Five on Friday, Issue #7: The Twitter Edition

by Ryan M. Healy

in Five on Friday, Twitter

After a six-week hiatus, Five on Friday is back.

I took a break for two primary reasons: I’ve been slammed with work and I wanted to bring you five posts from five sources I have not linked to before.

As I began to collect blog posts, I began to notice a trend: everybody’s got Twitter on the brain.

All of a sudden, I realized I had my theme for this particular issue of Five on Friday.

Personally, I don’t really “get” Twitter. I haven’t used it myself, but I’ve read “tweets” mostly through MyBlogLog. Based on my personal observation, I think a great slogan for Twitter would be:

“Bonding with People One Brain Fart at a Time!”

What do you think? Am I right?

Before you pass judgment, here’s what some other bloggers are saying:

Twitter Is Stupid – by Mark Butler

Mark sums up my feelings about Twitter well. If you love Twitter, you might not want to read this rant… I mean post.

Drip, Drip, Drip Goes the Twit – by Seth Godin

This post is not so much about Twitter, but the principle behind the tool: consistency. And consistency is one of the most overlooked secrets of success.

A Message to Twitterers from the Middle Ages – by Lyndoman

Great painting. Great quote. Relevant to any publisher, no matter if it’s through Twitter or some other media.

Signal to Noise – by Seth Godin

Two posts by Seth Godin? Yes. Because they’re both good, and they’re both highly relevant to any discussion about Twitter. Seth writes: “Lately, I’m feeling noise creep.” Me too.

Quotes n Notes: Originality – by Mike Sansone

Some interesting perspectives on originality as shared by Voltaire and Dean Inge. Both quotes, plus Mike’s own spin, made me think. Oh, and this post was prompted by a “tweet.”

Do you have any feelings or opinions about Twitter? Leave a comment and let me know.

-Ryan M. Healy

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  • You don't seem to have included anyone who loves twtter here. I have found it to be a useful tool for networking and learning. Others who like it include Jeremiah Owyang, Guy Kawasaki, Maki of DoshDosh fame, Darren Rowse of Problogger, Danny Sullivan (no need to introduce him), Lee Odden, Hugh Macleod of Gaping Void fame...oh I could go on, but you get the picture. Notice how many top blogs are included here? And I've only mentioned a tiny sample. I think that speaks volumes for the caliber of people who use twitter. :)
  • I'm with ya brutha Ryan!!!

    I saw a cool article in either Fast Company or Inc. recently about the founder of Twitter (who by the way started blogger and sold it to google for $50 Million) :)

    So I decided to set up a twitter account -- for the heck of it. Does that make me a "Twit?" :)

    See: http://www.twitter.com/jpmaroney

    I have a bunch of people following me now -- I think I'm "following" 4 - but rarely look at it. I certainly don't have it buzzing me on my iPhone.

    This week I posted to it a number of times -- because it was on my mind after having a guest on my Mr. Monetizer Radio Show who mentioned it.

    But, I STILL don't get it or see the value... a way to fully "Monetize It!"

    One of those "we'll see" deals -- in my opinion.

    JP Maroney
    aka "Mr. Monetizer"
  • LOL. I love Mark's post! I can totally relate to his explanation of not understanding why so many people hype it up to the level that they do.

    But although I can't say that I understand it as well as some people seem to, it can still be a fun way to interact with others every once in a while.

    By the way, JP, I'm a "Twit" too. Well, sometimes.
    http://twitter.com/MichaelRoach

    Cheers,
    Michael
  • Hey Ryan,

    I've been playing around with some of these social media sites (like Twitter) for a few weeks.

    So far, I've noticed the traffic quality is weak, the gimmick factor is through the roof, and everyone is friends, yet few people actually "know" each other.

    Of course it's still early, and I'm probably doing everything wrong for all I know, but that's my take on it so far...

    Ben
  • Patricia - You're right. I didn't include posts from anybody who "loves" Twitter. Although Seth Godin's first post seems more upbeat about Twitter. (Also, just because a famous person engages in a certain activity doesn't automatically make it "good" or "beneficial.")

    JP - I agree with your sentiment: "We'll see."

    Michael - Point well taken. Twitter can be a fun way to interact, which is probably why it's so popular. But the risk is this: a Twitter addiction that causes total lack of focus and constant interruption.

    Ben - Your second paragraph is brilliant: "So far, I've noticed the traffic quality is weak, the gimmick factor is through the roof, and everyone is friends, yet few people actually 'know' each other."
  • Ryan,

    Correct me if I'm wrong, but for online marketers, isn't the thing with Twitter about image and persona? Or at the very least, a sort of fan club?

    I first had it pointed out to me years ago by David Garfinkel that successful online marketers and copywriters get more than clients ... they get fans. I find that interesting that there is a celebrity subculture to online marketing.

    When I've used that angle in my copywriting, it works pretty well. It seems impossible to divorce "rich" from "famous."
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