To Tweet or Not to Tweet

July 29, 2013 — 5 Comments

glass mosaic

That is the question.  The ways to use twitter are varied and always in flux. My own use of the stream changes over time.  I started tweeting and Klout at about the same time, and quickly grasped the connection between the two.  Initially I met people on Klout  then followed them on twitter.  My twitter stream was full of Klout tweets about K’s I gave and received.  At some point I tired of this format and learned how to chat.  Again, there are many styles of chat on the blue bird.  Using hashtags the chat is found and followed. Here are some chat styles I have enjoyed:

• #Usguys or #Smgirlfriends are examples of full time chats
• #usguyschat or #Dadchat are examples of conversations at a specific time
• live chat any event or show using predetermined hashtags, like #DWTS
• breaking news will develop obvious hashtags, like #election, or #royalbaby
• keyword follow like paddle board yoga will find specific subjects
• Retweet and comment anywhere, any time

All of these styles will introduce you to other tweeps interested in topics you follow. You could think of chats as parties, and they are often promoted as such.  I have won wonderful prizes for participating in chats, and met interesting people from all over the world.  The best thing about a twitter party is that you can come and go as you please.  Protocol requires polite and on topic responses, but there is no required stay.

If you have not tried twitter and wonder why anyone would, think of it as a living reference library.  It reports news, connects like minded people, and facilitates discussion.  It is used as a distraction and used for nefarious purposes as well, just like all human inventions.  You choose the people and the subject.  If you choose to share digital #Coffee and #Bacon all day, that is your own business.  You are the master of your twitter stream; you can block any user and stalk anyone with a profile. It is as powerful as you want it to be.