Twitter’s influence has been growing by leaps and bounds. It is one of the fastest growing social media platforms on the Internet. But let’s face it, not everyone is on Twitter. In fact, even if you are on Twitter, you are still in the minority in terms of absolute numbers. Chances are that most of your family and friends haven’t taken the plunge.
So why not? Why don’t your friends Twitter?
Please take 30 seconds to take the poll below. Once it is complete, I will post the results, along with my response to each objection. Hopefully, this will help you convince your friends to give Twitter a try.
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Definitely buggy. If you want to post, you must register. The guest features and Open ID do not work. When I was posting, it kept jumping up to the beginning of the post, and even when I scrolled back down, it would jump right back up (I just got IE8, so it may not be playing well with it).
I'm one of the people not on Twitter, and it's by choice. I have two reasons. One is time. Bluntly put, it's something that could easily turn into a huge time waster. I'm working on a novel, trying to get it finished, and there are far too many things that give the impression of productivity but really aren't. What part of my book wouldn't I write today because I took time out to do Twitter? The other reason is privacy. People give away WAY too much information online. I've seen people talk online about the drugs they're taking (and we're not talking aspirin). The more opportunities to write about themselves, the more likely people are to give away stuff about themselves. I'm on Linked in for my writing organization, and the profile requires me to fill an employer and an occupation. While I want to participate with my organization, my employer and occuation is not the world's business. I had to put not disclosed for both of those.
http://intensedebate.com/people/michaelhyatt Michael Hyatt
Linda, I think it takes less time that you think. I blogged about that specific issue here.
With regard to privacy, obviously you have to be smart. Just like anywhere else–your Twitter, your Facebook page, your blog, or the bio on your novel–you can control what gets out there.
Finally, as an author, you will be a lot more successful if you build a "tribe." It has never been easier than now. I explain how in a series of articles on my blog. I suggesting starting here. Thanks.
http://intensedebate.com/people/DGShrock DGShrock
Two other responses I've heard: hate using computers/gadgets and prefer oral communication. Like most anything, benefits from Twitter come after taking an initial period of exploration. I've found interesting discussions and sharing including #followreader and #fridayreads. Something I didn't expect to find was a mini-magazine like @tweetthemeat or @Nanoism. Your post on managing Twitter followers really helps the new users from becoming overwhelmed.
http://www.blomerus.org Marysol
Feedback on your poll: Thanks for making it a quick one that doesn't involve tons of different pages!
http://www.sheriyates.blogspot.com sheriyates
Love your site. I have never actually visited it before, but the layout is easy and organized.
Great poll.
http://intensedebate.com/people/michaelhyatt Michael Hyatt
You left out one answer that came to me on first seeing the question…
They think it's stupid!
Kaylee kay
Count me as one of those who thinks it's stupid. If fact I'm only reading this blog instead of the novel I want to read because I'm taking a class on social networking and this blog came up in a link. What a waste of my time!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=647417651 Eric S. Mueller
I agree with Grace and others. Most people that I know don't use Twitter because they think it is stupid or pointless. I can't get my wife to use it at all, but she will read my feed once it's scooped to Facebook.
http://www.korywells.com Kory Wells
Michael, I've just begun to experiment with twitter, in part because of your enthusiasm for it, but I'd like your thoughts on effective twittering if you have 2 or more sets of very different "friends." I'm a vendor to the insurance industry for my "real" job, but also a creative writer. Seems like the things I would twitter about for one group would bore the other group to death, and vice versa…
http://matdonna.shawwebspace.ca Donna Farley
Did you write 'friend's' instead of 'friends' on purpose? :-)
These are the amazing people who help moderate my comments and provide leadership to our growing community.
MICHELE CUSHATT is a communicator and storyteller whose speaking experience includes Women of Faith, Focus on the Family, and Compassion International. As emcee and communication coach, Michele is in her sixth year on staff at Dynamic Communicators International. She lives in Colorado with her husband Troy and three teenage sons. You can connect with Michele on her blog, Facebook, or Twitter.
BARRY HILL, JR. is a storyteller, blogger, speaker, barista, and is in his fifteenth year of full-time ministry to teens and their families. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Rachel, and their six children—“the circus.” You can usually find Barry where fresh coffee and good ideas are brewing. To join in the conversation, drop by his blog, The Ordained Barista, visit him on Facebook, or follow him on Twitter.
JOE LALONDE is a husband, explorer, challenger, and an adrenaline junkie. He has served as a youth leader for E3 Ministries for over 10 years. He is usually found wandering the woods, enjoying the company of his wife, or running the trails. Joe enjoys helping others expand their influence and leadership skills. You can connect with Joe at his blog or Twitter.
RACHEL LANCE is originally from Alaska but now lives in a Chicago suburb with her husband and daughter. She works in technology and communications for the Willow Creek Association. She holds a degree in information management and is working on her Master’s in Library Science. Given the gift of time, top on her list would be a long bike ride, a great novel, and a farmer’s market dinner. Follow her on Twitter.
JIM MARTIN is the minister of Crestview Church of Christ in Waco, Texas, where he has served since 1994. He also leads a mentoring group, primarily composed of younger Christian leaders, and serves as a Mentoring Partner for MentorNetwork Ministry. He and his wife, Charlotte, have been married for 33 years. Read his blog, A Place for the God-Hungry, and follow him on Twitter.
TIM PETERS is the Co-Founder of Resolute Creative, a digital marketing group. He loves seeing organizations of all sizes come alive when they identify the best digital solutions to advance their cause. Tim enjoys working out, running marathons, playing golf and spending time with his wife and three kids. Connect with him on his blog, follow him Twitter or connect with him via LinkedIn.
JASON STAMBAUGH is a husband, father, former fat kid, accidental techie, and founder of Wevival and Shop My Church. Jason also blogs at Heart Your Church about church ministry in the social media era. When he’s not helping customers, or working on his latest project, you will find him hanging with his family, reading, learning to code, cooking, hobby farming, and exercising. Connect with him on Twitter and Google +.
JEREMY STATTON is an orthopedic surgeon in Louisville, KY. Although he enjoys writing, reading, and running, his first love is his wife and four kids. His family is currently in the process of adopting a son from China. He is also the author of Grace Is: A Practical Guide to God’s Love. He is an avid blogger at JeremyStatton.com focusing on helping others live a better story. Follow him on Twitter.
JOHN TILLER is an inspirational speaker and writer. He travels with his family to churches, conferences, and other events sharing their remarkable survival story. He enjoys real estate investing, serving at his home church, watching NFL and NASCAR, improving his 10K time, and hanging out with his family at their Powhatan, Virginia home. Connect with John via blog, Facebook, or Twitter.
JUSTIN WISE is the social strategist for Monk Development, builders of Ekklesia 360. A proud husband and dad, Justin and his family live in Des Moines, Iowa. When not running, reading, or cooking, find him blogging at JustinWise.net, online at Justin.am, or on Twitter.
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