and the other out!
For the record, I do have two Twitter accounts, at singlemomseekin and singlemommyhood.
But I’m still not sure if Twitter is just a way to self-promote — or a real way to connect and share. I’d love to know what you think!
When I first glanced at Twitter, I couldn’t figure out why anyone would want to know that you’re hungover, or what kind of latte you’re ordering at Starbuck’s.
Then I noticed that some of the most spiritual folks out there — like Leo Babauta of Zen Habits – praise Twitter. So, I got curious.
“Social scientists have a name for this sort of incessant online contact,” states a New York Times article, “Brave New World of Digital Intimacy.”
They call it “ambient awareness.” It is, they say, very much like being physically near someone and picking up on his mood through the little things he does — body language, sighs, stray comments — out of the corner of your eye.”
“Ambient awareness”? I’d love to hear what Dad’s House thinks about that one. (He claims that Twitter is bad for you.)
But I can see both sides now. That’s because last weekend, I got the chance to see Twitter in action.
My friend Rachel Kramer Bussel visited me during her book tour for the Best Sex Writing 2009 — and for 48 hours, Rachel — who goes by Raquelita on Twitter– Tweeted away.
Not only is Rachel a prolific writer and editor (at Penthouse!), she is the co-founder of Cupcakes Take The Cake, the No. 1 blog for cupcakes on the web.
So Rachel searches for cupcakes wherever she goes — and Tweets about them. People gratefully Tweet right back.
She even Tweeted about washing her hair at my house and eating the best brownies ever (made by Mary Pols, and it’s true!). Her readers seem incredibly grateful for the updates.
Yes, that’s us, aka “Rachel Squared.”
If you’re still reading (that book cover is distracting, isn’t it?), tell us:
Do you Twitter? Why or why not?
Leave your Twitter name, and I’ll follow you!
~~~
Want more about Twitter?
Unless you can prove us wrong, we’ve discovered that Dr. Leah is the first-ever psychologist on Twitter.
She’s also LOVING Twitter! Read all about it here.
 |
Read the book! Single Mom Seeking is a tell-all about how to date and remain a dedicated and involved parent. It’s a spunky, sexy, and moving chronicle of the humor, pitfalls, and rewards of balancing it all — single-mom style. |
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
I have not yet jumped on the twitter bandwagon. Maybe it’s time I check it out!
I discovered Twitter not too long ago and was really curious who used it, and why. Coincidentally, I just posed those questions on my Facebook profile, only to find that most of my fellow FB friends hadn’t even heard of it or otherwise weren’t aware of it. I have a few friends on Twitter so I created an account to try it out, but the verdict is still out on how much I’ll actually use it since I haven’t yet found any useful benefit. It’s more “stranger” interaction than my FB, which I use for “true” friends or at least acquaintances. (I do not befriend people on FB that I don’t know at all.) I can see how Twitter could be a good networking tool and also a good source of information, since there are people on there tweeting about virtually everything under the sun! But for me, FB is just more personal, and as one friend recently stated, more interactive.
Huh, did you say something? Got a link to Amazon? LOL
We just got on Facebook, one step at a time. It is interesting for sure–look at the photo from the Hudson crash–that was a tweet!
It sort of brings instant gratification into a whole new relevancy.
John F´s last blog post…Santa’s A Bum!
I have a Twitter account, @Fortran mainly because I sign up for everything. But I *use* my Twitter account because…uh…not sure really. Probably because I moved a while back and left some friends behind. The easiest way to communicate with them is electronically.
Beyond that, though, there is the fact that I *love* Twitter. Yeah, I have the more-often-than-I-should “eatin’ a sammich’ tweet, but sometimes it’s just to do a sort of mini-blog. And you have to think sometimes to get your thoughts in 140 characters. Plus with SMS/iPhone/*berry integration, you can do it everywhere!
Of course, the real reason is that I MUST use Twitter. The sheer number of @Fortran devotees is almost staggering. If I didn’t there would be riots in the streets, economies would fail (well, more so), rivers of blood…you know, the usual.
Matt T.´s last blog post…Fun with ColorCode 3-D
Twitter is my friend!
We have a very cool SA network of twitters who meet up regularly in their respective cities! So its really an awesome way of networking!
laurakim´s last blog post…Are you a Man-hater?
I do have a twitter account (@lalapoo), but I have no idea what the hell.. with this thing.. I try though.. I twitter along.. sometimes.. and you are right this book cover is too DiSTracTiNG!
Pat´s last blog post…Sibling LOVE…
Thank you for this post. I am yet to engage in twitter and/or wrap my world around, but am definitely slightly intrigued.
Attainingme´s last blog post…Armed
laurakim: Actually meeting in person…now that’s really intriguing. Any romance involved or is the networking strictly business/career?
Dr.Leah http://www.singlemommyhood.com´s last blog post…When Dad is a no show
I love Twitter and use it daily – http://twitter.com/LovCoachRinatta. It’s like having an office conversation while you work. I use it to connect with all the people interested in relationship information and blogging about relationships and dating. But the sheer volume of tweets is at times overwhelming… Book cover…whew…now that’s cover that will sell books.
Love Coach Rinatta´s last blog post…How To Bring a Marriage Back From the Brink of Divorce ~ or a Relationship Back From the Brink of a BreakUp
As you follow me, you all ready know I’m on Twitter.
Are a lot of the tweet inane? Yes. Are a lot of those same tweets utterly hilarious? Again, yes. I can log in right now and talk to a friend from South Africa. The joys of the Internets.
Kendall´s last blog post…25 Things About Me: The Holdout Post
I am! KBN820
I use it to entertain myself, keep in touch with a few friends and log things i want to remember. I signed up for TWITPIX also so that I can post a picture with my comment.
I like updating while I’m working out… it’s not like I can yell out in the gym “Woohoo… 2 miles in 18 minutes!” but I can tell anyone who follows me on Twitter. I also post an occasional cute pic of a child or sometimes smart-aleck remarks about my friends’ updates (they all love me for that
)
I’m on Twitter, username: runningleap
I love it. I’m just a talkative person, normally, and I go crazy in the house all day. Twitter is just a neat way to keep up with friends, and also to get good deals (you can add Banana Republic and other stores and get sales codes and promos).
c´s last blog post…Good Things
I just signed up (@tailgatingtimes). Apparently there are folks out there sharing and looking for recipes and grilling and tailgating tips so I “need” to get out there and reach them. It’s either going to be great or take over my life.
I might also decide to write about marketing, writing, and anything else that jumps into my head. My phone stays in the car when I work out but that’s a whole different topic.
SDMktg´s last blog post…Super Bowl Commercials on YouTube…Vote for your Fav.
That book cover is hot! Damn.
Yes, I think twitter is bad for you when it takes you away from the present moment. And that’s pretty true for most people who tweet.
Life is for living – present, awake, aware.
I do twitter, but not very often, and sometimes just as a joke. http://twitter.com/dadshouseblog
dadshouse´s last blog post…My Teen Daughter is Dating
Thanks, Rachel! Was fabulous to see you. And I’ve become quite addicted to Twitter, but use it to catch up with friends/colleagues, get info (their search function is fabulous for live Tweets on any given topic, for me, cupcakes) and to send out queries for articles. I’m on as @raquelita and my cupcake blog is, yes, @cupcakeblog
Rachel Kramer Bussel´s last blog post…Free Cupcakes At Tonnie’s Minis Today
I don’t know what to make of Twitter yet. I always feel like I am late to the conversation. But I am following you and you can follow me @Frannydink
Strangely enough, I signed up for Twitter after seeing it on your blog! Although apparently my mom is super savvy b/c she had told me about it maybe a year ago.
So far I don’t use it much. I have a myspace account where I update my “status” more frequently. Honestly, maybe my life is just not that exciting!
Anyway, you’ve already added me! I’m under http://www.twitter.com/dailymomsense.
Janet´s last blog post…Here’s to going to bed early.
The one thing I didn’t mention here: Twitter still seems to have lots of “bugs”!
I’ve been trying to follow all of you from both accounts, and it won’t let me… ugh!
Frances, I’m honored!
SDMktg: I’m planning to link to your chili recipe soon!
John F: Did your son win the Facebook bet with you? Inquiring minds want to know.
Kindall: That’s hilarious about the gym Twitter updates. I think?
I’ve signed on to Twitter under TsQuest but I never update it. It seems like a pain when I’ve got enough with blogging and that other social networking site…
Also, I do have to say that I’m jealous. I only just heard about Rachel Kramer Bussel a few weeks ago… you didn’t mention that you knew her personally!
And that she was there at your place too. Hmmm…
Yep, definitely jealous that she got to spend time with YOU.
T´s last blog post…Please?
tweeting @krizbell
just getting into it- offering social media mavenry as a service under the freelancce marketing rockstar umbrella i have been twirling lately- somebody’s gotta feed the kid and get paid to FB- why not???
krizbell´s last blog post…resolve
Unfortunately, I can’t join Twitter for just a little while longer. I’m not allowed to do anything while cool people still like it. But once it does jump the shark, I’ll have to get in there before it becomes cool again in a “retro” sort of way.
I guess it’s just how I was raised.
Jeff Mac´s last blog post…Is She Wasting Her Time Waiting for a Proposal?
i must admit that i JUST got a twitter account and don’t really GET it. i have been told it’s a great way to self-promote and get a message out to the masses. so, i guess when i have something REALLY important to say, i’ll “twitt” until then i think i just remain on the sidelines.
from the desk of…me´s last blog post…My Life Pie
I’ll be the odd man out…I hate twitter.
Signed-up, used for awhile, then dumped it. Never got into it – post the same kind of comments through facebook. If I really have something to say – I blog it…
If someone can convince me there’s anything to it – but really, I’m not sure I want everyone to know what I’m doing ALL the time.
BTW – the Rachel squared pic – how are you still single?!?!
Sorry – but it had to be said.
ian´s last blog post…A Perfect Day! (almost…)
I’m on Twitter (@ptlawmom) – mostly so I can follow MsSingleMama, PunditMom, RedneckMom, RandomEsq and my MILP girls, GoogieBaba and TrannyHead. And T, when she updates.
Great way to update my Facebook status from my Blackberry although I wish I knew how to easily send links from the BB (can’t Tweet from work). I will definitely start following Raquel and get her book. I think I have an older version of that book (2007?) at home with the same or similar cover.
I signed up for twitter a long long time ago — so long ago that I was genuinely surprised when I tried to sign up and it told me I already had an account…
I’ve started using it recently and I’m not sure if I like it or not.
It’s cool watching all the strange things that other people post though. And connecting with people from other blogs in a different way than usual is neat too.
My username is mommy2jl
Nicole´s last blog post…
I’m sold on twitter, and the more delve into it, the more value I get from it. True, there is a huge signal to noise issue if you track your raw twitter stream. Simply download Tweetdeck and group your important friends. I’ve found TONS of great blogs and links by watching Twitter.
Also, Guy Kawasaki says it’s more important than his CELL PHONE.
Lance´s last blog post…10 Twitter Hotties You Should Follow
@dharmamama here! I am so sucky at using Twitter, although I totally see the value of it as a great way to connect with people and get valuable information. That being said, my average tweet is about every two weeks. It’s enough for me to just update my FB page regularly. I guess in my online time “budget,” it keeps getting cut
Hey and congrats on the anthology. Hawt!! I need to get a copy!!
Mama Dharma´s last blog post…Metamorphosis