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Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

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Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

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Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

Paul Stoltzfus — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:55:30 -0000

excellent post. The comments are just as helpful. A funny thing happened within a few days of using twitter. I found myself "staging" events that were worth twittering, now it's a habbit, and I'm A WHOLE LOT LESS likely to whine about a bad day

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

Ghennipher — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:19:42 -0000

Really insightful article - and great comments! I once checked out a profile of a new follower and clicked onto his blog. His philosophy on Twitter was that if a person had very many @replies on their profile page, he WOULDN'T follow that person - "because they're missing the whole point of Twitter".

I left there scratching my head and wondering how the hell this gentleman could think that @replying to people is missing the whole point of Twitter. I must admit, he was a little bit older, and clearly formulated his Twitter philosophy around the "what are you doing?" text box.

But I wholeheartedly agree with the wonderful ability to converse on Twitter - but there are times to broadcast too. I live in a small up-and-coming city, and have rounded up a great group of Twitter users who come to Tweetups I organize by both broadcasting things of value and @replying.

Its a fun tool. Just using some common sense (business sense- and personal), having respect for your followers, and having fun makes Twitter such an awesome app. Thanks for your take on this subject!

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

Mrs. Franklin — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:21:37 -0000

"intents and purposes", dear.

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

Susan Murphy — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:21:42 -0000

I personally don't see anything wrong with putting a link to my blog or my company, on Twitter occasionally. I certainly don't think it's bad "twittequette" to do so. HOWEVER...

There is a fine line between what I like to call "the art of shameless self promotion" and "blurting". I post on my blog a few times a week. When I post, am I going to throw a link up on Twitter? Absolutely. Am I going to throw a link in Facebook? Why not? But, one has to strike a balance.

In addition to those links, I'm also throwing up all kinds of other information and links to other stuff I find interesting. I'm also having conversations with people on Twitter about many topics, I'm commenting on blogs, I'm collaborating on posts with other people, and occasionally doing a guest post like you.

The secret is, don't try too hard. I don't do this solely because I'm trying to promote my business or my blog or anything else. I do this because I enjoy the process of connecting with other people. I enjoy sharing ideas. And I think the Internet is an amazing place. If I'm making a contribution that others appreciate, that's a side effect - it's certainly not the entire point.

Excellent post - I enjoy your tweets too!

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

Dorothy — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 04:38:40 -0000

Really enjoyed what you had to say here. I notice that lots of 'famous' bloggers etc who are more than happy to have 'no-bodies' follow them, mostly do blurting as their form of twittering. In fact you can gain just as much from them by having their blog in your RSS feed. The people to follow are the ones who are prepared to engage with the hoi poloi.

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

Dr Kangaroo — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 04:29:37 -0000

I think this should be a case of if you don't like what you're watching use the remote.

Twitter like a lot of other social media sites has and will evolve according to the flavour of the month of it's users.

Over the last year that evolution has moved towards it becoming an announcing medium. Blurting if you like. But hey in the end users will decide.

So let Twitter evolve baby!

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

Barb Chamberlain — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 02:48:29 -0000

What an outstanding dialogue. I'm following 4 more people now and subscribing to 3 more blogs.

I'm finding my own balance is tipping rapidly toward more following & less blog subscribing, as someone else mentioned.

The personal recommendations--and even the quasi-mystery of the tinyurl and the unknown content that lies beyond--are just more fun than opening my Google Reader & seeing how many hundreds of things I haven't read yet. So I don't mind an occasional reminder that there's longer content to be had outside the magic 140 characters.

@BarbChamberlain
(Follow me & you get a mix of Spokane civic life, PR/social media, news from Washington State University Spokane where I work, my kids, & my caffeine habit)

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

tjgillies — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 02:12:46 -0000

"Will Barack use twitter after the election?" Good question!

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

Tumblemoose — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:27:10 -0000

Ok, then. I'll twitter. And I won't be a blurter.

But that doesn't mean I have to like it.

Cheers!

George

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

Keith Burtis — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:29:10 -0000

There are no rules. That's why I love social media, put me in a box and I will surely break out.

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

Keith Burtis — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:27:15 -0000

Alain, you didn't read the post. I never said there was anything wrong with self promotion. Not once. I merly said that if ALL you do is self promote without adding value that people wont follow you. You say so what? I say you do care if people follow you. If you didn't you'd just keep a journal. The idea is to collaborate and share. I am not telling anyone how to use the tool, merely sharing my suggestions on sharing with the community. BTW, I love the inspirational quotes!

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

Kristin Tennant — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:19:58 -0000

Thanks for the interesting post, which has sparked a good conversation.

I think your points about adding value to the community and making sure it's not all about you are important. My main concern, though (and it echoes many others who have already commented)is that there seems to be an almost elitist attitude out there regarding The True Purpose of Twitter (and I'm not saying this comes from your post, Keith). While I have no time for people who are focused on blatant selling and constant promoting, I think there are many good uses for Twitter. I agree with those who have said they're all valid, and people should just follow the people who share their approach.

I, for instance, starting using Twitter as a writing exercise, and I like reading tweets that entertain, make me laugh, stir up nostalgia, and generally make me feel like I'm not alone--that there are people out there who experience some of the world like I do. I also appreciate tweets that offer new and different perspectives on the world. If I notice that the bulk of a person's last 20 tweets have some sort of link--even if they're sharing and it's not all about them--I tend not to follow them. But that's just me, and it should all be OK.

@kt_writes

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

BrandonUttley — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:29:53 -0000

The cream rises to the top, like in all media. People and companies that share useful information, as opposed to just asinine, self-centered junk, gain respect and more followers. But even the top Twitterers send a lot of pointless Tweets. Sometimes they just wanna vent, or say something silly for the heck of it. That's what makes Twitter so interesting and unpredictable.

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

Alain Lemay — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:51:54 -0000

If...I see you in my twitter stream, you will quickly find yourself in the trash bin ... No offence but so what? Sorry if I'm not in the rah rah crowd but I think the medium belongs to the community and no one person can dictate how we can use it!

I have been guilty of most of those "sins" you enumerated. I often Tweet my new blog pieces and self promote at times. I also post inpirational quotes, link to interesting sites I come across (with no affiliation to myself) that I think the community might benefit from. I sometimes ask sincere questions when I need help. If I had a book out, I would probably let people know. I also tweet about mundane stuff from my life just to share with my friends (my Twitter stream feeds into my Facebook status).

The beauty of Twitter is that there are so many apps that you can use that you need never actually go on Twitter and see the spam if you don't want to.

And you can check out my blog for more Twitter hints and... Oups! I did it again! Sorry ;-)

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

Jonna — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:42:16 -0000

As many have said, people who use twitter use them for varied reasons. However, my personal standard is 1)if I receive an auto follow message that includes a "here's my link" message in it, instead of a "hi! thanks for the follow" type message, I un-follow. 2)If their time line has nothing but links and no personal interaction, I don't follow.

I enjoy some blurts from people promoting what they do, it's because of who they are and what they do that I follow, however if that's all twitter is, another advertising outlet (popup banners anyone??) then they'll quickly find themselves un-followed.

The only blurts I want are from the news agencies and the like that I follow!

Great post!

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

Cheryl — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:11:14 -0000

This post really made me think about how I use Twitter. I have to admit that I'm turned off by so much of the "I just updated...." whatever it happens to be. I actually just keep scrolling down the page. Will not be doing that to my "followers", in the future. Thanks for the nudge.

I hate to stop following, tho. Wish there was an option to filter our the blurts and leave everything else!

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

Keith Burtis — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:42:04 -0000

@Dominick, as long a your engaging and creating more than a one way stream, In my opinion your all good.

@Paul Moss, that's why I gave the Barack Obama analogy, because it seems that as long as you have enough enduring fans and your creating value with your blurted tweets people will still follow. However, if you or I do that, people will close the book on us!

@Meridith, great comment and great study on your part. I am also a tweet deck user and i use it to follow certain groups. With almost 1,000 followers on twitter it would be impossible to catch anything. Tweet Deck Helps me sort these feeds of interest. I think Twitter is self regulating. The Unfollow Button is powerful.

@Marc - Awesome! Your doing geat. It's all about intentions.

@Rebekkah - Thats exactly why those marketers will never gain traction. They are coming at it from the standpoint of "Whats in it for me, rather than how can I serve"

@Jeff, I think people do care about the tea your drinking! More so, as this thing grows it will be great way for people to meet you in a certain place.Keep up your tweets man! I'd be surprised if you haven't already used twitter to generate meet-up or lunch.

@Alma, Twitter is FULL of Professionals of all kinds and to leave out your professional life or your blog posts would be a sin. However, if the only thing you do is post your links to yourself, people just wont follow. Your doing great!

@Theresa, way to engage! Keep having fun!

@Sonny, Awesome - Thank you.

@Judy, I am in full agreement.

@Bob, many times I find people replace it to comment on a blog post, i also find that people don't subscribe to blogs as much because they get their feeds from Twitter.

@Bernie, Thanks for the feedback

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

mixtmedia — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:27:30 -0000

Keith,
Good post--thanks for shining the light on the broadcast problem. The broadcast problem is threefold. First, we Digital Immigrants, are still getting our sea legs when it comes to participatory media. Collaboration is not our comfort zone. We want try out the latest social networking tool, but find it uncomfortable to put ourselves out there, trust "strangers," and give away our ideas for free. It's a cultural issue.

The second issue is the adoption continuum. Remember 1994 when email was still fairly new? Little by little friends and family members were "getting on email," as we said back in the day. The user habit was to write an email letter--yep, these were long messages--to your friend. Then once you'd gone back and forth a few times and had nothing else to say, the "forwards" would start. From jokes, to consumer warnings, to limericks, you were one recipient on your friend's mass distribution list. At first this was funny and you, too, would forward these inane messages along to your friends who were "on email." But "funny" quickly soured and turned into annoying. You moved on. You started using email as a productive communication tool rather than as a toy. It became a seamless part of your daily communications.

The same adoption continuum exists for social media. First we sign up for a service and then probably forget about it for awhile. Then we passively observe the landscape. Next we dip our toes in and blurt and broadcast, "I had pizza for lunch!" Then we settle in and start sharing useful and mildly interesting information with our followers...but we're still operating in a 1.0 broadcast paradigm. As we build our follower networks, we begin to see the value of social media. Suddenly we "get it": we have this mindshift that it's not about us, it's about them. Broadcast is about increasing value for the creator; social media is about increasing value for everyone else.

The third and final piece of the broadcast problem is that the blog and microblog platform infrastructures are, too, still evolving and are not yet truly conducive to the collaboration that their content is trying to encourage. I'd be interested in hearing if anyone knows of a blogging platform that truly facilitates collaborative discussions.

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

Bernie Borges — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:10:42 -0000

Keith,
Twitter is a public forum. This attribute alone creates an environment for communication which is dominated by blurting. Your comparison to leaving your business card at tables at a wedding is good, but in reality that has happened. It doesn't make it right of course. My point is that if you are in a public forum such as Twitter, expect to find a lot of blurters. Twitter etiquette is still being developed.

I believe the popularity of micro messaging is exploding as reflected in enterprise level services such as Yammer where blurting is probably the exception (if at all).

Regards,
Bernie Borges
@berniebay

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

Bob Dunn — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:04:52 -0000

Great post. The other thing that really irritates me which no one has mentioned, is people using it to replace email, texting, etc. for personal messages between two people.

"Do you want to have lunch?"

"Sure. Where?"

"That Mexican place was good last time."

"Yeah, day and time".

Blah, blah, blah.

There are several precious seconds of my life I will never get back.

Thanks Keith for the words of wisdom!

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

Judy Dunn — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:58:11 -0000

I've only been on twitter a couple of months, but I can see that people have vastly different reasons for using it and their own perceptions of what constitutes "appropriate tweeting."

I see people with big egos only announcing book deals and contest wins and speaking engagements and nothing else. I see other people ranting about politics and their personal lives. And then there the ones who actually share resources (even their own, when appropriate), help people solve problems, support other people. This last group, these people make twitter a useful tool.

I also have come to the conclusion that some people love twitter because they can "micro-babble" anything that comes into their mind, click and send it off, without having to think about whether it makes sense or adds value to a conversation.

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

Sonny Gill — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:52:20 -0000

Preach on Keith!

As Chris mentioned, checking the last 20 tweets of someone really tells the story if they're a broadcaster or someone who actually participates and engages in the conversation. This reasoning alone will give me the cue of whether I follow a new person or not.

Will they bring value to me? Can I bring value to them? I see it as a two-way relationship that you have to build and nurture before you can spit out your own links. Show your value to the community and you will reap the benefits of like-minded followers.

Re: Guest Post- Twitter- To Converse or to Broadcast-THAT is the Question

Theresa — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:46:08 -0000

I am a Twitter and Social Media newbie and web strategist for large companies. These tools are definitely NOT mainstream for companies that I work with - mainly financial services. I think about how and when SM will be incorporated into the way these large companies do business, but that's for another time.

Twitter is a communications tool and it can be a broadcast tool as well. I follow Barack Obama and find it interesting to see an occasional Tweet about where he is. It is only annoying to me when a company or individual over-Tweets. I also find it annoying when someone is blatantly trying to accumulate as many followers as possible. I don't mind the blurt because it is up to me to decide if I want to follow or not. To me success is defined by meeting your objectives. Why are you on Twitter?

I joined Twitter with only one objective: to experience it. The most surprising thing I discovered about Twitter is that I LOVE IT! I use it a lot. It is quick. I can blurt if I want. I can link to my personal blog. I can engage and meet people anywhere in the world (as long as they type in English). I can just randomly follow links to all sorts of stuff that I would never have found otherwise that is fun and valuable... including this site.