Why Twitter Matters & Who Cares?

A lot of people are a-twitter over Twitter. Some people tell me it is the ultimate social networking device. Others say it will build business, land contracts, enhance income, and cure ache and straighten your teeth (actually, I made that up). And, in my case, sell more books. Yet, read Twitter (you will need a free Twitter account) and follow what people write, and you may question the sanity of using something like Twitter. I have a Twitter account (“davidhenderson”), but I have some questions about Twitter’s usefulness.

I was reading what some people post of Twitter yesterday – one fellow was describing his seatbealt on an international flight, another person was telling us that he was getting on a commuter train, and still another announced she was going to have drinks with a friend. One active Twitter “celebrity” even posted an image of his hotel shower faucet on Twitter for everyone to see (photo on the left). That’s close to too much information in my book.  

Many people talk about themselves, and things going on in their lives. These mini-postings are instanteous – write, click and they’re online for everyone to read.  My question is … who cares?! How do people have enough idle time for Twitter?

I wrote on Twitter: “Will Twittering make your head explode?”  I was serious.  No one replied.

I asked a friend in an email what she thought of Twitter, and here is her response: “I think I need Twitter like I need a hole in the head!   Between emails, texting, messaging and facebook!!! I’m all networked out.”

I think she’d got it right. Not only am I a serial emailer but I text, blog (actually, I have 5 blogs) and use Facebook too much.  Maybe Twitter will make my head explode.

By the way, my new book – The Media Savvy Leader – hits bookstores in January. Hope you check it out.

Category: New Media, Personal notes