Twitter has turned the corner and become Facebook: a space for people trying to get your attention -- for whatever reason.
I get notified of new followers on a daily basis and when I go check them out, they’re following 2000+, their tweets are in Spanish and all they have to say is check out this URL
.
Twitter is one of the few single click social networks -- with one click you’re following someone. That doesn’t mean they’re following you, but they will get a notification that you’re following them. And chances are they’ll click through to see your Twitter profile.
Twitters are – I believe – an ADHD lot; friendly to many and willing to click on anything. Twitter-quette has been to greet and follow your followers.
That’s going to change fast. The influs of people following 2000, 3000 or even 5000 Twitterers isn’t interested in being part of a community. S/he wants a one-way relationship -- look at me.
S/he sure doesn’t want to play Bingo with Ze Frank.
I’m not following someone like that; someone who doesn’t care about my end of the conversation.
On the other hand, if s/he play Color Wars, post funny Tweets, @me once in a while and direct me to interesting web content, I will become a follower.
Is it different when I use Twitter for storytelling? I hope I can make it different. I hope I am learning something here: no mass followings, as tempting as it is. Instead, let them come to you.
My characters have been and will continue to be active community members. They talk one on one with their followers, look at their blogs and take an interest in their lives. Sure they are fictional but they're still members of the community and understand the importance of participating.
And they have the added bonus of bring story to the environment.
