblers out here. Sure, they might hit a jackpot once in a while, or get on a lucky streak and win a couple hundred dollars – but how much money have they wasted on the game to begin with?
Probably nowhere near the amount they just won, that’s for damn sure. And it’s those instant success stories that rope more suckers into gambling at the casinos.
In fact, I used to work with an older woman at the sign company who was one of those people who hit it big. Her and her husband were retired and she was just working as a receptionist to earn some extra cash. Once a week, her and her hubby would go to the Orleans and play keno.
They had been doing this regularly for several years, winning a little here, losing a little there. One day, the numbers fell just right and they won $25,000.
Very cool, no?
Not really. By the time Uncle Sam took his share and the couple added up how much they had actually spent gaming over the years, they barely broke even.
But, it was enough for them to sell the condo and move back to Minnesota.
@ Nick: you said a good thing there. Social element replacement. I think this is important for us work from home homies.
I can see that twitter could be a massive time waster, but with a bit of self control it could also be a great networking tool.
Monika Mundell’s last blog post..Let Go Of …!
Harry,
I was going to use the gambling metaphor but I figured you might be a bit more intimate with that. Yup, dollars gone vs. dollars gained is just not going to be pretty for the vast majority. Worse, like many MMO concepts, if a few people game the system just right and then holler about it, many more will try and fail, thinking they can hit it big too, which is how people get sucked into gambling. The promise of something that isn’t there.
That reminds me, I’d better go get my PowerBall tickets…
And chasing statistics… you guys don’t do that here, do ya? Do 500 mildly amused Twitterers who come and read here for a while equal even one client? Go for the devotees, James, haven’t you been reading my blog?
Organic growth is stupidly slow sometimes but it’s not the illusion that Twitter “activity” is.
Now if you’re just trying to “get out of the house” with it, I can almost see that; but I’ll tell you what, small & micro business owners reading this. Go get a copy of Keith Ferrazzi’s Never Eat Alone. And then actually get out of the house. Contrary to the hype, most SMBs will find their clients in their own backyard a lot faster than online. No matter whether your backyard is a playground like Harry’s or a backwoods like James’, there’s more than you think right there, human-to-human. Get brave and get creative. Get out!
That reminds me…
Until later,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Tip of the Week: Be Transparent, or, (One More Reason) Why I Heart Jeff Bezos
To all – As a classic entrepreneur, stats are extremely important to me. The 500 reader milestone was one I’ve been striving to break for six months now. 498, 495, 499… never 500. The great plateau has been broken.
I don’t think Twitter was the one to give us the leverage to break that mark. We’re too new to Twitter. The readers came naturally through good posting and interesting content, as well as good branding for blog, business and personally.
I appreciate the people connection of Twitter. It’s fun to know that RJ hears coyotes or that Maki’s ranting or that Copywriting Maven has her kids home all week or that Wendy is debating her branding. I like that part of the social aspect.
I fucking HATE linkbaiters and droppers. If all you can do is post your stupid links to your stupid blog, go use people somewhere else. Social media is about SOCIAL. *mutters and French curses*
For me, using Twitter was another way to increase that “Hey, there’s James!” factor I have going on. We want Men with Pens to be a household name as big as Kleenex (formerly known as tissues.) Twitter is another platform to help accomplish that.
And… well, I like being popular. *turns red but grins*
James Chartrand – Men with Pens’s last blog post..Twittering Time Away
@ Kelly – Yes, I read your blog. But your platform restricts my participation. And lucky you at 20 blogs to read. Try 300. Daily.
James Chartrand – Men with Pens’s last blog post..Twittering Time Away
Ahhh, that’s my boy…Mr. Popularity himself. I think if you increase that “Hey, there’s James!” factor anymore I’m going to have to get some heavy duty shades. Is it possible for anyone to be brighter than the Las Vegas sun at the peak of summer?
I don’t know, but I do know you’ll sure as hell try.
James,
Don’t go all angry French on me, but you are welcome to comment, bookmark, etc. at MCE. It’s not restrictive about that. TypePad may not have a few bells and whistles, but it does function quite nicely.
And, dump 280, and you’ll be right with me. ROI, dude. I dump blogs regularly when I realize that they aren’t adding to my worldview. Just like I read only one or two newspapers and three to six magazines. I don’t drive homw from the bookstore with everything on the newsstand.
Regards,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Tip of the Week: Be Transparent, or, (One More Reason) Why I Heart Jeff Bezos
Harry, no need. We only recognize your bike. Put shades on it.
Kelly’s last blog post..Tip of the Week: Be Transparent, or, (One More Reason) Why I Heart Jeff Bezos
Hey! There’s James!
Kleenex? Dude. That’s where you put your snot. The only thing worse would be Depends.
Try Coke. or Pepsi.
But watch out for Davenport – that one had its time and then faded…
Bob Younce’s last blog post..Banging My Gong – The Brand
I don’t really know what twitter is or what twitter does, but I heard a certain recovering lawyer (aka the copyblogger) call it addicting, and that was enough confirmation for me. I’m already in AA and taking a quit smoking class. I don’t have time for Twitters Anonymous, no matter how much business it could bring me (my estimate would be done, since I’m after lawyers who need blogs — these folks think social media is a starbucks beverage). Keeping up with the comments here with the pen men is challenging enough…
But rock on James, you household name you.
Amy – Write From Home’s last blog post..Corporate Mentality: How Understanding It Can Help You
Well, if you guys check out my last post, you’ll see a very different side to this whole Twitter thing. I’ve gotten real opportunities and benefits from it.
Look, it’s just a tool for networking.
You get out of it what you put into it. And, in despite that some folks don’t care for “the next big thing” the truth is that online, that’s where the big players and the opportunities are. Yes, it keeps changing and shifting and you have to stay on top of it. That’s how it goes. Welcome to the interwebz.
As far as I’m concerned, if you’re not on Twitter, you’re missing out.
You’ll find me on http://twitter.com/remarkablogger.
PS – if you do a search for “remarkablogger” on Google, my twitter page is #2 behind my main site and ahead of my YouTube channel page. And I’ve been on Twitter less than a month.
Michael Martine, Blog Consultant’s last blog post..What Twitter Does for Me
@ Bob – What the hell is your Twitter? *mutters about having to go looking for people* Find me. Follow me. We’ll become popular together.
@ Harry – And the hits just keep coming!
Things are goin’ great, and they’re only gettin’ better.
I’m doin’ alright, gettin’ good grades…
The future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades.
Gotta love it.
@ Kelly – Um, sister, it’s so difficult to leave one comment on your blog that it takes me approximately seven tries before TP lets me through. It’s not about the bells and whistles. It’s about the whips and chains. BSDM is for the bedroom, not for the blogging.
James Chartrand – Men with Pens’s last blog post..Twittering Time Away
James,
Captcha gone. It’s one step beyond what I do right here, but if we’re going to call it whips and chains, lordy let’s get rid of it. Let it not be said that MCE can’t match you for responsiveness.
Your wish is my command, o leather wearing master. Now I know how to spot you, pix or not. My voodoo doll needs new duds.
Harry, he’s got the lighter again. This was supposed to be your fire and he’s supposed to be off preparing the ham for tomorrow w/ Mom and the kids.
Until later,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Tip of the Week: Be Transparent, or, (One More Reason) Why I Heart Jeff Bezos
Oh, something I forgot to mention in my previous comment. About James being the last guy one would expect to find on Twitter? HA! James, you are the Comment King! Twitter is PERFECT for you!
Michael Martine, Blog Consultant’s last blog post..What Twitter Does for Me
@ Michael, you totally hit the nail on the head with that one, Twitter is perfect for the Comment King… it was written for him (and I think for me, too…
)
Brett Legree’s last blog post..the road ahead.
@ Kelly: Hahaha….give him some…and more. Love your little “rant”. What if…..?
@ Michael: I can see this working well. I only just got active 2 hours ago and already received a business contact. Amazing. Now I must remember not to waste time though.
@ James: Just visit Brett’s profile, Bob is under there and it’s easy to find at the moment. Until Brett bumps up his friends list.-)
@ Brett: you know, you and James are both commenting kings! We’ll have to award you something special.
Monika Mundell’s last blog post..Let Go Of …!
I’m an idiot. Bob is Writer’s Journey. Twit I am.
@ Michael – Yeah, you’re right. It *is* the perfect venue for me. And I agree – you get back what you put into it.
@ Kelly – Leather jack, girlfriend. No leather pants on me. I do own a crop and spurs, though, but that’s considered hobby equipment.
@Kelly: Nah, not my fire at all. I’d like to imagine I could create a raging inferno of a post, but that’s not gonna happen. There were times I thought I’d catch a lot of flack, but James always looks at it and snorts, “That ain’t nothin’, bro.” So, I’m too much of a nice guy to really piss people off.
As for the leather, I’ve got a closet full of cow. In the winter it’s jacket, chaps, boots, gloves and, yes, even a leather bandanna (fleece lined, of course).
@James: *picks up Super Soaker* If this works on the cats, it should work on you too.
@Michael: yeah, I think someone did invent Twitter especially for James.
James,
The doll seems quite happy in cute little leather shorts. You know they’re in that secret drawer… just not while you’re getting the ham ready.
Harry,
It’s just not as scary when you say it, because I know it’s the bike thing. Leather bandanna’s got to be hard to find, though.
Still, a hot post when you choose to take a stand against the madding crowd. Plenty of debate available without going silly and OT. Of course I plan to go silly and OT anyway… Is there an ROI in this?
Oh, soak him down. The leather will tighten when it dries. I have the funniest image in my head right now.
James,
I hope this doesn’t hurt too much… I’m about to chain little Pen’s fingers, three inches from the keyboard. That ought to do it.
John,
I don’t know anything about fetishes.
Later…
Kelly’s last blog post..Tip of the Week: Be Transparent, or, (One More Reason) Why I Heart Jeff Bezos
@ Nick: thanks for the linkage on Twitterific, nice looking app, and I totally love your latest post…
@ Monika – a flat white would be just fine for me
@ Kelly – voodoo could be a fetish, couldn’t it?
(you don’t have a voodoo doll for me, do you? *ouch* guess that answers that!)
Brett Legree’s last blog post..the road ahead.
FYI if you haven’t found me yet on Twitter, I’m at the imaginatively titled:
http://twitter.com/brettlegree
Brett Legree’s last blog post..the road ahead.
*Falls on face*
Ahh, Brett, I see I’ve overreached. That last to John was supposed to be “a funny,” since everything I wrote after being annoyed inspired by James’ whips and chains was sort of fetishy. Plus there was a similar odd discussion going on yesterday. Too deadpan, I guess.
Your wife has that doll, you’re too kind here so I didn’t need it. Haven’t you felt odd pains while guarding the nuclear arsenal?
Look how well tying him up has worked. Little Pen has kept those Quebeçois flames from reaching the keyboard for hours!
Good grief, I should quit now.
Kelly’s last blog post..What’s Hot Now: 39 Inspirations With Sticking Power
Who needs twitter? We’ve got the pen men comments section! And if that fails, there’s always voodoo…….
@Bob – I really like your “You can stalk your favorite person all day long without having to leave the comfort of your home.” That’s classic. Slogan material even. LOL
Amy – Write From Home’s last blog post..Networking For Freelance Success: Make Friends, But Choose Wisely.
@ Kelly – Harry and I nearly pissed our pants laughing over Little Pen in his biker leather shorts. Consider him our new mascot, because that’s just too friggin’ funny to let drop.
I can just see the press now:
Men with Pens becomes a trio, as the Imperial Dude and the Voice of Reason welcome Little Pen in leather to the fold.
@ Amy – Hehehe… We could be Twitter’s competition. I have to say that I suddenly grew very popular with this post, as everyone started following me. It made my day *beams*
James Chartrand – Men with Pens’s last blog post..Twittering Time Away
@Kelly, James, anyone with answers – Who is Little Pen? LOL I’m still trying to find that monkey everyone was talking about yesterday…..
I seriously don’t function well on two hours of sleep. Is there a sleeping emoticon? :::snores while typing:::
Amy – Write From Home’s last blog post..Networking For Freelance Success: Make Friends, But Choose Wisely.
Amy,
re: Little Pen—He’s a figment of my imagination, a little voodoo doll created yesterday in among a slew of delightful but horrid jokes. The monkey was what I did not want to see, when I in something like all seriousness recommended pix of the Men on at least their about page.
I feel I have dropped too many veils in the last day or so, all because I woke up to Monsieur Chartrand poking me in the ribs.
Really I must go back to being a prim Yankee. This simply will not do. Thanks goodness I never trackback to MWP so that clients and prospects might find me over here being silly.
James,
Thank goodness, Brett had me worried. Your reaction was much more what I had in mind.
Who says you can’t do humor on the keyboard?
Regards,
Kelly
*picking up dropped veils*
Kelly’s last blog post..What’s Hot Now: 39 Inspirations With Sticking Power
@ Kelly –
I got the fetish joke immediately and started cracking up! I really need a good fetish to pass the time. I am a guy, so, you know, I have plenty in my head.
Dang, I better be careful, but I wonder – if I learn Voodoo can I use it for the forces of good and evil?
@ Harry – you seem to be cracking. Are you being swayed to one day using Twitter?
@ Everyone – From a business and marketing standpoint, I see Twitter like this: If it is something you love doing and is something you could do 16 hours a day 7 days a week and one of your strong points is socializing, then I can see how Twitter could be a powerful marketing tool. The trick is can you use in a way that helps your business when the lure of just wasting time is so attractive?
The world and technology is always changing. As business people we need to be able to adapt to these changes and leverage new technologies to help our business. Of course, some technology is better suited for business – BUT, it’s that first person who turns the tables and uses Twitter for something no one ever thought of before. THAT is the person who will win in business with Twitter.
John Hoff’s last blog post..Google’s PageRank: We All Love It, We All Hate It
@Kelly – you are seriously funny. Oh, and I think Brett was joking. But I’m so confused I don’t know much anymore!!
Poor Harry. The lone mod.
@John – I like your points. The lure to waste time is my biggest downfall in everything. Except sleeping. Go figure.
Amy – Write From Home’s last blog post..Networking For Freelance Success: Make Friends, But Choose Wisely.
In one word? No.
John,
I love that last bit:
Absolutely true, 100%. And still, not worth it, from a purely business standpoint. Ahem.
Agreeing, yet disagreeing, with respect. And thanks for confirming that the ol’ Irish humor didn’t leave me on St. Paddy’s Day.
Regards,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..What’s Hot Now: 39 Inspirations With Sticking Power
Amy,
Thanks.
After careful consideration, I think Brett’s had too much whisky and I’ve had not enough.
And two mods would not help in this case. But evidently the spell on little Pen has worn off, as James has poked his head in. Must go tighten the chains.
Until later…
Kelly’s last blog post..What’s Hot Now: 39 Inspirations With Sticking Power
So Harry when will you open your Twitter account?
I agree with Michael Martine, Twitter is perfect for James, you know when you’re a comment King like James, it’s not always easy to find posts to comment on, so Twitter is perfect
Jon – FreelanceFolder’s last blog post..Ten Great Technical Writing Tips
@Jon: Hmmm…let’s see….When *all* the Beatles get back together, or Keith Richard dies of natural causes (whichever comes first), I’ll open a Twitter account?
@ Harry – that’s my boy. I’m with you. Oh and by the way, Keith Richards died years ago, he just doesn’t know it yet.
John Hoff’s last blog post..Google’s PageRank: We All Love It, We All Hate It
@ Kelly: Please don’t worry, I was totally joking, as Amy surmised, you certainly did not overreach!
(Although, I could probably use more whisky.)
I should apologize for jumping in and not putting my
in the right place, as I totally got the reference. My contribution to this GREAT conversation today has been a bit disjointed as I’ve had company visiting, so it probably had you wondering…
Brett Legree’s last blog post..the road ahead.
To say that Twitter is no place for business or is a waste of time when real business should be done is to ignore how much real business occurs in parties and in bars. I think Twitter is like the online version of that to a high degree.
Michael Martine, Blog Consultant’s last blog post..What Twitter Does for Me
I was tempted to tweet my response but then only James would get it. Twitter can be an absolute time drain but so can email, digg or texting phone messages. Anything can be a tool depending on how you use it. Waiting in line at the grocery store can be a marketing opportunity or an excuse to tap your foot in dreaded impatience (or um read trashy headlines and laugh while you wait!). Initially I thought Twitter was odd, but I have made great contacts, exchanged information (even recommending MWP) and had a bit of fun too. Now remember James, chocolate cake is as good as cash.
Karen
@ Michael Martine: I hear you. Pass me the drink, will you please.
Monika Mundell’s last blog post..Let Go Of …!
I’m only just starting to *get* Twitter. I signed up for an account early and have only just started using it. It’s a good way of adding some of that glue to online relationships that I mentioned in my last post. I also update it with some of my blog posts and stuff that I’m reading and get into conversations with some of my online friends. I don’t think Twitter is a bad thing, though like anything else it can be misused. I hadn’t thought of it as an office culture (without the politics) but I guess that’s a good analogy.
Sharon Hurley Hall’s last blog post..Adding Some Glue To Online Relationships
Holy crap, people. I go to bed and try to have a life, and I’m sitting here in the dark of the morning realizing that I would’ve had way more fun online.
@Amy – Kelly sees a monkey somewhere on our About Us page. I, unfortunately, cannot. It’s a guitar. Not a monkey.
However, Kelly also has a voodoo doll (who is sleeping now else I wouldn’t be out) that wears leather shorts and probably mumbles evil things about James when I make Kelly behave like the person she is and not some facade of professional business. I am under the full impression that we can be real people and be professional, too.
@ Karen – Schmoozing is an excellent way to stir up reputation and business. Schmoozing and socializing come pretty naturally to me, and most of our business has come through word of mouth alone.
The trick is getting people to talk about how fantastic in bed you are. Once you have that, you have it made.
@ Michael – so as a Twitter fan, tell me this: When does Twitter stop becoming a resource and start becoming a fast version of IM, and when should people take themselves off Twitter and into IM groups? And also, what sort of commenting to you find provides the most value to you as a reader and to you as a business?
@ James – bed? life? Pardon me while I grab a dictionary… Oh, those things!! Pffft. The imperialistic ruler lives and naps. Who knew?
Oh and my mental image of Professional Kelly: schnazzy suit, expensive spinny chair, office desk lined with voodoo dolls of coworkers. I don’t know what Kelly does for a living, but I picture it as having something to do with keeping flashing lights off of trucks and not painting with 90s colors in the year 2000. But maybe she’s really a lawyer…
@ Kelly – See above.
Re James’ comment about you, I’ve gotta say, I’ve seen the most uptight/all-professional-all-the-time lawyers come out of their shells, and I like them much better for it. Their clients might not want to see them without those shells, but the rest of us sure did like it. It’s like getting to hold the dolls from the glass museum when you’re five. So rock on, monkey-seeing pen-men-dreaming voodoo chick. LOL
Amy – Write From Home’s last blog post..Networking For Freelance Success: Make Friends, But Choose Wisely.
@ James – It doesn’t stop becoming one thing in order to become another. It’s both at the same time. People post what is literally the answer to the question “what are you doing?” but they also can say something to a person either publicly or privately, as you know. Switching back and forth between these easily is what makes Twitter unique and different. It’s a little bit more–and less–than blogging or IM. I’ve said things publicly like a micro-blogging post or just asked a question of my followers and had people reply publicly. But on occasion people have replied privately, too. It’s just enough of several things where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
Michael Martine, Blog Consultant’s last blog post..What Twitter Does for Me
For what it’s worth, Twitter.com is banned in the company that I work with.
But then again, I’m in an old fashioned, traditional big company. They really hate things that takes away productivity, especially something new like Twitter and IM.
However, they’re making way into corporate blogging, so there might a light at the end of the tunnel.
Rudy’s last blog post..All Grown Up