social media girl

I got into a mini-discussion with a Twitter friend today in regards to the assumed (and favored) “ways to use Twitter.” She sent out a Tweet, respectfully asking Twitter enthusiasts (and recruiters!) to help newbies learn to DM, @ reply and follow other users.

At its most basic, Twitter is a microblogging tool. For me, and for most others it seems, the best part about it is the comradery and discussions that happen between you and the people with whom you form relationships. There aren’t a lot of people in my life, besides those I’ve met through Twitter and associated networking events (SMB, Minnebar, etc.), who really understand social media (as much as anyone can) - or even just Twitter as medium. (And I love social media, so I need these people!) If I only used Twitter as a microblogging service and not a tool to network with my fellow geeks, I wouldn’t love it nearly as much, if at all.

I remember sitting in Peter Fleck and Rick Mahn’s Twitter discussion session at Minnebar earlier this year, and the concept of “rules” came up in conversation. A few people actually got relatively emotional about the idea of etiquette, do’s and don’ts for Twitter usage. The general perception seemed to be that the beauty in social media lies in its newness and our freedom to use it however we choose. If we only follow one person for every 10 followers, per the rules, then who would we be missing out on? And if we only use Twitter to tell people what we’re doing, how can we be sure we won’t bore other people, or even ourselves?

In the same way, how does it benefit you to impose your personal rules on others? If someone isn’t using Twitter the way you use it (or want the people you’re following to use it), then you have complete freedom to pay no attention to that individual or anything they’re saying.

I love the networking aspect, but that doesn’t mean everyone else does. I follow most of my followers (within reason), but that doesn’t mean everyone else does either.

As far as I’m concerned, there’s no need to take personal offense or responsibility for the way other people are using these new tools. I’m no expert though, so other opinions and discussion are welcomed.

I am curious to hear some different perspectives.

Tags: Microblogging | twitter

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