10000 Tweets on Twitter
Tonight was where I broke 10,000 tweets on the popular communication platform, Twitter. I’ve had quite an interesting time using this platform and I think it might take more than 140 characters to give you my own personal “state of the Twitterverse” post, so here’s a quick dip into a blog post to tell you what’s on my mind with regards to Twitter, how I use it, and where I hope it goes.
From The Beginning
Twitter’s value to me has been fairly obvious from the beginning. I used it to connect to people, some who I knew, but lots who I admired and appreciated remotely. Twitter gave me access to folks who I don’t normally communicate with in a day, and it gave me a strong connection to folks in my real world who mattered.
Scaling is Tricky
There’s a difference between having 30 or so followers/friends and having 2000 or so. I can’t actually “read” every tweet that comes across the general feed. So instead, I dip in. I take the occasional stroll into the stream, see what’s going on, and comment here and there if I’ve something to add. I’ve also had to use Twittersearch.com and Terraminds.com to search out when people are mentioning me, because I don’t want to miss something going by. I don’t always reply, because it gets a little tricky to do so when I get lots of replies (like when I ask a question), but I at least see what you’ve said. So thank you for that.
How I Use Twitter
I use Twitter a few different ways. I use it like Jeff Pulver often does, as part of his “social media livingroom.” I use it as a way to feel connected to people. First and foremost, that’s a benefit to Twitter.
However, I also use it quite often as a human version of search and opinion gathering. I ask questions all the time. Sometimes, I just ask them to stimulate conversation. But other times, I ask them with nothing more in mind than to stir up conversations.
I use Twitter ALL THE TIME when I’m lost. There’s nothing like thousands of people with Google Maps and smarts to help me out of binds. And I’m always lost.
I use Twitter to find news, and news people. I use Twitter to meet neat guys and heroes. I use it to reach out into space and find humans.
Still Not Getting It?
That’s okay. It’s not for everyone. Twitter is how most of the US started to think about the Internet mingling with their phones. It’s how lots of us started to use SMS a little differently. It’s a way for lots of us to feel more than what we used to feel about passing folks along the Internet. I think Twitter is also a modern chat room, but better.
So Now that 10,000 Have Passed
Nothing much different. I’ll use it the same way tomorrow. I’ll still use it to increase awareness for other people’s cool projects (we used Twitter to send a girl to college, and to wish someone Happy Birthday 100 times). I’ll just tweet things here and there. It’s an awareness tool.
Answer this question more often than you answer “what are you doing?” Answer this one: “What has your attention?” It’s a MUCH better question to answer, in my not nearly humble opinion.
And thanks to everyone who’s on there and making it fun.
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Comments
How funny to see my pink hat/boa on your Twitter graphic. I’ve been a big Twitter fan since my birthday this year (Jan. 5) when I took some down time to explore new things online and first created a Twitter account. It’s been a wonderful way to make connections and have conversations - how else would I have met people like you and so many others I’ve connected with online and through tweet-ups?
The beauty of Twitter is its flexibility and portability. I have @ replies sent to my cell phone, read the mobile version on my Blackberry when I’m on the go, and keep a Twitter tab open on Firefox when I’m in the office. Anytime I need a conversation break, I check my virtual water cooler called Twitter.
I like your description of dipping in. I have less than 100 people I follow and I find myself wading about into the shallow end of Northern Hemisphere tweets in the morning. It’s a wonderful ocean of minds.
I like your description of dipping in. I have less than 100 people I follow and I find myself wading about into the shallow end of Northern Hemisphere tweets in the morning. It can be a wonderful ocean of minds.
I enjoy twitter a great deal. I wonder how much more I will like it when (if) all the technical kinks are worked out?
I learn something every time I load up twitter. The people are amazing, both in talent and attitude.
Congrats on 10K.
[…] 10000 Tweets on Twitter » This Summary is from an article posted at [chrisbrogan.com] on Sunday, December 02, 2007 […]
Chris-the one thing that bothers me about Twitter is the lack of two-way communication. People use it to mainly update and rarely to chime in and engage in a meaningful conversation. It seems a little self-indulgent to me. Thoughts?
Twitter’s not good for conversation. Jaiku seems better for that regard. Or blogs. That’s why lots of people attempt to drag bodies into blogs. I think it’s so folks can carry on the conversation.
You’re totally right. It’s hard to carry on a two way conversation inside Twitter. But you can start one. : )
When Twitter first hit the scene I signed up but didn’t get it. I could send a message to my blog from my cell phone where I had control over the content and could search it and edit it anyway I liked. Relying on Twitter felt like relying on any 3rd party solution (same reasons I dislike Blogger).
I am not sure what convinced me to change my view on Twitter but I gave a chance and realized that although I could post to my blog from my phone that people commenting on my blog didn’t come back to me so Twitter offered a complete conversation that otherwise I’d miss.
Twitter has connected me to people that otherwise would remain mystical names in the headlines. Now I joke with our local newspaper’s editor when in the past I would have just been a name on a letter.
I use Twitter to keep short posts off my blog. I use Twitter to solicit input and get suggestions. I use Twitter to feel connected to the world while working independently from my basement. I use Twitter for laughs. I use Twitter to stay informed! And I use Twitter to inform.
I forget who said it but I read some describing Twitter as IRC 2.0. Almost fits the bill!
Chris,
Thank you for introducing me to twitter. I still remember your magical ability to navigate CES 2007 with twitter and your ability to find out what was happening at Macworld at the same time. twitter may be many things to many people but you have shown me that twitter is also another way we can also spell c-o-m-m-u-n-i-t-y.
Warm regards,
Jeff (at EWR Gate C138 waiting to board CO 90 to TLV)
@Jeff- enjoy your flight and safe travels to you.
YES! I remember you asking me if I should jump on a plane to San Fran to get into Macworld, and us both watching Twitter to note that it just wasn’t hopping any more at the point that I was going to go. Saved me some travel that day, and kept me hanging with you longer. Both good things. ; )
Twitter is, in my opinion the most useful and enjoyable social network, at least for me. I get lots of useful information, and lots of jokes. Me being on my 8733rd tweet as I post this, I’d consider myself a Twitter Addict. :)
Congrats on #10000!
Congrats on 10,000! You have inspired so much. I am just getting started on Twitter. I will tell you I have enjoyed every minute of it! Keep up the good work….@Patti_with_an_i
My use and enjoyment of twitter only grows. I have used it to bounce around various work-related ideas, to deepen my day-to-day relationships with people whom I would otherwise know only tangentially, and also, once, to find some much-needed late-night pizza in Pittsburgh.
viva. viva. viva la twitter.
[…] 10000 Tweets on TwitterBy chrisbroganTonight was where I broke 10000 tweets on the popular communication platform, Twitter. I’ve had quite an interesting time using this platform and I think it might take more than 140 characters to give you my own personal “state of the …[chrisbrogan.com] - http://chrisbrogan.com […]
Congrats on Twitter 10K!
I noticed when it went by but figured you were being deluged by “Congrats” :)
twitter seems to be a conversation to me
just a different sort
it reminds me of being at a huge party
you’d
mash into people on your way for a beer and exchange a quick bit of info
signal across the room to say “hello” or “can you get me a beer”
drop a random question into the small group that just happened to gather together by accident in the kitchen after they got their beer
and sometimes you’d drag someone outside of the party to talk more in depth (email)
so twitter does seem like a great place to have a conversation
just not the typical kind most people think of when the word is used
You. Are. Mad. Keep it up Chris! For some reason, your tweets resonate more w/ me than your other channels of communication. Takes all sorts eh?
I’m looking for a good deal on a smart phone now so I can tweet more! My current phone won’t support it.
I’m looking for a good deal on a smart phone now so I can tweet more! My current phone won’t support it. By the way, thanks for the mention on your tweet!
[…] get immediate and great input on restaurants when they are traveling. Others say that they use it when they’re lost or to get answers to questions. But I haven’t effectively used Twitter in any of those ways (although I’ve tried). I […]
Wow…. wow. You need help :-)