This post is way overdue. I have been on twitter since May and I have loved every minute of it. I joined becasue fellow writer and president of my local writers group Terron James told us all about the platform building benefits. Since I'm
Here are a few common misconceptions people have about twitter -
1. You need a smart phone to be on Twitter - Having a smart phone is nice, but not necessary. I like to use Tweet Deck on my desktop most of the time. It gives you second by second updates of what people are saying (including what they and say about you.) I'll explain more about the screen shot below in a moment.
2. Everyone posts crazy random thing about their lives. I think you're getting twitter confused with Facebook. Twitter is more a place to have centralized chats and find new blogs.
Going back to the picture above, see how I have all those columns? Each one is a search for a hash tag (anything with a # in front of it) People will talk about certian subjects and include a hashtag. If you're interested in that subject you can follow the timeline and chat along. Some of my favorite hashtags are #wordmongering #writetip #mywana #pubwrite #yalitchat and #amwriting. So you can see how a variety of writterly subjects can be discussed and a broad range of people can be reached.
3. Twitter is time consuming. Only if you let it be. You don't need to read every single post on twitter (especially when you are following 1,000+ people). Since you're only dealing with 140 characters it's easy to have quick conversations and still feel connected to other writers. It's a great way to meet thousands of other writers and really build your network.
4. Everyone is out for self promotion. Not so. I'm on facebook, google plus, linked in pintrest, tumblur, klout and others but twitter is the one place I feel most connected to other people. Some strive only for self-promotion, but most are out to meet other writers and make real friendships. Everyone helps each other out by Retweeting (reposting) blog posts that they like.
At least three days a week writers are promoting each other there is Mention Monday #MM Writer Wednesday #WW and Follow Friday #FF.
Everyone works together to get each other more followers and more recognition. The #1 site that brings hits to this blog is Twitter, and I only talk about my blog posts twice a day.
If you still have cold feet about Twitter I would like to know what your reservations are. And if you like Twitter, how has it benefited you?
*Stick around because next week I'll be doing a post on Twitter tips and tricks.
**On a side note I am being interviewed at Chantele Sedwick's blog today, so hop on over there when you're done!
Going back to the picture above, see how I have all those columns? Each one is a search for a hash tag (anything with a # in front of it) People will talk about certian subjects and include a hashtag. If you're interested in that subject you can follow the timeline and chat along. Some of my favorite hashtags are #wordmongering #writetip #mywana #pubwrite #yalitchat and #amwriting. So you can see how a variety of writterly subjects can be discussed and a broad range of people can be reached.
3. Twitter is time consuming. Only if you let it be. You don't need to read every single post on twitter (especially when you are following 1,000+ people). Since you're only dealing with 140 characters it's easy to have quick conversations and still feel connected to other writers. It's a great way to meet thousands of other writers and really build your network.
4. Everyone is out for self promotion. Not so. I'm on facebook, google plus, linked in pintrest, tumblur, klout and others but twitter is the one place I feel most connected to other people. Some strive only for self-promotion, but most are out to meet other writers and make real friendships. Everyone helps each other out by Retweeting (reposting) blog posts that they like.
At least three days a week writers are promoting each other there is Mention Monday #MM Writer Wednesday #WW and Follow Friday #FF.
Everyone works together to get each other more followers and more recognition. The #1 site that brings hits to this blog is Twitter, and I only talk about my blog posts twice a day.
If you still have cold feet about Twitter I would like to know what your reservations are. And if you like Twitter, how has it benefited you?
*Stick around because next week I'll be doing a post on Twitter tips and tricks.
**On a side note I am being interviewed at Chantele Sedwick's blog today, so hop on over there when you're done!
31 comments:
LOVE Twitter! Also, I got a little excited because I'm in your screenie, but that's way besides the point.
Anyway! I also joined Twitter around the same time you did, it seems (I started in April), and it's been fantastic. I've been able to connect with other writers and I've come across more fantastic blogs and links that I know what to do with (you should see my bookmarks. They're a little out of control).
If you're a writer and you haven't joined Twitter...do it!
I'm just flapping my wings, considering joining the Twitter flock. What most holds me back is I'm afraid of losing writing time to tweet time! Any suggestions?
Yep, Twitter is awesome. I kind of gave up FB in favor of Twitter. I still Facebook, but Twitter is all about meeting new peeps with similar interests. Real networking. FB is the same friends all the time and whatever is happening with them. I do love FB closed group pages tho. The best for me was watching the Oscars this year with my tweeps and commenting on the show with tweeps from all over the world. Just plain cool.
Just started tweeting about a month ago after dragging my feet for ages, concerned about all the things you mention in your post. It's fun and I don't feel obligated to be out there every second. It's definitely a great place to get up-to-the-second info from writers, agents, publishers, etc. For anyone hesitating, I say just do it.
@Ava Jae lol! Well I couldn't have #wordmongering up without you in it :)
@Joanne I liked PK's suggestion of cutting back on facebook time, but I also don't spend more than a half hour a day on twitter and it's amazing what can be done on there in so little time. (of course there is some start up time involved) But it's more worth it to be on there then any other social media site (besides blogging) in my opinion :)
@Pk Hrezo "Real networking" Agreed! and I couldn't have said it any better myself :)
@MG Higgins It's so worth it, isn't it? You can be totally up-to-date in the writing world in only a few minutes!
This is awesome. I am looking forward to some twitter tricks and tips. I need plenty of "how to" info for twitter. Still learning but I like it.
And you are the woman to be interviewed this week! WOW! Can't wait to go check out Chan's blog :)
This is exactly the post people who are unsure of Twitter should see! Bravo on capturing the esprit de corps that is the twitter community.
Hooray for Twitter.... at least lets hope this leap into it is grand!
I'm using tweetdeck as you suggested and love it! I have almost 90 followers in only 2 weeks! I don't know what to compare it to but, it works for me! I get 1/3 of my blog visits from twitter.
Thanks for the great advise!
LOVE this post...and love your Twitter board. Very organized. That is my main thing! Twitter seems SO overwhelming, but your organizing style really helps!! Thank you for posting!
Excellent post. This was an argument we had at a recent SCBWI retreat I went to. A bunch of people were like, what's the big deal about Twitter? And I used to wonder the same thing! I've only just started using it, but I really love the info, staying connected with other writers, and especially the tips and blog links from following agents and Publishers Weekly, etc.
I have been on twitter for a little over 2 months. I have met lots of really nice people. It has been a great place for networking and I have been surprised at how nice and welcomIng everyone has been. Great blog.
Gosh, I have had a twitter for 3 years and just now began using it, actually. It was intimidating and I found a little creepy cause I didn't realize people just followed anyone. It doesn't really matter who you are lol. I love twitter for networking! In fact, I warn friends who follow me they might not like or understand any of my posts. LOL.
I'm not on Twitter--I just never really saw any appeal in social networking other than blogging. I mostly have reservations about the commitment--I already spend a lot of time on the computer, and I'm not sure I want to add something else at this point. :P
Thanks for the post!
Twitter is fun! It's where crazy (and beautiful) ideas sometimes happen. And I love connecting with my friends (like you!). :)
I'm on twitter. It's kinda fun to tweet while watching television.
I had cold feet, but once I did it I really liked it. I still don't all the ins and outs, but I'm learning.
I like your original title! This is a great post, you are spot on.
Great post! I've been meaning to check out TweetDeck. I think I might dive in and do it. Thanks!
I was boycotting twitter for a very, very long time. And...I wish I had a smart phone :). Either way, I'm so glad I joined, it's been amazing making connections to people and getting awesome advice from people in the industry.
I'm not on twitter yet. I worry about the time sink but also, for some reason, it all seems a bit complicated. Mind you, I'm so dumb I never really got to grips with FB :-)
I really want to love twitter but I feel obligated to accept all the requests so I have all these people who are promoting or what have you and to scroll through to find meaningful conversation can be too much so I just don't. any tips for that? I think this tweet deck sounds good but I haven't tried it yet. Maybe I should?
@Deana well, I'm going into detail next week about that very thing becasue I feel the same way! I'll talk about lists and how they can help you clear the clutter, and tweetdeck is real lifesaver!
@Caitlin DOOO IT!
@Sarah Pearson I'll talk more about the mechanics of twitter next week, that might help you make a more informed decision!
I'm pro-Twitter, but I disagree about the time suckage. It is completely addicting. You reply to people and then you go back to see if they replied to you. And the cycle goes on.
Still, I love it like a junkie:)
I love Twitter! I need to get back on there - I've been crazy busy and a slacker lately, but I'm rejuvenated now that I read your post! I'm going to go tweet right this minute. Thanks!
I'm on Twitter, but I keep forgetting to post anything unless I stumble on a new blog or website or good article, or unless I do a new post. I can see I need to visit Twitter more often. Thanks for the good reminder!
I've been on Twitter awhile. Still don't know how to use the Tweet deck thingy. Not too good with the hash tags either. I obviously don't spend enough time there. Need to work on that.
@Christa lol! i guess that's where having a smart phone comes in handy. It's lets you know when people are talking about you :)
I'm glad you stumbled across my blog! I definitely am plagued by the twitter jitters :)Great post!
Nice post :) I'm on twitter, but I think the jitters are yet to go away - I'm not very connected. But I can see how it would be cool, so I'm gonna try and utilise it a bit more :)
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