Do you love Twitter?
Hate it?
Like it a little?
I was on Twitter a few years ago but decided to get off.
Why?
Reason # 1 - It didn't interest me.
Reason # 2 - I had a few undesirable followers (those with unsavory websites).
Reason # 3 - I didn't have time to add one more thing to my schedule.
Why am I telling you this?
Reason # 1 - Many of you use Twitter and rave about it.
Reason # 2 - I've heard it is a useful social media tool.
Reason # 3 - I'm told that you can screen followers.
I've been thinking about it lately and I'm curious.
If Twitter is so fabulous,
then maybe I need to consider getting back on.
This is where you come in.
I need you to sell me on Twitter.
Why do I need to return to Twitter?
What makes it so great?
Or, if you don't care for it, tell me why.
I'm awaiting your thoughts.
Go ahead.
Sell me!
P.S. On a Non-Twitter Note...
Congratulations to Melissa Sugar, winner of Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin!
Thanks to all who stopped by for the interview and giveaway.
Happy writing,
Karen
Image credit: Stock Exchange
Karen,
ReplyDeleteI have a Twitter account, but I don't know how advantageous it is. I don't have enough followers to make a difference. I also don't have enough time to delve into it and also FB and blog as well.
Basically, it helps me connect with other bloggers on a deeper level, talk about things, or just say hello. You can jump on in the morning and that's it if you want. you can schedule your posts. Use Tweetdeck and you can make lists of the people you know so can see right away what they are up to. And most importantly, it drives people to your blog.
ReplyDeletethere you go, my sales pitch. :)
I use twitter but I don't love it. I like Facebook much better. Now, if I had internet on my phone, I think twitter would be much more interesting.
ReplyDeleteBut I don't so for now it's just another form of being available on the internet. Blogging is still my first love. ;-)
Hi Karen,
ReplyDeleteBefore I sell you on Twitter, let me tell you that my son recently listened to an interview on NPR of a top journalist. He said that with the added social media responsibilities to his job, he barely can find the time to write! That said...Twitter is my favorite social media platform. It requires you to write concisely (140 characters). It allows you to connect with people that you would otherwise not get the opportunity to...like agents and editors. I liken it to going to a big party. You can talk to one group of people in this corner that like writing and if that conversation gets boring you can walk to the punch bowl and get in the conversation with the gardeners. When that fails to interest you, you can stroll out on the deck and see what the homeschoolers are up to. I don't find that diversity on other platforms. Recently I attended the Mother Earth News Fair and before attending I asked on Twitter who was going. After getting several responses, a group of us (including two editors that I could possibly pitch stories to) purposed to meet up. We had a great reunion there.
One last thing...I was hooked on Twitter when someone I follow Tweeted from a Writer's conference that I would never have been able to attend. She gave so many tidbits from the workshops there that I felt like I was attending myself.
Okay...now I need sold on Pinterest!
Hi Karen .. I don't use Twitter - though I can probably see its advantages .. especially if you are an author or have something to offer - a market place.
ReplyDeleteWhat worries me for the future - is how many of us will be able to converse, discuss, write essays etc .. these short bite-size bits of info are what so many just believe in.
I don't like FB as it's too personal and ties too much in which is too easy to see/find ..
I'll be interested to read other commenter's thoughts though .. cheers Hilary
I'm on Twitter. Took me a while to figure it out. Just like blogging, if you're promoting and reTweeting others, they will do the same for you.
ReplyDeleteAnd sometimes it's amusing to pull up the Tweet Deck and just watch the chatter.
Linda,
ReplyDeleteWell, I can relate, that's for sure! I like FB well enough, but don't spend much time there. And as a person who dislikes drawing attention to herself, I find it a hard thing to get into. :)
Laura,
These are great points, I appreciate it! I think I need to spend some time there and figure these things out. Thanks!
Jessica,
Yes, I can see where being connected on your phone would help with these things. I think blogging is my fave too. :)
Carol,
I can see where you get swamped with all the social media and other peripheral things that relate to writing (like the guy in NPR). But I also see your point - it's one I hadn't considered. Thanks a bunch!
Hilary,
You know, this is another good point about being able to converse in short bits. It has its advantages but I think that we need to make sure upcoming generations can express themselves otherwise. I also think about how instant connectivity, while it has its great advantages, leads to more overall stress and less downtime. Thanks for weighing in!
Alex,
I figured there was a learning curve so if I am going to do it, I just need to jump in. I guess watching the chatter on the Tweetdeck is like Carol said - like being at a party.
Happy Monday,
Karen
Okay, I hate it. I tried to do it twice and had several issues: those unsavory followers - including porn spam, I couldn't remember to post, and I didn't like having to manage it on top of all the other Social Media. In my opinion, even though it may be very popular in our industry, there are other SM tactics that are just as effective. I dont think I will ever try it again...I'll leave it to you young folks!
ReplyDeleteBut on a positive note....I know many who love it and have no issues. I bet you would do just fine :)
Hmmmm, nothing to sell...try it, when you don't like it, leave it. You'll survive!
ReplyDeleteI didn't like it at first because it's a lot of info all at once. But then I decided to use it for certain things, like keeping up with blogs, writer friends, and for networking. I like it now...much more than Facebook, LOL!
ReplyDeleteI got overwhelmed with Twitter until I realized I need to use it to suit me and my needs.
ReplyDeleteI do a tweet chat every once in a while (like Yalitchat, or MGlitchat). I tweet random fun things when I feel like it. And when I want to hang out with some writers for company, they're there.
I rarely use it. Actually I don't like it. Unless you are on a lot you can barely connect. My fav is Facebook--I feel like I can talk to someone on there!
ReplyDeleteJan,
ReplyDeleteHad to laugh at your comment! You sound kind of like I feel sometimes about that and other things. I think I may give it another go, but if it isn't a good fit, then so be it!
Linda,
Very good point. And yes, somehow we manage quite well without many things!
Laura,
It's interesting to see how some like it and others do not, you know? And then the ones who do, what they like it for!
Lydia,
Yes, this is exactly what I am thinking. Have some time in the coming weeks, and I may jump on and see how it goes.
Terri,
I see your point with FB, it does seem like a more detailed way to connect. I guess it's a matter of what you are looking for.
Thanks all, for your input!
Karen
My experience with Twitter is that it's extremely worthwhile if you take a little time upfront to learn the tips and tricks necessary to make it successful. Kristen Lamb is a great resource to start...both her blog and her books. I spend less than 15 minutes a day on it, but my following is up to 500 people in ten months' time.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen - I can't sell you on Twitter because I haven't tried it. Believe it or not, I still get confused on Facebook when they change things without letting you know what the new process is.
ReplyDeleteI guess if you need it for business you should try it again. But if you are just too busy, well, then it will be a nuisance.
I'm on Twitter. Every time you write a terrific post, I twit about it. And honestly that makes me feel good. The world needs to know about all these terrific blogs.
ReplyDeleteKaren:
ReplyDeleteI can't help you with the Twitter decision. I'm not on it. I have a difficult time getting to FB on a regular basis.
So glad you asked this, Karen. I've just started getting my feet wet and, frankly, feel overwhelmed with adding yet one more social networking tool to the arsenal. Boy, if I just felt like I had the time...
ReplyDeleteI'm watching with interest what people are telling you about this. Fascinating discussion!
I used to have a Twitter account, but not many followers. I didn't find it a happy place to be,hence I don't know about any advantages. Besides, I am happier on FB and my blog.
ReplyDeleteI have a Twitter account, I post a few tweets per day, mainly links to my blogs and book reviews.... Is it useful? I don't know, time will tell me.
ReplyDeleteI am not on Twitter, Karen, so I have no views at all. But, I have heard about it from other writers that's its a great platform builder and its a way to keep abreast about the latest publishing news.
ReplyDeleteI often thought of twitter as a mobile FB/blog connection. I enjoy both of those but don't need the mobility. If you have something to sell or would like the mobility give it another try.
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteI will have to check out what Kristen Lamb has to say about it. Thanks for the tip! :)
Nancy,
Yes, Facebook and all their changes - that is hard to keep up with! If I find Twitter success, I'll let you know! :)
Joylene,
You are a peach! So if I get on Twitter then, I need to let people know about your fabulous posts too! :)
Cecelia,
I kind of run in spurts with Facebook. It just depends on my schedule for the week. If I find amazing things on Twitter I will let you know! :)
Joy,
Well, I will have to look you up if I head back to Twitter. :) And then we can make it a happier place!
Marja,
Well, keep me posted, okay? I am curious to see how it works out for you!
Rachna,
See, this is what I've heard too. So I guess I'll just have to see!
Sally,
That's a good way to look at it. I eventually will have a phone that can connect anytime too, so it could be helpful then as well.
Thanks all!
Karen
Hi Karen -
ReplyDeleteI'm on Twitter, but don't use it to full advantage. I need someone to take me by the hand and show me the ropes.
The time factor is also problematic. Blogging, email, and Facebook are challenging enough. I get on Twitter once or twice a month at this point.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I have a twitter account but I rarely use it. I know my blog post automatically go there. I just don't have the time to sit and read uninteresting tweets. There are interesting tweets but most are not.
ReplyDeleteSusan,
ReplyDeleteSo do I! Although Sarah's suggestion sounds good, I will have to check it out. I think we both need a stunt double!
Clarissa,
It seems there is a range of thought about the whole deal. I guess the bottom line is to do what works for you, right?
Thanks so much,
Karen
No sales job here. I've been told I should be on Twitter, but I don't have the time. As it is I have trouble keeping up with my blogging; I check Facebook maybe once a day (often less). I don't know where people find the time for it all.
ReplyDeleteThe key with Twitter is interaction. You need to jump in and start talking to people. I've done interviews, been on TV and met loads of great people all because of Twitter!
ReplyDeleteI do like Twitter. But I'm one of those people who likes to jibber jabber. LOL
ReplyDeleteThe real key is downloading a free tool like Hootsuite or Tweetdeck (what I use). It can keep you better organized and you can use time there mor efficently. Plus you can arrange that what you Tweet can go to FB if you want.
Also, this way you don't have to be on Twitter 24/7, and you won't miss if someone says something to you or mentions you in some way so you can respond--even if it's days later.
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteSometimes I wonder that too. I'm thinking that it is a matter of responsibilities, interests, and priorities, you know?
Talli,
It sounds like a great tool for you! If I hop on, I will be sure and look you up!
Jennifer,
This is good to know, because if I get on, I want to be as efficient with it as possible.
Thanks a bunch!
Karen :)