Written on April 18th, 2008 at 03:04 am by Darren Rowse
Why I Love Twitter
Two days ago I asked my followers on Twitter why they loved Twitter.
There were over 100 responses within 2 hours and some of them were really good – I wasn’t sure what to do with them all but just yesterday I’d seen a video with a whole lot of screen caps of Tweets at Rocketboom. The idea was still fresh in my mind so I decided to make my own with the responses from readers.
The above video is a compilation of the responses from followers. I hope I got them all!
You can see a full sized version of it on it’s YouTube page or a slightly better quality one at Revver.
62 Responses to “Why I Love Twitter” - Add Yours
Thinkjayant
April 18th, 2008 3:16 am
Nice video compilation there. Kudos to you to come up with such nice ideas so frequently. Was fun to read & also informative. Thanks.
Most valuable comment:
I love that its a way to brainstorm, learn and connect.
Most out of the box comment:
Twitter is like working in a busy office where you actually like all your coworkers
Most funny comment:
Twitter helps me pretend i am a geek
I am yet to experience with twitter. Although i have read reviews of it so many times. Just that currently i am happy with my Orkut Facebook and LinkedIN account. Will add twitter shortly.
Blue Sunshine
April 18th, 2008 3:27 am
I’m just getting into the whole Twitter thing after reading a previous post about it here on Problogger. It looks to be “the next big thing” when it comes to social networking, so all of these folks that have already embraced it look to be the early adopters.
Blue Sunshine
http://www.miscgarbage.com
Jonathan Mead
April 18th, 2008 3:29 am
I’ve recently got into using twitter after overcoming it’s slightly obscure nature.
A whole site dedicated to following what people are doing? Ridiculous, maybe. Genius, yes.
I’m on twitter here if anyone would like to follow me:
http://twitter.com/jonathanmead
Jeff - buzzmyblog.com
April 18th, 2008 3:53 am
Hey Darren…what did you use to make the video?
Zac Johnson
April 18th, 2008 4:01 am
Creative idea! Was especially cool to see my comment on there as well! :)
Vera Raposo
April 18th, 2008 4:13 am
You know I signed up a while ago, but didn’t use it. Just in the last week or 2 I’ve been using it everyday and am really enjoying it myself. Thanks for the video.
Maria Palma
April 18th, 2008 4:14 am
I’ve had a Twitter account for some time, but it wasn’t until the past week that I really got into it. I can see now why many bloggers are addicted to it. I like the idea of getting one thought out there without having to build a whole blog post about it ;) A mini blog – love it!
Joanna Young
April 18th, 2008 4:16 am
Love the video Darren, thanks for putting the effort into creating it. Some thought-provoking responses in there too.
Joanna
gamermk
April 18th, 2008 4:21 am
haha I watched up until my comment… then realized in disappointment that I said too much :P
This is the first time I’ve seen a montage style vid from twitter. Very cool idea, somehow I doubt this will be the last time we see this concept in action.
Roger
April 18th, 2008 4:21 am
I guess I am becoming something of a Twitter evangelist. I have got so much out of it in the few months I have been Tweeting. The first post of my new blog about Twitter was an attempt to articulate that view, but the video does a much better job!
http://snipurl.com/24rrw
Sophie
April 18th, 2008 4:25 am
Relatively new to twitter but enjoying it so far – looking forward to watching the video and picking up even more ideas for how to use it.
I’m finding twitter a good way to quickly highlight interesting new articles in my area (healthy eating, econutrition) without having to blog about them. I also use it to tweet about quick, healthy meal ideas – I started off doing this using http://www.foodfeed.us but I’m tending to skip that extra step now as it wasn’t really doing anything for me (maybe foodfeed will get more popular with time)
http://twitter.com/sophiemostly
James
April 18th, 2008 4:25 am
I’ve been against social networking sites until recently (still have certain reservations). However, Twitter has been something of a revelation to me. It’s great not having to worry about adding apps and having a fancy profile. Someone described it as a 24/7 networking event which I think is very fitting. I feel like I can get involved, participate and interact straightaway. My only (current) concern is with spammers. I’ve had quite a few types follow me and while it doesn’t affect me directly because I don’t follow them back, it could be a long term concern for the quality of Twitter.
You can follow me at:
http://twitter.com/jmallinson
Michelle
April 18th, 2008 4:26 am
I wish I’d answered that question now! I concur with so much of what I saw. This is a fantastic, and oddly heartwarming, compilation.
I’m leading a session on Twitter at Podcamp Ohio in June. Would you mind if I used your video (fully attributed of course)?
Tyler @ Building Camelot
April 18th, 2008 4:27 am
Very cool! I try to use twitter as a mini blog especially if & when I don’t have the time to write an entire post about something.
Nice video – I definitely learned a thing or two.
–TW
JoLynn Braley
April 18th, 2008 4:30 am
Hi Darren, really cool video!
I’m one of those who replied to your tweet poll – I’ve been using Twitter since last week to keep myself accountable to my health & fitness goals, incl. weight loss. I also like to tweet about anything positive and uplifting though, as well as the topic of blogging, of course. ;)
http://www.twitter.com/jb108
Killer Picke
April 18th, 2008 4:30 am
This post has caused me to find out more about twitter since I have no idea what it is. Thanks
Linda MacPhee-Cobb
April 18th, 2008 4:31 am
I’ve had an account for a few months.
I started using it after attending the ‘Spring Fling Garden Bloggers Conference’. I about the only garden blogger there not using it and I was probably the most technical one of the group.
I really like it, I’m staying in touch with the other garden bloggers, meeting more technical local folks and a few opportunities have been put to me through Twitter even though I’ve been on only about a week.
http://twitter.com/timestocome
Sharon Hurley Hall
April 18th, 2008 4:36 am
I didn’t really ‘get’ Twitter till about a month ago. I signed up long ago but just started using it. I like the way it’s mostly free of dross and the people I follow always link to useful stuff. It’s a great resource, a research tool and I’ve had some good advice on blog problems too. Feel free to follow me: http://twitter.com/SHurleyHall
Caroline Middlebrook
April 18th, 2008 4:37 am
Oh such a shame I missed the original tweet. I love the video idea, you’re really giving me some great ideas of ways to use Twitter effectively!
Marty Weil
April 18th, 2008 4:37 am
Darren,
I’ve been twitting my brains out for weeks, but I’m not feeling the love. I’ve followed much of your advice, yet I’m being roundly twignored in the land of the toot-sweets. I like the platform, but the return on my time and effort has been woefully dissapointing.
Maybe I’ll tweet the fact that I’ve commented on your love of the tweet–see where that gets me.
Nonetheless, thanks for the ongoing words of advice. It’s appreciated.
Jolly Green Girl
April 18th, 2008 4:40 am
I really love how you integrated the comments into a slideshow. That’s just brilliant. I am starting love twitter more and more each day. It does feel like there’s a whole another universe of connection out there that only twitters know about.
Make Money Online
April 18th, 2008 4:43 am
twitter seems pretty cool I haven’t tried it yet but it’s buzzin alot lately, I might just check it out.
Collin LaHay
April 18th, 2008 4:53 am
Hey Darren, whats the name of the song you used?
Cindy Szponder
April 18th, 2008 5:02 am
@ Marty I just queried for the word ephemera and only received 8 returns on Twitter. Perhaps you are spending time where your audience is not. Others may have a better way for you to find people interested in ephemera on Twitter. I think your time might be better spent using Twitter for keeping touch with fellow bloggers and to stay on top of tech things. Then, I’d be looking for related forums in your niche and become a part of those communities. Another good idea is to scan the “ask a question pages” available online to see if anyone is looking for your help related to your niche.
engtech
April 18th, 2008 5:03 am
How did you make the video? that was very cool.
Charles Woodall
April 18th, 2008 5:05 am
I just signed up for Twitter a few days ago. I like the concept now that I have started using it, but am wondering some of the same things as Marty.
One huge bonus…I told my wife if she has any problems with me she will have to put it in 140 characters or less.
twitter.com/cwoodall
Jim Legington
April 18th, 2008 5:05 am
Twitter is Instant Update Alerts about those You have in
Relationship and Fellowship. Could soon become the
# One tool to connect Your Top Social Networking Plans.
Will it enhance Your Email Options, Blog and Websites?
This is an Awesome Tool to stay connected with those
that are people that, Just Know How to Do. Thanks Darren.
God is Love, God Is Good, God Is One.
Be Blessed always…Peace!
Positive Viral Marketing Illustrated
SpaceAgeSage
April 18th, 2008 5:06 am
My nephews and nieces keep in contact by texting via cell phone and rarely check their emails anymore. It sounds like Twitter feeds into this need for speed.
Farfield
April 18th, 2008 5:12 am
Really, I still don’t get it. It just seems like another thing that distracts me from the things I really should be doing. There’s enough digital information to worry about. Will you really get more hits on your site if you post one twitter message every single day?
One thing is for sure: I don’t want other people what I’m doing all the time!
Siddharth
April 18th, 2008 6:09 am
I think Twitter is so popular in between its user because they gain access to easy and quick sharing with each other in a snap. Remember the Egypt case when a twitter user text Arrested to his friends when he got so in Egypt and his friends save him from jail!
That’s the quick sharing power. I think I should also try twitter; after all it saves the fees for a lawyer. :-)
Glorybeam
April 18th, 2008 6:18 am
My husband thinks I love twitter because I have a crush on you! :-)
I don’t, but I think you’re really cool, and awesome, and super-talented …
Seriously, loved the Twitter-video! Great idea!
Chris
April 18th, 2008 7:09 am
I thought twitter was completely pointless until last month when a friend convinced me to give it a go. I find it a great way to keep up to date with my friends, and to “meet” new people.
I guess you could say I’m a converted skeptic.
http://www.twitter.com/cdhinton
Ryan Mac
April 18th, 2008 7:30 am
I haven’t quite gotten into twitter yet
I might check it out though
Darren Rowse
April 18th, 2008 8:04 am
Jeff – buzzmyblog.com – I ended up using iPhoto and exported the slideshow as quick time. I’d previously tried it with Keynote but that came out bizarre when I uploaded it. I was also going to give iMovie a go…. next time
Collin LaHay – it was called ‘Revolve’ by HisBoyElroy.com
Phil Newton
April 18th, 2008 9:33 am
I’ve not really used Twitter a lot, but I’m having fun with it at the moment. There are some good articles on LifeHacker about using it for a personal organiser, which I find intriguing. qwd asd asd asd
Tyler Michael Jonsson
April 18th, 2008 10:35 am
I have just recently began using Twitter and implemented a sidebar widget which shows my recent “Tweets” on my blog.
It is quite a bit of fun, but I must admit I am at a bit of a loss as to how to actually use it to promote myself and my blog, and follow the blogs I care about… All part of the learning curve I suppose.
The Masked Millionaire
April 18th, 2008 12:36 pm
I guess everyone is either going to hate me or think that I’m a dope (ok, maybe I am.) I don’t get why people are making such a big deal about Twitter.
I watched the video and thought the panes went by just a bit too fast. But the real question I have is why are all these people are acting like Twitter is their best friend? Don’t these people have “real” friends? People that they can actually see, feel, and do things with? Come on! Real friends don’t have to tell you every single thing they do. It’s not that important.
In my humble opinion if you can’t get the feeling of friendship, the insight of current events, or the experience of belonging from “real life” then I personally think that a reality check is needed.
If people want to fool around on Twitter that is fine. But to speak about it like it actually matters to their life is crossing over into lala land. What I think I’m hearing is people just jumping on the next new thing—- If person A thinks it’s great then I think it’s great. I would like to hear what all these people have to say in one years time. Probably will be talking about the next new thing and Twitter will be old news and not important.
I’m not trying to be negative or deragatory towards anyone. But I keep reading about how people are discovering all these new things on the internet and how great these things are. And then all of a sudden they are on to the next new thing. So I’m a little bit hesitant to jump on the bandwagon just because it is travelling down the information highway.
Darren I really like reading ProBlogger and always read all of the comments that are posted. I love all of you. This is just my opinion.
Linda Locke
April 18th, 2008 1:23 pm
Just signed up for Twitter last week and I’m hooked. It’s just so much fun!
I use it to post links to great blog posts and capture ideas. I also like reading other people’s tweets too.
Tom Lindstrom
April 18th, 2008 7:27 pm
I have just started using Twitter myself, in my opinion it has great potential.
Chetan
April 18th, 2008 7:45 pm
Man when did you ask that question? I wasn’t there that time on twitter or i would have also come on the video :)
David Cheong
April 18th, 2008 8:29 pm
Join twitter last year, and found that it does really do a lot well and both connecting to friends to bringing traffics. :)
Anne
April 18th, 2008 11:39 pm
Wonderful video, Darren. I love Twitter, have made friends from different parts of the world. Great input. One of my followers even sent me a story from Australia which I used on my blog.
Brick Marketing
April 19th, 2008 12:07 am
We too didn’t get Twitter but once we did we found endless uses for it. Every day it seems that the considerably simplistic tool has so many uses!
Sheamus
April 19th, 2008 2:21 am
Cool idea for a video Darren. I’ve only just started to get into Twitter myself. I think the key is building up a reasonable number of people you follow, and people you follow you – otherwise it can feel a bit like sending text messages to random numbers! ;)
On that note if anyone wants to follow me, here’s my address, and I promise I’ll follow you, too. ;)
http://twitter.com//sheamus
Joshua Goodwin
April 19th, 2008 5:20 am
Am I the only person who found it hard to read some of the longer tweets before they were replaced by the next one in the slideshow? Maybe I’m just a slow reader…
Gizmo
April 19th, 2008 12:11 pm
I recently started to get active with twitter and can only occasionally write updates. Most of the time they won’t “take” and I understand that I am not alone and tech doesn’t respond so I guess it’s pretty useless for me. :-(
Vero Pepperrell
April 19th, 2008 4:48 pm
Hilarious! I also blogged last night about why Twitter made this week so much better for myself and a few people around me.
Why Twitter is so unbelievably awesome
It’s amazing the impact 140-char messages can have!
Daryl W.T. Lau
April 19th, 2008 5:22 pm
I’ve been a member of Twitter since they started but never got around seriously using them cause I found them to be a tad confusing. Thanks to this post tho cause it really showed what it is capable of and why I need to get cracking on it… LOL!
Cheers!
Kirby Andersen
April 20th, 2008 12:45 am
Loved the video. I’m a newbie blogger and have also been experimenting with Twitter. Basically just using to update status on Facebook and website. The jury’s still out for me personally how I’ll continue to use but I realize it has tremendous appeal to many for personal connection with others.
By the way, Darren, I also loved the song Revolve you used in the video. However, can’t find on HisBoyElroy.com. Would love to buy the download.
Crafty Princess
April 20th, 2008 12:48 am
Funny I should find this here. I have also recently discovered Twitter and have been blabbing about it at my Crafty Princess blog.
Dave from Welcome Back Rosenthal
April 20th, 2008 6:11 am
When will it end? It’s like watching somebody try to balance a handfull of marbles on a plate.
Message me dude!
No, text me! I got a new Sidekick!
A new Blackberry!
A new IPhone!
Blog? You gotta do one man-and read mine too!
Myspace? Sorry about the mixup, this is THE one!
Mashable? Dude now we’re totally connected?
Facebook? No this is THE one!
Squidoo? Oh my God, Godin knows about Longtial, go!
Listen Darren aint givin’ up blogging anytime soon. So let’s mark today as a “day one” and I’ll meet you all at the NEW place to be in 6 months, oh wait Moore’s law, 3 months.
Zerolove
April 20th, 2008 7:14 am
I’ve embraced twitter for all it is, and have setup a (Pulse) site for Birmingham Alabama http://bhampulse.zerosource.org it is a site to aggregate the live updates of scores of Birmingham Alabama Twitter users. It has a good following and there have been twitups (twitter meet ups). I can feel these Pulse sites happening everywhere. I know there is one for Ubuntu now and for Ireland.
Sachendra
April 20th, 2008 5:38 pm
I was apprehensive about Twitter when I first started using it and now I can’t live without it.
I’ve summarized ways in which people use twitter in my blog
http://sachendra.wordpress.com/2008/04/04/why-we-tweet-what-value-does-twitter-bring-on-personal-and-business-front/
Annabelle
April 21st, 2008 1:37 am
Great article – I’m going to check out Twitter! Thanks for the great marketing tips.
Annabelle
sdenterprise
April 21st, 2008 6:25 am
I have not used twitter before for the blogs but will have a look into it now!
yeah!
April 21st, 2008 8:04 am
Nice video. But it goes faster than I can read. Get a professional to make it next time.
Roy Phay
April 23rd, 2008 6:48 pm
Hi Darren,
My wife almost “killed” me when I mentioned to her about Twitter 3 days ago when I heard from it from another friend.
Up till today, I have not setup an account, however, after looking at all comments over here, I will do so right away.
And the reason why my wife almost “killed” me, is that she thought that Twitter is another “girl” name…
Cheers,
Roy Phay
Michael
April 26th, 2008 12:37 pm
Favorite one: it helps me pretend I’m a geek
The reason I use twitter: for human interaction throughout the day, since I work from home I don’t talk to people much throughout the day and twitter gives me that little bit of communication that helps me get through the day.
GettyCash
May 9th, 2008 1:39 pm
I will be using Twitter more often.
peter parker
July 4th, 2008 11:05 pm
————————————————
Dave Winer, father of RSS says “Twitter, as it was conceived, was never meant to live.”
“It’s very possible with better engineering its architecture might have gone on for a few more years, but eventually it would have hit this wall, where there were too many people posting too many twits to too many followers. The scale of the system as conceived rises exponentially.”
So is the end of Twitter getting near? I hope not. Twitter I hope that you are listening and you better start taking things more seriously.
———————————————–
Here’s my two cents.
For instance there are about 100m users of yahoo messenger and usually 2-3 of them talk at a time that means scalability of 300m conversations. On the other hand with 100m twitter users who usually send messages to 100-10,000 other users the scalability required is 10,000m to 10^6m I have never known any current architecture based on webservers to handle such a scale. So according to me Twitter was never meant to live. It is like a concept car that will never see production. Users of twitter don’t understand this and they don’t care.
They don’t know whats happening when the website is down. The sad part is that the best analysts claim that Twitter is a billion dollar company in one year of operations. There is an old saying before the days of when people understood permutation combinations. One peasant asked a king to give him rice equal to the total amount gotten by placing double the number of rice grains on a chess square than the previous square, starting with one rice grain. There are 8×8=64 squares. We seriously need to visit grade 7 mathematics.
I know of only one News/Messaging system that supports around 1 billion users sending messages to all 1 billion users each. Thats a scalability of 10^12m. It is not Web based but rather on a massively scalable serverless P2P architecture based. The team is soft spoken and when I last talked to them I was told that they don’t care about money or hype or fame but rather for just the passion of next generation global systems that will stand the test of worldwide use. Its called Mermaid News Mermaid
They have other softwares too but this post is about Twitter and Messaging. Once everyone comprehends basic mathematics that goes behind scalable algorithms they would go past the flashy screen and hype to actually want a system they can trust. To the analysts I would say it is easy to create a business plan, create a hype and raise $20m funding it is far more difficult to create something of use.
Ghazala Khan
July 18th, 2008 3:13 am
I joined twitter just because of you pro blogger.
best regards
Ghazala
http://www.pakspectator.com
LIsa Romeo
October 27th, 2008 9:35 am
We need a word for Twitter love. I nominate “Twitterpated, ” which is what the animals said about Bambi when he first noticed Faline: He’s twitterpated.
What do you think?
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