My Thermos

So I signed up for this Twitter thing ages ago but wasn't active at all.* I remember staring at the 140 character text box wondering just what I could enter there that anyone would be interested in.



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

This morning, I took the train downtown for a meeting. I don't do it often any more but in a past life at my corporate gig, this used to be my daily commute.

Back then I used to spend the time reading. At about 50min it was long enough to really get in some quality time with a good book. I would load up the mp3 player with a couple of good albums and take advantage of the time to relax and either prepare for, or put an end to, my work day.

This morning though, I fired up my laptop with my Sprint Mobile and spent my trip reading and responding to emails. I twittered and I pownced and now am writing posts for both MyThermos and Web Worker Daily.

I really wish that I could take the time to read and relax like I used to but feel that now that I am a self employed Web Worker, I do not have that luxury.

Or Do I?

I am busy, and I do have a lot to do. But I also need to have a balance between work and the rest of my life.

Do you take the time to relax and do activities for yourself when you could be working? How do you balance your work / play now that work is so accessible?