i'm a useless tweeter — and that's ok
First Naomi Dunford wrote a great blog post about how Twitter is a water cooler, a place to hang out and chat rather than be bombarded with business info and top tips, which she “HATESHATESHATES”. In response, Marian Schembari argued that Twitter is not just a water cooler, and top tips are a good thing if done well.
Then I decided I had a lot of thoughts on this topic, too, so here I am, wading in to the debate, waving my “I’ve been on Twitter since early 2007″ flag. (The logo is a smug expression.)
Twitter is my water cooler
It’s true: I joined Twitter before most people were talking about it. Perhaps especially because I was very close to housebound through ill-health, I loved chatting online with my colleagues, most of whom worked from home as well. Twitter really was a virtual water cooler for me. I’d check it on breaks from writing, type what I hoped were witty observations, and connect with people I already knew from elsewhere on the internet. None of this was a conscious choice; it’s just how my usage evolved. And for a long time, I wasn’t aware of anyone else using Twitter any differently.
Then in 2008 and 2009, Twitter exploded. By the end of 2009, it had gone from a social media secret of the tech-minded to a source of journalists’ stories and a danger to TV viewing figures. Everyone and their grandma had heard of Twitter.
And that’s where social media strategists stepped in.
Now with value added!
Personally (and professionally — a lot of my writing is for online outlets) I find social media strategy fascinating and useful. Marian’s tips are excellent: she really understands new media and if you want to use Twitter and other social media to find a job, build a platform, or publicise yourself, you should be reading her blog or paying her to sort out your social media strategy. Twitter can now be a way to get work and make sure your good reputation precedes you. And the way to do that is to provide “value”: help people out, give advice on topics you know well, or direct fellow tweeters to useful articles and blog posts.
But I think it’s important for newer users to understand that while for them, Twitter may be a useful tool for self-promotion, that isn’t everyone’s first priority. The last thing I think about on Twitter is how useful people are: it’s nice if you tweet interesting links but it’s not a dealbreaker. The idea that I would assess your worth to me (and vice versa) is something I find a bit icky — we’re people, not products.
Socialising is my M.O.
In her blog post, Marian says a stream of @ messages is her pet hate:
“Use AIM or Gchat. Don’t take up my entire feed because you feel the need to do the watercooler thing.”
And I wonder if this might be a sign of a generation gap. Because none of my friends use instant messaging (or if they do, they haven’t added me: WTF, friends?) More than that though, we have a clash of modi operandi. You see, my main M.O on Twitter is to socialise. I’d love to gain more followers and have more people read my writing as a result, but I really just enjoy connecting with people throughout the day, and I would (and did) tweet even if it didn’t promote me in any way whatsoever.
I’m always @ it
I @ message a lot of people almost every day. I even have debates and long discussions sometimes, some of which I’m sure are boring to some of my followers. (Sorry, followers.) Although I answer people’s questions where I can, I can’t claim to be doing so out of any sense of service. I’m just nosy. And I guess that’s why I love Twitter more than any other social media platform — the opportunity to listen in on other people’s conversations and talk with people I don’t even know. Some of whom are famous! I’ve tweeted with people I’d never get the chance to GChat with (bestselling authors, magazine editors, TV stars). One day I’m watching Philip Schofield in the broom cupboard, over 20 years later he’s tweeting with me about how people might think he’s an alcoholic. The weirdness and joy of that fact CANNOT BE QUANTIFIED. Twitter has connected me to the outside world in a way nothing except being out in the real world could replicate.
You want me to what?!
So when people try to tell me how to use Twitter, it always gets my back up a little. It’s one thing if the subtext is “if you want to use Twitter to promote your business then you should do this…” (And if I’ve actively sought out that advice by reading a blog about social media strategy, then I do assume that to be the subtext.)
But I feel like what some people who give social media advice have forgotten is that not all of us are on Twitter for the same thing. And that there actually isn’t a right or a wrong way to “do” Twitter, outside of spamming. If someone has 2 followers, 2096 followees, and a generic avatar, and tweets 7 times in the space of an hour, they’re perfectly entitled to do that. It’s not the way to make friends or influence people, but it’s allowed.
Now we seem to have this clash between old-style and new-style tweeters, between watercooler peeps and top tips fans, with each one claiming the other side is doing it wrong. But the only thing that either side is really doing wrong is assuming everyone else should be like them.
I’m not your waitress (I don’t need a tip)
On Twitter as in life, I’m not looking for the people to offer me unsolicited advice.
In particular, like Naomi Dunford, I am not a fan of the daily tip. There are people who do them well — by which I mean they give me new information (Marian is one of them) but it’s not the reason I’m following them; more like something I put up with to get to the good stuff: what they’re working on, what they’re thinking, who they’re hanging around with. (Told you I was nosy.) What I want from the people I follow on Twitter can be summed up in one word: authenticity. I get much more from Martha Beck’s self-deprecation than from any number of less famous life coaches’ bland aphorisms about positive thinking.
I’m also pretty rebellious against authority, and when people set themselves up as “experts”, a lot of the time it seems like they’re trying to position themselves as better than me. It’s hard to strike the right balance and it’s really easy to alienate people. True story: a blogger I used to love started posting advice about an aspect of health in what I found to be a condescending way. One minute she was on my level, sharing her life, her mistakes, her triumphs, the next, with no experience or qualifications, just the firm belief that we should all be like her, she’s a self-proclaimed “expert”. TOTAL TURN OFF.
I am no use whatsoever… Or am I?
I do not provide tips. I don’t have a niche. I @ people like a kid playing tag. I even use hashtags in a confusing joke-y way. Sometimes I tweet more than once in the space of an hour! I am probably pretty useless by most social media strategists’ standards. But you know what? That’s OK. Because if I’m not what people on Twitter are looking for, they can always move on: no harm, no foul. I’m all for using social media to enhance my (for want of a better word) “brand” (ew) but for me, the social will always come before the media. Twitter is where I talk to friends and acquaintances, get to know new people, and share stuff I find interesting. It is still a water cooler for me: a place I can talk with others, relax, and have a few laughs.
And if that doesn’t sound valuable to you… maybe that’s not my problem.
Comments are closed.
One of my favourite parts of twitter? Reading the tweets between you and Keris. Seriously, you two put a smile on my face most days.
Aw, that’s so sweet! Thank you. Keris and I do love to @ each other.
Haha! Thank you for that! I bet we get on a lot of people’s nerves though.
Us? Whaa?! Not possible.
hear hear!!
xx
Thanks Peepo! xx
I use Twitter in much the same way as you do (although I’ve been using it a lot less recently, because I just can’t keep up with it), but I think the great thing about it is that it can be whatever you want it to be. If you follow people who use it to chat, it’s a water cooler, and if you follow people who post tips and are “useful”, it’s a business tool, or a “reputation tool”, or whatever. Personally, if I want tips or advice I’ll use Google (or just post on my blog): I use Twitter mostly as a bit of light relief, so I don’t follow people who’re obviously looking to build reputation. It is what you make it.
I think my only issue with Twitter at the moment is that it HAS become a replacement for all other methods of communication for some people. I get why it’s happened, but I kind of miss the days of personal emails, and comments that are longer than 140 characters
You said it, Amber — it really is what you make it. I totally agree about it becoming a replacement for other communication lately, though — I used to get a lot more friendly emails!
I thoroughly and absolutely dislike “social media experts”, or articles where people tell me “how to Tweet better” or to “get the most out of Twitter”. It makes me feel like an abject failure, because not only do I go against most of those rules, I have no inclination to follow those rules. Throw me out!
I adore Twitter for its water-cooler properties. I love that I can watch a tennis match, and talk to people on the other side of the world who are also watching it. That means I can watch the match and make the occasional comment, whereas something like GTalk would distract me too much from the match. I also love that I’ve gotten to know blogging friends better because of Twitter; it’s a nice midway point in an emerging friendship, between the occasional blog comment (fairly anonymous) and one-on-one emails. My feed is the first thing I pull up of a day, and is easily my favourite of the social networking platforms.
I don’t need to know how to do this better, and a really childish part of me stamps her foot and screams “and I don’t WANNA!”. For me, social networking is about what *you* get out of it, and trying to give “rules” or “advice” takes away the spontaneity of human interaction. I see a way in which it *can* be used to network or other professional activities, but that doesn’t mean it should. Everyone’s different, and I unfollow “inspirational” Tweeters in a heartbeat. I am so doing it wrong.
Good grief, another essay in your comments. Sorry Diane!
No need to apologise, Toni! I love your insights (especially when you agree with me
)
I love watching stuff with my fellow tweeters, too — and not just those I follow: clicking on a hashtag can get you into a whole new conversation.
“For me, social networking is about what *you* get out of it, and trying to give “rules” or “advice” takes away the spontaneity of human interaction.”
Love this, and totally agree. As I blogged, it doesn’t bother me if people want to learn how to use it for maximum effectiveness but they shouldn’t expect everyone else to. Social media strategists have an uphill battle ahead if they expect everyone to follow their rules. Some people are just there for the LOLs.
I’m totally obsessed with this post, Diane, truly. You are one of my favorite people online – not because you try to be useful but because you’re just… yourself. Your lovely, friendly, AWESOME self.
You say it perfectly here: “Now we seem to have this clash between old-style and new-style tweeters, between watercooler peeps and top tips fans, with each one claiming the other side is doing it wrong. But the only thing that either side is really doing wrong is assuming everyone else should be like them.’
Amen! Seriously, I’m guilty of thinking people on Twitter are “doing it wrong” and that’s my bad. I guess I assume that we’re all on it for the same thing but that’s just not the case. My specialty is helping people get clients on Twitter, but that’s just ME. That’s not you, that’s not Naomi, that’s not my mom or my boyfriend or Gawker. We all have our unique Twitter personalities and you have perfectly articulated that here. GO YOU!
Well, now I’m obsessed with this comment — it’s so lovely and totally made my day, Marian, thank you
(And you know it’s mutual, right?)
You’re very gracious about my disagreeing with you on the whole “water cooler” thing — I love what you say about “unique Twitter personalities” — that’s the crux of it, I think.
Ps: I hope you noticed this post has been “Schembari-ed” — headers, pictures, short paragraphs… I’m learning
Haha, I love disagreeing! Especially when the person who disagrees with me is such an awesome person. If you sucked I’d be all over this shit
Also, I DID notice your post was perfection! Way to go – you’re such a star!
Ha, thanks Marian! (On all counts). x
Diane, you’re a fantastic tweeter – I love your tweets! I also love your blog posts.
Like Amber, I sometimes miss the emails. Also I find it very hard to limit myself to 140 characters (waffle waffle waffle etc)
Aw, thanks Luisa! I love *your* tweets too — and I want more of them! 140 characters can be a challenge, though, I agree.
I swear this blog post wasn’t just a way to solicit compliments, but I am rather enjoying myself
I totally agree, I don’t think you need a Twitter “agenda” in business, the fact you’re chatting (rather than forcing messages on people) on Twitter is enough. And it’s so down to the person tweeting to use Twitter as they see fit. I sometimes look at the tweet box, fiddle with my keyboard a bit and think… erm, actually I don’t have anything to tweet. And then I remember, ah hell sod it, I’ll tweet anyway. Someone someone might like to know that I hate Monday mornings or I have my knickers on inside out. Boring b*******, yes, but am I bovvered? Nah. I guess I’m just nosey too :0)
Hi Robyn, that’s a really good point — some more business-y tweets can feel like a brand’s message being forced on you. And I think those tweets we think might bore people are often the most endearing.
I clicked through on a RT of Marian’s – and I’m very happy I did so. This is a fabulous post from a perspective that actually reflects how I use social media and Twitter.
Sometimes I find it overwhelming with “experts” telling me left, right and centre to do this, or do that. I follow these people because many of their tips are helpful for me on a personal level. But to constantly hear that I’m “doing it wrong” does get old.
Thanks so much for your lovely comment! I’m really glad people relate to what I’m saying — reading so much about what you’re “doing wrong” on Twitter can be depressing, can’t it? Here’s to going your own way *raises glass*
I got unfollowed by someone I know quite well for daring to pimp my latest blog post more than twice in a whole day. But then she doesn’t follow many people, nor does she follow many of the same people as me so she wouldn’t see many of my @s so all she saw in my feed was mentions of my blog and a couple of tweets. Someone who followed 10 times the number that she follows would barely have seen any of those tweets! I dislike spammers but I can deal with them easily. Most people I can cope with other than that but you’re right, pontificating is a turn off.
There is no wrong or right way to do twitter. The great thing about it is that there is always a corner where you can find like minded souls who tweet like you. I love starting to follow someone and then discovering them tweeting a mutual followee – I feel like I’ve missed out but it adds to my experience.
I’m a full on twitter addict. My tweeting has gone exponential recently but most of it is @s. Unless you look at my feed, you might think I hardly tweet unless you follow all the people I @ and some I @ on a very regular basis.
And as for tweeting once per hour, gimme a break.
I wonder who these “experts” really are..
Hi Kate, thanks for commenting!
I have to admit, I have unfollowed people for tweeting “too much”, but I do understand that’s just by my standards — objectively, they’re not doing anything wrong. Sometimes as you say, they’re tweeting with someone you know already and that doubles the tweets you see from them, and sometimes that’s great but sometimes it feels like too much.
I wouldn’t unfollow a friend though, no matter how much they tweeted. And I agree that linking to your blog post 3 times over the course of a day is not excessive. But I think everyone has their own ideas about what’s acceptable and that’s fine – just don’t expect everyone else to live by them
Diane -
WELL SAID!
It always annoys me when the “experts” say that thing about @ replies. I’ve come across it a few times. What I don’t understand is how this could annoy them, when they only see @ replies if they are following both tweeters, and if they’re following both tweeters then why not just join in…?! DMs are so boring!
I think you’re a great tweeter, and I agree with the comment above – you and Keris entertain me no end. And when I buy books or visit blogs or whatever belonging to people I follow on Twitter, it’s always the ones I’ve been chatting to about completely unrelated things – my Twitter friends.
So don’t worry. I think YOU’RE the one who is doing it right!
Aw, thanks Catherine. I really, really wasn’t looking to solicit compliments on my tweeting skills, but I can’t say I’m not enjoying them…
I guess if 2 people are @-ing each other a lot about stuff you’re not interested in, it could get tedious, but why not just unfollow one or both? DMs are much more boring in comparison, I agree. One of the best aspects of Twitter is the tacit permission to butt in to anyone’s conversation!
And it’s worth saying that I only heard about your book via Twitter — because Keris followed you, I was more willing to take a chance on your book (and I’m really glad I did). Long live tweeting as an individual
Twitter confuses me. That is all.
Ha, *life* confuses me, so I relate