Yeah, I did it. I joined Twitter. I tried to fight the urge, but the temptation was too strong. I had to see what all the fuss was about.
I'll admit. At first, I didn't get the concept. I tried keeping track of everyone's tweets. A word of advice, this is not possible unless you're online every minute of the day and then some. However, I figured there must be more to this than what I was experiencing. Surely, people weren't at their computers all day long. Then, it hit me. Twitter is like a chatroom. You go on when you want, check out what people are saying at the moment, and then leave. If you really want to hear back from someone, you send them a direct message, similar to an e-mail.
Still, what's the point in all that? So, I know when someone's drinking coffee or working on their manuscript. What can I get from Twitter that's worth my precious time. I'm a stay-at-home mom of twins with very little time to myself. Every second counts.
Well, here's what I've already gotten from the Twitter experience (and I've only be on the site for a day). I've met some great writers and found a few agents I didn't know about. Some of my new Twitter pals have come to follow me on my blog. *wave* I'm sure there's still more I need to learn, but I'm enjoying Twitter and am glad I joined.
If you're on Twitter, look me up: http://twitter.com/LynnetteLabelle
What else can you tell me about Twitter? Are there places I should go? People I should follow? And how do I get my background from twitterbackgrounds.com to stay longer than a few minutes?
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I can't get twitter backgrounds to work either :( It hates me as much as blogger does! But, I as a reluctant joiner myself, that twitter does have its advantages. I follow a lot of agents who post links to blogs or articles of interest. Plus it's a quicky networking tool!
ReplyDeleteTwitter is pretty fun. Have you installed TweetDeck? That's the best. I didn't really start using Twitter until after I got tweetdeck. It's free! I'm sure I'll "tweet" ya around. :)
ReplyDeleteTweetDeck is the best resource, I agree.
ReplyDeleteAs for getting a background to stay, I'm not sure -- but why don't you try just downloading a picture from the Internet (try flickrcc.bluemountains.net) and using that as the background? I've never had a problem.
I'm a follow already. It's great to see you there!
I don't know anything about Twitter, just don't pass that bug my way. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI admit I joined Twitter just for following some celebrities. I prefer Facebook for keeping in contact with friends. But I may start a new twitter account just for networking purposes.
ReplyDeleteI just joined Twitter so my former blog readers from MySpace would know when I posted a blog here. I'm lost when it comes to what to do with all those "tweets," though. I'll figure it out eventually!
ReplyDeleteI have to second Katie. Download Tweetdeck. Then you can organize your followers. I have a column for agents, for blogging friends, for authors, etc. Then I can easily keep up with tweets from the most important of my followers! It's been an excellent way to broaden my web presence. ;) And btw, I'm not sure if we can tell exactly how far we're reaching, but I think by using more of these social networking sights, we're branching out more!
ReplyDeleteI'm resisting and resisting. Tough to see posts like this as I resit. :D
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
~ Wendy
Here's another question... What does RT mean in Twitter world?
ReplyDeleteIs Tweetdeck through Twitter or online?
Lynnette Labelle
I'll follow you on twitter from afar! I've yet to get an actual account. Does it take much time to manage? That's ben holding me back.
ReplyDeleteI must admit, I resisted at first. Then I got TweetDeck. I really enjoyed it after that.
ReplyDeleteI am just learning how to use Twitter too. I am thinking of it more in terms of a collection of news links. I don't find the chatting part that appealing.
ReplyDeleteI think TweetDeck can be downloaded from tweetdeck.com. I'm not using it yet. I think RT means ReTweet, right?
Welcome to Twitter, Lynnette. :-) I'll look you up on there soon.
ReplyDeleteRT= "Re-Tweet"...basically copying someone's post because you think it's cool, and want your followers to see it.
You can use hashtags too (#) - The one I use most often is #writegoal, where writers post their goals throughout the day, and support each other in reaching them. To see all of the posts for a hashtag, just enter it into the search box. Some cool ones aside from #writegoal are #pubtib (publishing tips from agents/published authors), and #askagent (occasional sessions where you can ask an agent questions).
You'll get it all figured out - just play with it for awhile and it'll be old hat in no time. :-)
I'm completely Twitter-challenged. I joined it, and I'm clueless. I followed a few agents and put them to update automatically. I was getting tweets at 2am saying they were eating donuts because they couldn't sleep. I had to take that off, I couldn't stand it. So I'm not understanding the appeal, but I know there has to be one, or so many people wouldn't be doing it! LOL. I'm good with FB, happy with FB, wish everyone would just live there... :)
ReplyDeleteI barely have time to follow blogs and keep up with writing. I can't imagine adding Twitter yet, but I'm sure once I feel like I've got a handle on blogging that I may branch out. Happy tweeting.
ReplyDeleteI'll be interested to see how you feel a few weeks into it! I've seen a huge advantage in using facebook, which I resisted at first because I enjoyed shoutlife.
ReplyDeleteI do love facebook. However, I've also noticed a feeling of being behind. (I have pictures of people I need to tag ... I have comments to respond to ... I haven't checked on so-and-so for a week ...) This corresponds to a decline in my productivity, both writing related and marketing related. My thoughts thus far are that twitter might exacerbate the feeling at this stage of life.
Give us an update in a month or so??
It's wonderful being able to get writing tips and links to some great posts. :D
ReplyDeleteI love Twitter for the same reasons you're discovering - connections, which (as you know) are vital for writers. I'll add you to my Twitter follows. If you're interested, you can find me here at Twitter: http://twitter.com/MKDB
ReplyDeleteHi, Lynette! I followed Gwen Mitchell over here and am now following you on Twitter *lol* I see we have more in common that just writing. I'm a mother of twins too...and one of my CPs just gave birth to identical twin girls last week!
ReplyDeleteI just joined Twitter too. I've been resisting, due to the time issue, but I'm beginning to see the advantages.
ReplyDeleteEish, Twitter. I still don't get it. I have an account, but haven't figured out how to use it. I think my motivation is a bit off because I don't have texting/internet on my phone. So unless I'm online all of the time, it's kind of overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteI admire you for taking the plunge! Right now I'm still standing back wondering just how cold and deep that water is...
Excited to hear you tweet!
ReplyDeleteThanks for finding me on Twitter and explaining a few things.
ReplyDeleteLynnette Labelle
I have signed up for Twitter but have not really "played" around with it yet. I do feed my blog (The Writer Today) content to Twitter. I have 14 followers I need to check out and return the visit.
ReplyDeleteI signed up a few days ago too... still trying to get around on it, not entirely sure what the point is yet. That said, I'll be sure to follow you :) we can be newbies together! (My handle will come up as phoenix_press) Good luck with it, share any fun insights you have with the rest of us!
ReplyDeleteLynnette, you might also want to check out the twitter directory www.wefollow.com. You can register yourself there with tags like #writer, #books, etc. Then other writers can search for you -- it's a great way to build a network of writing friends.
ReplyDeleteYou can follow me at twitter.com/fictioncity.
Lisa