I’ve been asked this several times by friends and family.
Here’s the typical response when I explain Twitter.
1. Blank Stare
2. Scrunched up face and a question, “huh?” or “why?”
3. Muttering of something along the lines of “your stupid.”
4. End of conversation.
Actually, those that have the most trouble understanding the purpose of Twitter are non-twittering, non-facebooking, non-online types of people.
• They think it is an invasion of privacy.
• They think it is a waste of time.
• They don’t understand what ‘follow’ means. “Are they physically following you?”
The funny thing about this is that THOSE people will never read this blog. They won't ever see my explanation because they're not blog readers or aware of social networking.
So what is Twitter?
Microblogging is a form of blogging that allows users to write short (140 characters) updates and publish them to be viewed by anyone or by members of a niche social group.
Twitter is a neat microblogging application that helps define your niche social group by allowing your friends, fans or interested parties to “follow” you, meaning your updates are shown on their twitter page.
Likewise, you can “follow” your friends, or people you are fans of, or people you are interested in.
Through Twitter, you can send text updates, as well as links to video, pictures, whatever. Think of it as “what are you doing now?”
Okay, I get the what…but why?
For me, Twitter gives me insight into people’s lives. We all see people from a distance, but only a few get to see people close up. Twitter bridges that gap in 140 characters, pictures and video.
Through these microblogging friendships, I can
• Ask advice or get directions from peers.
• Offer information or resources.
• Learn the “next new thing” from my peers.
• Promote my interests or projects easily.
It is a channel of discovery, sites, breaking news, trends, etc. I love being close to the action and twitter takes me to the heart of it.
Okay. Now I have the what and the why...but who are you following?
Mostly, I follow pastors and people associated with churches from around the US. These people are on the cutting edge of ministry. They are reaching people for Jesus and I want to know how they are doing it. Twitter makes it possible.
I’m also a following fan. Mark Lee from Third Day, Max Lucado, Mark Hall from Casting Crowns, Natalie Grant, etc. It is entertaining to see their tweets, look at their pictures, videos, etc.
Just a few weeks ago I learned through Twitter that Mercy Me is showing their concert series online. My invitation came through Twitter and I was able to watch a live concert from my living room. How cool is that!?!
Lastly, I follow people in my line of work. Realtors, bankers, and people of interest in the financial world. I learn tons from these folks...all in 140 characters or less.
But that is just me. You can follow anyone with similar interests of your own and I promise you they are on there. Homeschoolers, stay at home moms, working moms, small business, big business, CEO’s, you name it and they are there.
So have fun with it…and Twitter.
P.S. Don’t forget to follow me at twitter.com/tracek .
