A Tweet Worth It's Chirp

Jason Goldman tweeted this today:

I liked Jason's bio, which reads, "Flipped my wig at age 22 and it never grew back."  When he "followed" me, I "followed" him to return the favor. If a tweeter's bio makes me laugh, they deserve a follow (in my imaginary rule book).

This is a "ReTweet", which means he received and liked something from someone and passed it along to his "followers". When you click on the link, you go to a photo on Flickr that was supposed to have been taken of the thunderstorm in San Francisco last night! 

Click here to see this amazing shot: http://vb.ly/24p

Recent Tweet Activity

Today I realized I created a label called "Tweets of Note" for this blog and made only one entry back in April. Since that entry, I've been "Followed" by over 100 people (for who knows what reason, Chad here said he liked my Avatar - the same one I use under Brief Blurb on this page) and if they seem remotely sincere, I return the favor.

I finally went to see what some of these people are Tweeting, and here are a few representative examples:

So, I'm beginning to understand that Twitter just allows you to put yourself out there and see if there are any other members of your tribe interested in what you're tweeting.

I've got to admit I haven't yet followed Mia (even though I laughed when I read that Tweet) because I keep thinking that she's a "bait and switch" Tweeter. Most women who post a similar photo eventually want you to click on their "sexy photos." If that day comes, I'll "Block" her...we'll see how Mia pans out as time goes on...

Here's an example of a business use for Twitter:

I follow them because my daughter has been waiting for these lamps to become available for years now! I feel certain they will Tweet that news, and I'll be among the first to know!

Tiptoed into Twitter

What is Twitter anyway? It seems that the spectrum of its uses is endless (or so the media claims). From use as a professional networking tool, to a marketing tool, to a strategy used by the famous to void or circumvent the rumors of the paparazzi and entertainment media.

I decide to sign up and see if anyone says anything of interest. My guess is it's just a tool to blurt out your stream of conciousness in real time, except that the audience is vast.

Who knows how long it will take to become engaged. I sign up, download Tweetie to my phone and look at the recommended Twits to "follow". One of them is the actor who plays Dwight Schrute from The Office, one of about four or five TV shows that I actually enjoy and Tivo.

So, Rainn Wilson is a Twitter-er? That's encouraging. He's smart and funny. I check out his recent contributions:

rainnwilson I had a dream that two of my fingers shrivelled down to nubs and then i shat a giant olive the size of a mango and no doctor would call me. about 21 hours ago from Tweetie

rainnwilson Just passed an ancient albino man wearing a pirate hat driving an AMC Rambler - bumper sticker 'FDA, #1 hazard to America's health'. about 10 hours ago from Tweetie

Uh oh. I didn't expect that. While it's not quite information that is pertinent to my day, I'm already laughing. Those were his two most recent tweets! "...nubs...no doctor would call me...albino man...pirate hat..."? I'm caught off guard...so few words made such a big visual impact, which works on me every time. Plus, I've had my share of Ramblers. My stream of conciousness theory seems correct. No need to look further.

After five minutes total, I'm out. Didn't take as long as I thought to figure it out. I see the appeal. You get a real time feel for people you don't ordinarily have easy access to. Low overhead, too. A mini diversion that has potential to inform, excite, or delight.

I may have to "follow" him (his tweets will arrive as a text message on my phone). If I don't, at the very least, I'll be wondering what I'm missing...