The variety of social media these days is overwhelming. It seems like every day I hear about a new program that I must try or a group that every writer must join. So far I’m pretty content to stop at Facebook and Twitter. Oh, and a blog of course. Even this feels exorbitant to a girl who used to check her e-mail about once a week.
I must admit it’s all a lot of fun. I enjoy meeting new people and it has been fantastic to connect with other writers. The blog has been a great way to start sharing some of my work and I’m getting more comfortable posting regular status updates on Facebook.
Then there’s Twitter.
I opened my Twitter account maybe two months ago now. I must admit I felt a bit shell-shocked at first. It can be crazy. The feed is constantly updating, and I mean constantly. It could be a full-time three-shift job just trying to read everyone’s tweets. It’s easier now to keep up with people since I made several lists (and I do love lists). What I like about Twitter is that it’s incredibly easy to find people with similar interests. Because of its informal nature it is also acceptable to follow people who I would never dream of “friending”.
I’ve decided that Twitter is like speed dating.
I’ve never actually tried speed dating but I have seen it in movies, and everything that we see in the movies is very accurate right? So, imagine a huge crowd of people who all get a few minutes to say hello, ask a question or two, and then decide if there’s anything approaching mutual interest. If so, two individuals might exchange numbers. After that, like every relationship, it takes work.
Twitter gives you a brief bio, perhaps a link to a blog, you can find out quickly if you have anything in common or might like to get to know more about a person or organization. You tweet at them. If the other individual responds you might strike up a conversation, exchange e-mails, or find each other on some other social media where you can actually communicate in complete sentences. (I really have a hard time keeping comments to 60 characters or less.)
I’ve found Twitter to be a great way to discover people, but whenever possible I try to keep in touch through other mediums.
How about you? Do you like Twitter? What’s your favorite social media?
Lol! “Twitter is like speed dating.” Agreed. I haven’t got the hang of it yet, or maybe I just won’t commit the time. It’s overwhelming and I never know what to say.
It can definitely be overwhelming. I’ve found that tweeting to people about their blogs or work is the most comfortable for me. Some people have so many clever things to say, it amazes me. Just be yourself Denise, people will love you! ;)
I agree with your advice to Denise, Nicole, to just be yourself. And Denise would be a natural (as are you). At the advice of a few industry folks I know and trust, I was trying to get myself over there every day to do at least five things a day (including tweets, retweets, adding follows, etc.). But I just found that something had to give. And, for me, Twitter was that something. Even simply opening my Tweetdeck platform, seeing the flurry of activity, even within the columns, used to ramp up my blood pressure. I only go once every few days now, and only open the ‘regular’ site, and do what I have to do, then I close it. And breathe in, and exhale. ;-)
Good analogy, though. And I always say bless you if it works for you! Some people dislike fb as much as I do Twitter, so to each their own.
I definitely prefer Facebook over Twitter for keeping in touch and Fb feels much more manageable. I’ve also noticed that more people interact and respond on Facebook vs. Twitter. I think there is so much traffic that it’s impossible to see most tweets. I find it interesting that despite all of the advice out there, if you do what works for you, and do it well, that’s all that really matters.
I’ve met so many great fellow writers on Twitter in just a short time. I find it makes me feel less alone in the writing world because people are so supportive and helpful and because I know now that most writers share the same insecurities, etc as me. :)
I agree Sarah. I was amazed how fast people found me or I found them and how much I’ve learned from getting to know other writers. I’m awed by how many writers are out there!
Lol speed dating. Speed friending? Yes, I agree, it’s very instantaneous and quick contact that may or may not be followed up later. It’s definitely hard to keep up with so many people, and I try to do so with as many as possible, but limited time often wins over. I think it’s more about making a brief impression so people are familiar with you, and then getting a few solid connections here and there. You really can’t make a solid relationship with thousands of people, unless you don’t eat or sleep. It’s physically overwhelming. But shaking hands can get you a long way! Or, in this case, tweets. I certainly admire for following up with as many people as you do ;) I think a lot of more “well-known” people can afford to interact with their fans more instead of being unreachable and completely ignoring social media.
Great points Margaret. First impressions are always important! You do a pretty great job of keeping up with everyone yourself. :)