The Twitter Monologue
Given that this is part of my permanent record, I thought I should give you some background on why it happened and share my opinion of Twitter.
For those of you who know me, you know that I am not a big fan of Twitter. And yet, I keep trying. Unlike a lot of people, my ‘sort a like’/hate relationship with Twitter has nothing to do with Whale Fail or functionality coming & going.
It has to do with the fact that I find Twitter offers minimal value either on a personal level or as a Marketer (except to pimp my blog). And yes, I have met some great people on Twitter, but ultimately got to know them better on Plurk through different conversations (my own and by joining in on others) or via e-mail.
So, what kicked off this crazy Twitter Monologue? Back in June, Ann Handley asked the following question on Plurk: “Who do you consider to *really* know their stuff in Social Media? Who is a thought leader?”
A bunch of us chimed in, offered up some names, and then…the conversation did what conversations do—it took a left turn, then a right, then, finally, it was back on track. Within all those turns it was discussed that Twitter is turning into a broadcasting mechanism for self-promotion. Ah ha! My bright idea for a monologue emerges (with some prodding from Tim Jackson, of course). I just needed the right ‘moment.’
That moment was Saturday, July 12, 2008. And here’s some of what transpired:
[Literally, there was one comment in six minutes so I took my chances.]
[With less metal and other torture devices to hold him back…Tim was starting to get out and about for the first time in months. I was happy he wasn’t on Twitter. ] 
[My frustration with Twitter begins to rear its ugly head…]
[Not going to do this on Twitter. Really. Not Ever. I’ve tried and I don’t like how it feels to hear myself talk for the sake of talking (unless of course, it’s a monologue).]
So ultimately, what’s the point to all of this?
I have been hesitating to even write this post being that it’s only been two months or so since I joined Twitter and it doesn’t seem quite fair to offer up an opinion. But Gavin Heaton and Mack Collier have been on Twitter for a long time and they seem to have the same thoughts about it being a broadcast tool. So I’ll add in my two cents in based on my experience so far.
When I first joined Twitter it was suggested that I “listen” first and then join in. Well, I’ve been listening for eight weeks and I am still listening. Why? Because there really aren’t any conversations going on (if they are, it’s hard to follow along and insert oneself in a meaningful manner without being intrusive). So, the only thing you can basically do is ‘listen.’
I see Twitter as a tool that is:
- A feed (check out this link, here’s a link to my blog)
- A diary (went to the gym, my mother is a lunatic)
You can’t really converse with a feed (except maybe to say thank you) and trying to converse with someone’s online diary…well, just seems intruding, odd and wrong (hey, sorry to hear your mom is a lunatic, hope it all sorts out.).
Now before I get a public lashing, just know that I want to see the value, I really do. So many people are loyal to Twitter and many have told me about the “good old days” of Twitter.
But I ask you to think back before you had 1,000+ followers and were following 800+ people (back to the place where a lot of us are starting out) and consider:
- What was the original value of Twitter to you?
- What was the community like?
- What happened to the conversations? Did they stop? Or are they still there?
- If you use Twitter as a feed or diary, why? And what’s the value to you or the people who follow you?
- Is there a chance to bring the conversation back to Twitter? Or are there better tools for conversation?
I am hoping from other perspectives that I can learn the value of Twitter. Otherwise, I need to use it appropriately (as a broadcast tool) and spend more time where the conversations are happening…isn’t that the value of “social” media?
P.S. I blame all the folks on Plurk for this outburst of self-conversation on Twitter. It was their questions & comments on Plurk—which led to really great conversations—that ultimately solidified my opinion of Twitter.
25 Responses to “The Twitter Monologue”
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I suspect that any variant of text messaging, including Twitter, will be a tool for a very small subset of its users. Just like far more people blog than make money or opinion by blogging.
I have not been able to discover a use other than broadcasting a URL or message. Whether it’s my lack of imagination, IDK. I suspect Twitter will join AIM as a huge time waster in most companies.
I still have fond memories of Twitter (hey, we met there!) and occasionally have the amusing three or four message exchange with someone. Part of my issue is that it’s gotten almost too big to manage, and the conversation is schizophrenic and hard to follow.
From the mismash of the Scobles of the world pimping their follower numbers and FriendFeed, to the trollish transvestite Amanda Chapel, I find there’s more noise than conversation.
I’ll go out on a limb here and say that I find value in both the broadcast stream of Twitter (Friendfeed has the same approach, but even more so – overwhelming for me anyway) and the Plurk approach. I really want to have one platform to do both. I am actually more inclined toward the Twitter model of “toss it out and have occasional more focused interactions” than the Plurk model, just because I am not a big e-conversationalist. I’d like to see a both/and approach rather than always focusing on either/or. Because the point of all these platforms is the ability to interact and exchange, and if we can do that at multiple levels, with the people we value, and filter out those we don’t, then everyone wins.
Great post! I think a lot of us are wondering about the same things. The interaction on Plurk feels more rewarding but the interface is really annoying. If Twitter just did little threaded conversations like Plurk and Friendfeed, I think a lot of people would be much happier and it would be a richer experience.
See all the reasons you (and Mack and Gavin) hate Twitter are the reasons I love it.
Like Mr. Woodruff, I’m not into having e-conversations with people I don’t really know. (When I want to have e-conversations, I use IM- but my IM list is about a dozen people.)
Twitter can sit in the background, via Twhirl and I can jump in when I have a few minutes to spare. If someone “@s” me, it makes a noise and I can respond. It’s like a giant cocktail party that I can flit in and out of at will.
Plurk is just too much work. I don’t have time for all those conversations you guys love. Which is not a judgement on you, but a case of different styles. I like big parties. You guys like small gatherings.
Which is why Steve’s suggestion of a way to combine the two makes sense. Not sure how it would work. but I often wish Twitter had some sort of IM-ish function to replace or supplement DM
Though I’m glad it doesn’t have something to show “who’s on” the way FB or AIM does – I don’t always want to be on.
As for the unwieldy part– try pruning your “people I’m following” list to people you actually know. Someone suggested that to me way back and it’s proven to be excellent advice. No breakfast menus from strangers.
Part of the problem I am seeing is that the interaction between users is diminishing on Twitter. Part of this seems to be because people are using it less…maybe due to Whale Fail or maybe due to Plurk or Friendfeed. The people I used to correspond with all the time (and really enjoyed our tweets and the interaction) only check in occasionally these days. And, because of this, I find myself only checking in a few times a day to respond here or there or share something I feel is interesting. And this disengagement only fuels your points, that Twitter truly is becoming broadcast or diary. There is little in between anymore.
So, what did I do when I recognized these feelings? I joined Plurk. I still use Twitter throughout the day when I can, but I turn to Plurk when I have time to truly engage in meaningful conversations. I agree with Mack Collier and Matthew Bennett, who posted above, that in order for Twitter to stay relevant, they need to develop a way to thread conversations. This helps people stay interested and helps introduce us to new contacts. I hope they are listening! They obviously listened when we all touted the value of Summize…
Here’s a great example of how twitter is or can be more than a broadcast tool.
A couple of days ago a friend twitterer announced his new site and wanted some feedback about it.
Because I want to be helpful and I am always looking for great resources, I go look.
I notice a couple of things that could really help the guy out. I can only hope that anyone might do the same for me.
The point is, we did not know one-another from any other medium; and we were only followers of one another on Twitter. How else might I have come across his request and been able to help a guy out?
It provided me an opportunity to make a friend and be truly helpful; It provided him a chance to get some much needed eyes and to know that there’s someone he can call on in the future, if necessary.
Imagine if that guy got 15 different responses, each with an important tip or a flat-out smashing idea. Imagine how much his site might convert better because some people cared enough to Tweet him back.
That’s only one of the benefits I can see with Twitter. But it’s my strongest thought.
I hope that helps. –Wendy J. Roan (that’s @WendyRoan on Twitter)
Twitter certainly has changed for me, as it used to be a few hundred people that I knew reasonably well. Now, it’s this raging data stream where I have to work to listen to lots of conversations. But here’s how that’s different.
First, you’re right: “conversations” aren’t really what Twitter’s about. Plurk (and a few other platforms) are much better at conversations.
Twitter’s secret sauce continues to be multiple access points to post and read a message.
When I use Summize and a few other tools, I learn tons about people, about various industries, about perspective, but it’s never a back and forth. It’s a survey of sorts. I can ask a question, hear responses, and see what’s going on.
My 1-to-1 experience on Twitter is almost always shifting to DMs and usually quickly into either email or phone. I’m okay with this.
But it has changed.
Engaging subject here …
I use Twitter less now but still check in multiple times a week. I continue to learn a lot from different folks on social marketing, politics, tech.
Yet my intensity has decreased with Twitter since the presidential primary/debate season ended. Whew! … that was an incredible experience. On debate nights even before Super Tuesday, many would convene, some from different countries, to discuss candidates. The diverse, mass thoughts exchanged are a great memory.
Now – I check in, observe, and reply intermittently throughout the week.
For more community building – via text, audio, or video – I look to Utterz.com. They’ve hit the ball outta the park with tech savvy and personalized service.
@Chuck, that's my point exactly. It’s a potential time waster. How can I suggest Twitter to other marketers or companies as a viable social media tool for communicating? My fear is that they would see how Twitter is being used (broadcasting & diary) and then, thinking that’s acceptable, they'd use it to broadcast their blog to any/everyone or use it as a corporate diary. Neither of which, in my opinion, benefits their community (customers, prospects, investors, employees, etc.). That said, I am thinking B2B. @zappos has done well with Twitter. Although it hasn't made me want to buy shoes from Zappos any more than I would have in the past. I respect Tony Hsieh (CEO) for his implementing social media into his marketing plan.
@Amber, we did indeed! And you were the first person on Twitter who ever responded to a tweet for help (FireFox 3), still appreciating that…even though you’re a Mac elitist.
I do find a lot of great information on Twitter, but I’d like to converse about it not just take and run.
@SteveWoodruff, that sounds like application Nirvana!
I didn’t mean to imply that it was either/or with Twitter/Plurk, but I can see how you’d think that. I just find more value in conversation and I get that with Plurk. The UIs for Twitter, FF, and Plurk are all a bit odd to me, but with over time–and use–they are growing on me.
@MatthewBennett, I agree I find a lot of value in threaded conversations [that have unique URLs]. Unique URLs help with the cross-pollination of conversations, the sharing thoughts, & the spreading ideas. Looking forward to more conversations on Plurk!
@AlanWolk, You make a good point, it all comes down to who you follow and who is following you. The more people, the harder it is.
I’d say social media worked in this case!
And we all have to keep in mind…everyone is a stranger at first! How do you stop being a stranger? Well, recently you tweeted about working in advertising and not making money. I tweeted you about it and you tweeted me back…now you’re here and we are no longer strangers.
Now I also know how you like to communicate and where to find you for a brief tweet.
@CaraKeithley, we met on Twitter but I think we talk more on Plurk. And come September, we’ll be talking IRL!
(Hopefully) Perhaps market forces will come into play and Twitter will get it’s act together. As for Plurk, I am already starting to watch who I friend as the timeline can get really crowded…but I so enjoy the conversations!
@wendyjroan, I love the example but unfortunately I’ve had the opposite experience, which makes me question the value of Twitter. I always do a test. I post the same thing on Twitter and Plurk. And inevitably, I get a 0/5 response. Nada from Twitter, lots from Plurk. In fact, I’ve found 3 vendors on Plurk because they offered their services. The only point to make there is that there are a lot of consultants, etc. on Twitter, but they are losing out on opportunities for business. Thanks again for the nice comment on my blog! See you on Twitter.
@ChrisBrogan, you make a good point and thanks for confirming Twitter’s use. Maybe I’ve been expecting too much from Twitter or trying to make it something it’s not. Perhaps its value is in asking and listening (research). But I never seem to hear back when I ask a question. A smaller, tighter community might be the answer. I haven’t given up just yet…
@jillfoster, I think you help make Cara’s point. People are using Twitter less and that’s why we are seeing more broadcasting and less conversation/interaction.
I’ve looked into Utterz, but I don’t think I have all the cool toys necessary to make it work!
BTW, I love your “Friday Fiscal Tickle” videos…very creative and humorous!
Great conversation here, Beth!
I fall into the “both” camp for a lot of the reasons already outlined. But for me, it tends to shift by conversation but also by mood — I guess sometimes I’m a big-party girl, sometimes I’m a small gathering girl. Sometimes I like or need the broadcast/listening device of Twitter , sometimes I like or need or just prefer the intimacy of Plurk.
In either case, I’m awfully glad I bumped into you.
; )
p.s. And NOT into Utterz… at all. Too much work.
Hi Ann, I have listened to what everyone has said and I’m still giving Twitter a chance. Today was a day of some great interaction…I’ll see what tomorrow brings.
)) So glad to have met you as well!
Beth- You are SO my hero for doing it too. I never thought our little chattering would lead to this stroke of brilliance. I wish I woulda been there from the beginning of the monologue. Kudos to you for exposing the shortcomings of Twitter. Plurk surely isn’t perfect either, but I do find much greater value in the conversations. But what can I say, I’m just that kinda guy.
You rock Beth. Totally.
I still like both … for the reasons that Chris and Alan do — but if I AM interested in conversation (as in a dialogue with someone), then my choice is Plurk. However, in many cases (and probably for B2C/B2B), short form Twitter “chat” could well be a sufficient and effective mode of communication.
But, if we look further into the future — where Plurk has open APIs and a year or two’s worth of community application development, then I expect that many of the “differentiating features” of Twitter will disappear. Unfortunately, as Cara points out, some of the fun interactivity of Twitter has already disappeared from the timeline. In the early days there would be avatar memes, joking around and some serious investigation into how Twitter could transform the way we interact as a community. This too rarely happens now, but seems to be partly embedded into Plurk. It seems that the Plurk folk were the ones listening, watching and learning from Twitter and its community. It will be interesting where these two conversation platforms lead us next
Great post, and great discussion, thanks Beth!
@TimJackson, what can I say?! Don’t double-dog-dare me… Seriously, I am frustrated by the lack of conversation on Twitter, but I can say since this post there have been more conversations. Glad that I did it because I’ve met some great folks on Twitter. [But I met you on Plurk!
]
@gavinheaton, that's what I needed to hear! That once upon a time Twitter was fun & interactive! What happened to the conversations about how to interact as a community on Twitter? Where they swept away with the flurry of adding tons of tweets? I am hoping the conversation will return. It's my intention to converse on Twitter…and I hope I can energize others to do the same.