I’m torn too.

For me it’s a time issue. I’m trying to be careful not to let subtle time bandits rob me of time I could be better using in other ways. Not that Twitter is bad and it very well may be a time saver in some instance but I’m not really interested (at the moment) in stepping into it. I’m having a hard enough time just updating my blog on a regular basis.

I’ve seen instances of Twitter appearing to be working for some. I do read Twit updates from Anne Jackson, Mark Batterson, Kem Meyer, etc. I don’t “Follow” them on Twitter but rather their updates appear to be feeding in to Facebook and since I have a mobile Facebook app on my Blackberry then I’m in the loop… at least I think.

If you did Twit, I’d read it. Would be neat to live vicariously through your 140 characters. Knowing how many burgers you eat at lunch or when you are stopping off at the grocery store might just be useful someday.

Brad,
I just blogged about this same question today after my recent foray in to Twitterland. See
http://www.andyrowell.net/andy_rowell/2008/08/twitter-is-a-little-fun-but-mostly-a-waste-of-time.html

I’m still exploring it. On my post, I have some links to Mark Batterson, Dave Ferguson and Tony Morgan with their blog reflections on the practice.

If the people you are communicating with are Twittering, then it makes some sense as David Swanson pointed out to me. But if it is a means to just snoop on people around the world, I think it is a bit . . . well . . . not useful.

Maybe it is something that you do for a few weeks and then quit, after you have learned about some people and their lives.

andy

Andy Rowell
Doctor of Theology Student
Duke Divinity School
Durham, North Carolina
Blog: Church Leadership Conversations http://www.andyrowell.net/

Brad:

Interesting post. I started asking the same question about a year ago and decided to sign-up and give it a try… I got sucked in!

Heres what I think:

1. I think you’re wrong; I think a lot of people (myself included) would find what you are doing interesting. (the idea of hearing what happens day-to-day to make everything Catalyst does happen is intriguing)

2. I’ve been impressed with what a valuable tool Twitter is for networking (at least for me). Its easily the most useful social network. Through Twitter I’ve met a lot of people with similar interests/jobs and I’ve learned a lot from those I network with… I’ve especially enjoyed being able to bounce ideas off of other creative people around the country in real time.

3. I understand the point about it possibly leading one to think that life is all about one’s own life, but I feel that it doesn’t do so any more than blogging would. …in fact I think Twitter is arguably less so because it’s more conversational.

4. There are some downsides. The biggest downside I’ve noticed is that if I’m not careful Twitter can add a LOT of extra noise to my life. I’ve found that I need to be careful how many people I follow, how often I check updates, and sometimes I need to check-out all together…

Anyway, maybe this helps some.

If you do decide to start Tweeting, I’ll be following.

You should Twitter. Hope to see you Friday at Perimeter Church (10am – 2pm) – Church 2.0 Local Forum.

I rode the same fence for a good year before I dove in. I signed up, tried to stay on top of posting updates, and got burnt out in about 3 days. Here’s why:

- It was all about me. I was only interested in telling people what I was doing. I don’t think that is the point of Twitter (no matter how much they market themselves that way)

- I didn’t connect with anyone. I followed hardly anyone and hardly anyone followed me.

- The things I should have been Twittering I was posting as short blog posts instead. Twitter is more of a micro-blogging tool than a status update site.

I say you jump in full-force. Here’s how to do it right, though:

1. Find people you feel are sharing helpful & interesting things on Twitter & follow them. it’s easy to get beyond the self-centered mentality of Twitter – be more interested in what others are sharing than on what you are.

2. Twitter instead of blogging – For short, interesting things, that is. If there is something you think others would be interested in or benefit from, but doesn’t warrant a full blog post – post it via Twitter. Share links and thoughts & ask questions.

3. Connect with others – This is the single biggest thing that I think people new to Twitter miss. When you begin following people and find something helpful or interesting that they post, post a reply back (@chrisediger That was a great link!) or direct message them (d chrisediger Like what you said – what do you think about XYZ?).

Finally, I agree with what Brian said above. There are people who care about what you have to share. The beauty of Twitter is that the people who care are the people who follow. Don’t be afraid to put your thoughts out there.

One more thing. Found this in a great article by Chris Brogan:
“Instead of answering the question, “What are you doing?”, answer the question, “What has your attention?””

Here’s the full article: “50 Ideas on Using Twitter for Business”
http://www.chrisbrogan.com/50-ideas-on-using-twitter-for-business/

Hi Brad–
Twitter is, of course, a neutral device. Like Spidey’s powers, it can be used for good or ill. I’ve had days where it made me more solipsistic, but mostly it’s been a tool useful for listening, not talking. You can control the amount of noise you want to hear, and can also control how much you contribute and why.

It’s also all kinds of geeky fun. (E.g., you can follow John Cleese. John Cleese! http://twitter.com/JohnCleese)

Patton

You should. It has not been a waste of time for me. I’d highly recommend it if you want to 1) make more connections; network and 2) feed your blog traffic. I’ve experienced growth in both areas.

As much as I love to blog, I feel like Twittering is very uncomfy for me at this juncture. It’s like I’m avoiding it, though I know it’s inevitable I’ll have to do it at some point to stay in touch with the rest of the world. At this point, it feels like the equivalent of ringing my neighbors door constantly just to make sure he knows I’m still alive. If I meet Bono, that’s worth Twittering about, of course. But I’m not sure the world needs to know that I’m on my way to Kroger.

Try it. You can always convert to non-twitter status if you don’t like it.

So what is your verdict Brad? You trying it out?

I’m just glad I came back to read comments and learn a new word of the day from Patton. Had to look up “solipsistic.” Shows ya how smart I am.

I changed my Twitter tune. Decided to try it out this weekend. Already connected with two people locally who are on similar paths. So, early thoughts on Twitter are positive. I’ll use it more so as a connection point to bridge online to offline… not so much as a “Hey here’s what I am doing every 3 seconds.”

http://twitter.com/DanielDecker

of all things in the world, twitter should not be overthought

i have found it to be a uber valuable networking tool, a way to have fun with people, and even connect with my friends here in nashville. yesterday i was lost driving around and after twittering, someone helped me get unlost. then i wondered what i wanted for lunch and was able to connect with a friend who was also wondering what to do for lunch.

prayer requests, exciting news, and seeing god work in the lives of my friends in little 140 character ways is amazing!!

try it for 30 days and if you think it’s dumb, quit. i will warn you anyone who has taken that challenge has stuck with it.