Tweet, tweet. Twitter this, Twitter that. Everywhere you turn these days, people are talking about Twitter. One can barely watch cable or network news for more than a few minutes without one of the TV talking heads going on and on about their latest tweets. Despite my hesitations, the non-stop chatter drove me to create a Twitter account and see why everyone was making such a fuss.
Like many of my friends and family, I was cool to the idea of Twitter. The common complaint heard most often at the mere mention of Twitter is, "oh please, not another social media time time-sucking tool." Between Daily Kos, Facebook, Google, and all the other networking tools and websites, where in the world could I find time for Twitter? Besides, who cares what Shaq had for lunch, right? Well, it turns out.....a lot of people. As I type, Shaquille O'Neal is closing in on 312,000 followers.
But, why? What insights could Shaq be providing that led hundreds of thousands of people to follow his every move from their Blackberries and iPhones? And why were people like Rick Sanchez of CNN and David Shuster of MSNBC suddenly twittering like mad? So, @Scout_Finch was born and I set off into the wild Twittering yonder.
What I discovered is a fascinating social experiment. Journalists, pundits, politicians, celebrities, and the everyday Joe are chattering away. Suddenly, the Joe Scarborough's of the world are interacting with the public in a way they never have before.....directly and without a filter. Whether responding to questions about Morning Joe segments or his favorite soccer teams, Joe is tweeting like mad. And he's not alone. @GStephanopoulos, @jaketapper, @Shuster1600, @tamronhall, and so on. The list of twittering pundits is growing by the minute. But, what is the appeal for them? Why have they gone so utterly crazy for Twitter? Reading through their tweets, I was struck by how engaged they are with their "followers." Twitter allows them to interact like they might in the comments section of a blog. In short, Twitter has allowed them to become bloggers...albeit in a micro-form. They can respond and mix-it-up in the comments in a way they could never do on their own network "blogs." Have you ever seen a Joe Scarborough-type get into the comments section of an article they posted online? No way. Do you think Joe would sit down at his desk and respond to an angry email or a viewer email with a suggestion for the broadcast? Not likely. And if you did get a response, it is more likely it came from a PR person, personal assistant, or some other filter. Many of them have long seen themselves as too professional or above the fray to dive into the comments section of blogs that cover them. But, not on Twitter. Suddenly, the are "free" to get into the weeds -- and they are eating it up.
And, journalists aren't only talking with viewers. They are chattering amongst themselves and with the politicians they cover. As an example, here is a short conversation between George Stephanopoulos and Senator Claire McCaskill (read bottom up):.
McCaskill Votes Against Omnibus: I 'Just Couldn't Do It' http://tinyurl.com/...
10:31 AM Mar 11th from twitterfeed
@clairecmc thanks for the quick response
10:01 AM Mar 11th from web in reply to clairecmc
George S.:Ultimately just couldn't do it. Not just earmrks tho, also increase in spendng(8%too much)& failure to reconcile $ with stimuls
9:19 AM Mar 11th from web
@clairecmc Hey Senator, George here. On This Week, you signaled support for omnibus (great to have you btw) What changed?
8:51 AM Mar 11th from web in reply to clairecmc
Another example, Jake Tapper talking with Rep. Darryll Issa this morning:
jaketapper@darrellissa argues that AIG bonuses shld have been stopped by exec. comp. guidelines - why werent they? bc AIG bailout started under Bush?
about 2 hours ago from web
@jaketapper Bush got it wrong on bailouts and TARP - which is why I opposed them. It's what happens when the onus is on speed first.
about 2 hours ago from web in reply to jaketapper
@jaketapper Strengthen the executive compensation guidlines that were supposed to protect against this in the first place. Let's talk soon.
about 3 hours ago from web in reply to jaketapper
Inside baseball conversations that once took place only within confines of the DC beltway are now unfolding live for all to see, including snide comments and arguments. Whether it is David Shuster chiding Karl Rove:
@karlrove Karl, you are always welcome to come on 1600 and defend yourself. But, we've never gotten a response from you...ever.
5:29 PM Mar 9th from web
Or the always desperate for attention, @michellemalkin starting a squabble with anyone that will listen. The conversations unfolding on Twitter are nothing short of fascinating and provide a real insight into some of the inner beltway workings.
Those who use Twitter to amplify their own voice (and not some assistant merely posting show updates -- I'm talking to you @andersoncooper) and those who communicate openly and honestly are seeing their popularity skyrocket. For examples, see THE_REAL_SHAQ, @aplusk (Ashton Kutcher), and dare I say, even the formerly tech-shy @SenJohnMcCain. They are connecting and engaging with fans/constituents in a way never seen before and it is both groundbreaking and refreshing.....even if you do have to sit through mundane posts about what Karl Rove had for lunch. Like blogs, if you can wade through the muck, there is much to be learned.
I may still be a n00b in Twitterville, but I've seen enough to know that Twitter is crashing the old communication gates. The most surprising thing about that is how relieved the pundits, celebs, and politicians seem to be about the old barriers coming down. Turns out they weren't being protected by those old barriers as much as they were being constrained by them. So, it is easy to see why the pundits are developing into a Twittering class of their own. They are free to express themselves in their own voices -- much like bloggers (whether they like the comparison or not) -- and in a way, they must find it liberating.
Either way you slice it, Twitter is a fascinating social experiment and definitely worth the time-suck.