Twitter: Can I play with you or do I really want to?
Posted by: pivotalcommunications on: March 1, 2010
I wonder about these sites like Facebook, Twitter, Myspace and the like. I see the need, value and importance of being on them. They also tend to part of our communications programme for our clients, we do and will always encourage our clients to set up on them.
I have to say I enjoy interacting and engaging with audiences who I can learn from, enjoy and perhaps inform. However, (isn’t there always a however) having been “tweeting” for a year now I am finding it is becoming an ever decreasing circle.
Maybe its because I’m busy, I have a business, a husband, a child, family and friends – I have a house to clean and a home to run. I don’t have the time to keep up twittering and FB’ing as much as it seems necessary.
I also find there really is nothing so exciting in my life that I need to consistently update my followerers. Please stop telling me about people on buses, how hot the tea is and if your left foot is itchy. I’m gaining nothing and loosing the will to go on.
I’m no expert nor do I suggest I am – I follow those I enjoy and comment to those I feel will listen. But there is so much crap to wade through, on Twitter especially. The same people following the same people, back-slapping and in-jokes, self-praise and fellow followers praise, slagging off and plain old playground bullying.
Without having to look another in the eye, people can with the ease of 140 characters say the most horrendous things about others – guilt free. No need to stay around and watch the hurt.
I also find that depending on the influence of a individual fellow tweeter (or whatever the correct title is) those who disagree apologising for commenting against their opinion. Why? Is it not the point to engage, discuss, agree to disagree etc
I know, from experience, the value for brands, companies and services to be on and using effectively these valuable online sites to improve their businesses awareness, sales and importantly learn from their customers how to improve.
I just find it’s all a little too parochial and hurtful. It is like watching the “in” crowd without being allowed to be in with the “in” crowd.
I will admit I’ve had some great conversations, learnt a huge amount and will continue to enjoy those I want to;
Stuck in Twitterhell
but I will remember if I tweet to you and you don’t tweet back its not personal, its just rude.
2 Responses to "Twitter: Can I play with you or do I really want to?"
March 1, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Hi Nick; Agreed but if you had been restricted we would never have enjoyed the pleasure of your comments.
I think those who think they are great and believe their own PR feel it is their right to slag off those who really are trying to get to grips with social media and can be scared off before they really have the chance to experience it to the level you obviously have…
As regards celeb – I’m in the “what really makes a celeb” Stephen Fry, YEEESSS. Ryan or George – not so sure…
I did say I understand the value for brands and for me. Which is why I’m off with my 4 year old to Opera Irelands “Intro to Opera” in the Gaiety next Saturday morning. Must check out Make Night in the science Gallery.
Thanks for your comment Nick.
March 1, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Liz, I think that’s a single-dimension view to take of Twitter. I understand and agree with you, btw, but only within that one dimension. The bullying and rudeness are there unquestionably, but aren’t they everywhere? In shop queues, at traffic lights, inplaygrounds etc etc. Twitter mirrors real life, so how full and interesting do you want your life to be? The more you expand it the richer Twitter becomes, I’ve found. I have started to meet people (really meet, I mean!) in walks of life that I would’ve never crossed over with, despite my interest. I’ve spoken to politicians when I never would have. I took my son to the Science Gallery and met a dozen people making things – we made paper planes! – only because I found out about Make Night on Twitter.
I’m not even touching on my work, which is in advertising, and how many ways Twitter is useful for brands. And don’t get me started on the shallow thrill of having a celeb – or a genuine, bona fide hero – deign to say something to little me! It has happened, too, and actually normalises things where they should be normalised.
Yes there’s much that’s unpalatable, but at least Twitter gives you the tools to minimise that. And if I haven’t replied to someone I hope they tell me I’ve been rude. At least I cancome back and explain myself. You can’t do that to someone who’s running up your backside at 130km/h on the M50, blaring you into a heart attack.
If only I could’ve said all that in 140 characters!