I'm @BookEmDonna and I'm in love with Twitter.
I originally titled this, "To Tweet or Not to Tweet", but that was misleading, because this is not intended to convince you to participate in Twitter.
This is also not a "Choose Twitter over Facebook" post. I don't think it should be an either/or thing. In fact, I get a little aggravated when anything is posed in that light: print vs. ebook, paper or plastic. Okay, that last one doesn't really aggravate me.
Still, why would we take an incredible array of choices, things we can use to suit our particular needs and personalities, and narrow them down to fewer possibilities?
As for Facebook, my hat's off to them for discovering how to make people gleefully spill all their personal information in an online venue. That was an utterly amazing accomplishment—I mean that sincerely—and the 20-something creator deserves to be a multi-zillionaire.
Anyway, here are some of the reasons I enjoy being part of the Twitterverse:
1. It's fun
There's a small amount of space to get your thoughts across, so it requires brevity, which we all know is the soul of wit. Like a lot of folks, I was disdainful of this newfangled invention at first. "Who wants to read about the tuna fish sandwich someone made for lunch?" I scoffed. Well, nobody does. But if you can twist that into a funny bit, or an interesting recipe, or a remarkable bit of social commentary, then we're dying to read about your sandwich.
Twitter is like a series of clever one-liners. There are tweets that combine pop culture references in humorous ways. Current events are mashed together to create hilarious book and movie titles. Politics and satire are BFFs on Twitter. It's essentially a comedy club on my laptop.
The other day I tweeted, "This new anti-aging moisturizer feels like it is melting my face. Like the bad guy in the Indiana Jones movie." One of my buddies, @snarkychicklet, replied, "Check the ingredients. Is Ark of the Covenant in there?" I'm still giggling about that. It's just one example of why I keep going back to see what's new.
2. It's informational
Who would have ever expected we would watch a revolution unfold via Twitter? One of the most stirring things from that event was a Twitpic of Egyptian Christians holding hands in a protective link so their Muslim countrymen could be safe while they prayed. It still gives me shivers. It's possible I would have seen this later, on a news website, but to see it as it happens? It is an incredible use of this new medium.
On a less lofty note, one night Netflix streaming quit working, and I hopped on over to Twitter and found out it was a widespread outage. I know, I know, what if Twitter goes down? I don't even want to let that thought into my head.
3. It's accessible
People on Twitter, affectionately known as "tweeps", are available in every variety. It's like being at a big ole party, and you get to choose who you want to engage with, based on your interests.
Celebrities have a lot of fun with Twitter, and it's easy to see who will have a devoted following for a long time, even if their current celebrity starwattage happens to dim in the future.
There are also agents and editors and authors who share fun tidbits and advice. Last Friday there was an organized chat called #askeditor, and several editors (from Harlequin, Grand Central, and Kensington) answered questions for a couple hours. Maybe their answers weren't anything you haven't heard before about the publishing industry, but isn't it great that you can interact with someone from that milieu so easily, and instantly?
This past weekend an author asked her readers whether they were interested in a story about one of her characters in a previous book. She got a lot of instant responses, and generated some fun discussion about her books, from one simple tweet.
4. It's a connection
In the Regency time period, you couldn't just walk up to someone and start talking to them. You had to be introduced by someone who knew both of you. Twitter has a 21st century version of that. When someone chooses to follow you, you get a message showing the people they follow in common with you. It's very civilized, as though Twitter is vetting everyone so you don't have to.
There are several people I interact with more frequently on Twitter, and it's always a bright spot when I see their tweets. They tend to be other writers, who understand what it's like to wrestle with words on a daily basis. Recently I've been participating in #1k1hr word sprints with a group of other romance writers. Someone will suggest a time when we all write for an hour, in a "virtual" group, and afterwards we report our word count accomplishments. It's stimulating and fun, and it has increased my productivity by at least a zillion percent.
5. It makes me happy
This is the best reason to do anything in life, isn't it? With Twitter, I get to laugh, and chat with interesting and funny people. I am inspired with new ideas, and exposed to intriguing information. I get to utilize my love of words with others who feel the same way.
So these are the reasons I am madly in love with Twitter. Will this last forever? Who knows. I do have a tendency to be fickle about my crushes, so it's possible something else will come along that takes care of these same needs in a better way.
But until then. . .you know where to find me.
I enjoy twitter, I'm horrible at tweeting. I'm rarely witty when I try, so I come off a little dry. I love listening to the conversation though. I'll check you out. I'm at @kariemariewhite
Posted by: Kari Marie | February 14, 2011 at 12:40 AM
Kari, I think we just recently started following each other. :) When I started with Twitter last summer, I spent a lot of time watching everyone's conversations, to see how it was done. Now I can't quit talking. LOL
Posted by: Donna Cummings | February 14, 2011 at 01:31 AM
When I remember to log on and keep it open, I do find it fun to read what pops up. I kept it open the day Mubarik resigned and it was awe-inspiring!
I think if I could follow something with a short read, I'd likely be more in love with it. I just can't take the time to stay with the stream!
I admire those who can manage Twitter and stay involved. I'm not sure I'll ever be in love, but I think it's pretty cool!
I do think Twitter and Facebook and all the other social streams tend to run at different speeds, with different places to pause and float. Though I'm not sure Twitter ever floats!
Posted by: Maureen | February 14, 2011 at 02:23 AM
Donna, I'm in love with Twitter as well. It's just so much fun to read what other people are tweeting about. Especially fun was watching the Grammy's last night and reading what @ThisIsRobThomas (Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20) had to say. But beyond the celebs there, it's great to be able to interact with so many different publishing industry folks. You can't get that on Facebook. And I agree, Facebook and Twitter are NOT alike. I'm @KrisYankee.
Posted by: Kris Yankee | February 14, 2011 at 08:04 AM
Maureen, I've noticed that Twitter does tend to slow way down around midnight or so Eastern time. Since you're a West Coast gal, that might be an easier time for you to check it out.
And I don't try to keep up every single minute of every single day. That would definitely be exhausting. LOL I leave it open and then I can see on the tab how many new tweets there are, so I can go back and skim over the ones that interest me.
Posted by: Donna Cummings | February 14, 2011 at 08:04 AM
Donna: You are amazing! I do have a Twitter account, but I find that and FB to be a time suck. That you can produce as much as you do and have a great time with social networking is great. Power to you.
Posted by: Cassy Pickard | February 14, 2011 at 08:05 AM
Like you, Donna, I love twitter. It's become somewhat of an addiction, I'll admit. Especially now that my tweets come through my smart phone! Even when I'm away from my computer, I'm still connected.
It's a great way to chat with people who share my interests. (And many of the posts are really funny.) I also love chatting with BC peeps. They keep me motivated with the hashtag #bcbabeswriting. Donna, as we know, the "writing" part can mean a few things (like editing, etc.)! LOL :)
Talk to you soon on twitter!
Posted by: T.H. Browning | February 14, 2011 at 08:14 AM
Kris, I peeked in a few times last night to see the tweets about the Grammys. Having the insider's view of the show--that's what I think is so fun about Twitter. It's the instant interaction, in real time. The other night Howard Stern was tweeting while watching his movie "Private Parts". I've never been his target market--LOL--but I saw a few of the tweets and it was like a director's commentary on a DVD. Funny and fascinating.
Posted by: Donna Cummings | February 14, 2011 at 08:18 AM
*smooches Cassy* Thank you for calling me productive! LOL Unless today is opposite day and I didn't know it? :) Yes, social media can be a giant time suck, and that's why I'm glad I have the writing motivators on there to keep me on track.
Posted by: Donna Cummings | February 14, 2011 at 08:20 AM
T.H., I don't have a smartphone yet, but when I do--oh boy. I didn't even think of being connected to my tweeps that way! I enjoy the chats with the BC peeps too, and anything that keeps us motivated to write is an awesome thing. (And yes, "writing" involves lots of things, like staring out the window for long stretches of time. LOL)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | February 14, 2011 at 08:23 AM
I enjoy Twitter, but even after a couple years, I still can't manage it and write. Using TweetDeck has helped some, but not enough. If I could be on Twitter and still have time to write, I'd enjoy it. But so far, consistent use of Twitter hasn't worked for me. It's far too distracting. I know a lot of people who tweet and I'm way too interested in what they have to say. :)
Posted by: VR Barkowski | February 14, 2011 at 10:58 AM
VR, I've wondered about TweetDeck and HootSuite, but then I feel like I just got the hang of New Twitter, so I don't want to mess up my brain with a new application. LOL
You are so right about being interested in what people have to say. I have to tell myself, "It's okay if you don't see every tweet." LOL It took a while, but I think I've convinced myself. Most days. :)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | February 14, 2011 at 11:24 AM
Donna, I enjoy Twitter. I tend to get busy and forget about it, and when I do remember, I spend too much time there. I have to be super careful or it takes my writing time. It's a great tool, and just a mind boggling achievement. It still amazes me.
Posted by: Anita Clenney | February 14, 2011 at 02:16 PM
Anita, it really IS a mind-boggling thing. AND it's free. LOL That's why I can't get upset when it doesn't act 100% properly sometimes. I get to have all this fun for free!
Posted by: Donna Cummings | February 14, 2011 at 04:07 PM
Yay for Twitter! Everything Donna said, even in the comments section! And now, I will stop using exclamation points. Thank you for the BLOG LOVE on Valentine's Day.
P.S. I'm going to follow those of you who posted your Twitter handles. Just so you know. ;)
Posted by: Snarkychicklet | February 14, 2011 at 04:44 PM
Snarky, exclamation points are allowed to run free here, so no worries! (See what I mean? LOL)
And thanks for stopping by. I really do enjoy tweeting with you, and this particular one will keep me giggling for a long time. . .until your next masterpiece!
Posted by: Donna Cummings | February 14, 2011 at 05:02 PM
Twitter always puts you in the "Others like you" column. I guess they're right! It's fun, like we're a Twitter comedy team taking turns playing funny man/straight man. We're good like that. :)
Posted by: Snarkychicklet | February 14, 2011 at 05:12 PM
I wrote a few boring lines on Twitter one day. I didn't get it and didn't go back. You make me want to take a second look!
Posted by: Marilyn Shank | February 14, 2011 at 05:17 PM
Snarkychicklet, we are a good team! They should put us in a "Be Like Them" column. LOL
Posted by: Donna Cummings | February 14, 2011 at 05:28 PM
Marilyn, I felt that way at first too. Then I started commenting on other people's tweets, and they would reply, and become a follower. And it just slowly blossomed from there. That was really the trick, though -- just joining in, like you're at a big party full of interesting conversations. :)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | February 14, 2011 at 05:31 PM
I enjoy Twitter a lot, for exactly the reasons you describe. My only problem with it is that I'm not organized. I haven't put my Tweeps in enough lists, and I'm not consistent about when I go. That means - of late - when I do arrive, I don't necessarily connect with the people who are really interested in playing with me.
Darn consistency. Gets me every time. ;)
Posted by: Jan O'Hara | February 16, 2011 at 08:23 PM
Jan, I was just thinking I hadn't seen you as much lately on Twitter. We'll have to figure out how to get your consistency to work in our favor. LOL
I think you were the first tweep to send me a tweet in fact.
I haven't done any lists, because it seems like MORE work somehow to follow people that way. Maybe you'll have to give me a tutorial one day. :)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | February 16, 2011 at 09:40 PM