In the last couple of weeks I've come to a realization of sorts about Twitter though. Now I see the 140 character box as a challenge. Can I distill down my thoughts into a concise statement that fits into this box. Is it interesting? Does it provide any value to anyone who might read it?
But it isn't what I enter in that text box that is the value, it's what other folks enter. Folks that I know, folks who work for companies that provide services that I use, industry folks, fellow bloggers, and other interesting folks who might have interesting things to say.
Really though, Twitter is nothing more than a stream of thoughts, links, and other ramblings. Twitter is often the equivalent of the stuff I used to overhear cubicle neighbors chatting about. As a web worker, I often don't have a lot of interaction with others. No chats by the coffee pot, no hallway encounters, even lunch is often a solo venture. Twitter isn't life changing, it isn't critical (although it can be), rather it's noise that keeps me grounded and keeps me connected.
So if you're interesting, leave your twitter name in the comments. If you think you might be interested in what I might have to say you can view my profile and follow me. I'm not as connected as some, but I am slowly assembling a good group of people to follow.
Is anyone else finding Twitter useful? How do you use it?
SB
* If you aren't familiar with Twitter, watch this excellent video from Commoncraft
I also recently became a part of the Providence RI web community (after hoofing it to Boston for many years to work). Adding a whole bunch of Providence folks has made me feel a lot more connected to my surroundings, even though I'm now working from home (after always working in an office).
There's also the opportunity to see what industry folks you really trust and admire are thinking about. In fact, I've basically ignored all other "social networks" in favor of Twitter lately.
SB
Do you find that too? You'll have to let me know how twitter is.
I still visit Pownce but my friends there have been pretty quiet and I'm not compelled to find new folks to follow.
I'm still pretty quiet on Twitter but I have found that a request for help or a question asked will usually get some sort of response on Twitter. A comment on dinner likely not, but then not usually expected.
For those that follow thousands of folks I have to wonder what value they see but for a small group I am liking the stream of consciousness feel to it.
SB