Talkin’ ‘bout Twitter
Note: interrupting our regular programming here to talk briefly about Twitter. We use social media in service of our greater goal to change the world with bikes and want to hear from our readers on the topic.
- Is blogging obsolete? Will real-time services replace it?
- Is Twitter over-saturated with marketing & business?
- Is the “noise” on Twitter really useless?
- How can microstructure enrich microcommunication?
- How is this all different from chatrooms and instant messenger?
- What’s next for Twitter?
and my take on Twitter follows the challenge Brian Oberkirch laid down at SXSW, which is marketers step up your game.
In other words, I wouldn’t have got on the Cluetrain if I knew the destination was marketing town. What I’m asking now and working through is
“did we change the world with blogs and social media or just open up a massive marketing channel. The Internet Famous and popular blogs didn’t get there by trying to game social media with some bullshit strategy concieved by consulting charlatans. They blogged hard. Worked hard and still do.”
Following the Twitter Conference, it’s onto Web Design World Seattle for more Twitter talk and exploring the Interestingness theme. I’m also writing an article on the Interestingness topic for Peachpit and maybe another book … we’ll see.
In Real Time
Cyclists are as real-time as any Interwebs group and we particpated in the moment during the Tour of California. This month it’s the Giro. This Summer, expect le Tour to become a trending topic, and so on.
I’ve already got the “oh geez, a conference about what?” Egocentrically talking your way into microfame and fortune?” Well, sure that’s part of the landscape, but also I don’t know of any recent technology that’s leapt from insular geeks to the mainstream faster and that’s worthy of more discussion.
Lance helped propel Twitter into the mainstream along with Oprah, et al. At the same time, if I didn’t have the @Bike Hugger persona, doubt I’d spend much time writing 140 character messages. I’ve got work to do, ya know.
Readers?
What does Social Media and Twitter do for you and your bike? Wish you could get real-time commute traffic updates? Wish it would all go away and reached its peak with Sheldon Brown’s website?