Tuesday 7 June 2011

Twitter Newbie!

Well, I've finally jumped into another part of the 21st century social networking revolution and joined Twitter! I really did hold off as long as I could, determined not to add another time-wasting activity to my day, another one that would keep me away from writing.

However... the more I've been reading about all the authors who are now connecting this way, the more I began to feel left out. Since many of the RNA members are already onboard, as well as some of my writing friends, I knew I'd find enough people to follow who might begin to follow me. So I took the plunge yesterday - and was overwhelmed with all these tweets I started getting! But it was mainly from the people I knew, and who I was now following.

It's interesting so far. I have no idea yet how to make the most of it, but I'll learn as I go, especially when I have a couple of good friends to advise me on the way. One thing I do like is the fact you can't write any more than 140 character messages - I enjoy being that concise, although it's also a challenge. The first thing I did was to download the free Tweet Deck for the desktop, as that will organise the tweets in the way you want them and it does help.

So, I'll keep you posted as to how it goes and report back if it's really worth it. Meantime, if anyone wants to follow me I'm @RosemaryGemmell - and please let me know yours if you're way ahead of me!

Rosemary

16 comments:

Frances Garrood said...

I'm still holding out, as I waste more than enough time as it is. But I'll be interested to know how you get on. Do you use computer or mobile?

Karen said...

I joined too as everyone said I should, but don't tweet very often. It's like going to a party that's already started and I stand at the back feeling shy!

Bill Kirton said...

When you do find out how to make the most of it (without it burning up too much time - as you say), I hope you'll share it with us.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Frances - I think you can spend as much or as little time as you like on it (hopefully). I'm using the computer only.

Hello Karen - I know exactly what you mean! But I'm going to try and tweet regularly - if I can think of something useful to say.

Hi Bill - I certainly will, if I ever work it out. But I have a few surprise followers already that I didn't expect so hopefully it will be worth it.!

Diana said...

Welcome to the dark side (insert evil accent). I don't play around with twitter too much, but it is great to promote your blog posts. There is a site called hootsuite that you can schedule future twitter posts. Good luck and I will go follow you on twitter. ;)

Joanna said...

I keep thinking I should join, but I'm still hesitating. It is a very positive activity for writers, but I'm frightened it will take up too much time.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Diana - It's good to see other people who're already there! Not sure how much I'll use it yet but I'm still finding my way. Will go and follow you now.

Hi Joanna - I was exactly the same as you and it was the fear of another time-wasting activity that held me back (as if I don't have enough of those already!). But after seeing what a positive effect it had on a friend's kindle release and her subsequent writing activities/following, I reckoned it was time to leap! It looks as though you can participate as much or as little as you like. But I'll report back next month with an update on what I think about it!

Talli Roland said...

Yay for Twitter! Hope you have fun on there - I love it.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Talli - I'm enjoying it already!

K.C. Woolf said...

Welcome to the Dark Side! :-)

I've tried TweetDeck but it stressed me out. I'm using HootSuite now, which feels less cluttered, so I get a better overview of the hundreds of things that are all going on at once. :-)

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi K.C. - I know it's going to be more thing to to keep me off my writing! Might have a look at HootSuite, although I only have 4 columns set up on TweetDeck and it seems fine so far.

penandpaints said...

I hope the tweeting goes well, I'm still staying away for now anyway...
I was just reading about your tap dancing debut, fabulous! well done, that must have felt good. I admire your bravery!
I love dancing too but I don't let anyone see me (except my daughter who's just too sweet to tell me I look ridiculous).

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi penandpaints - Thanks for leaving a comment. I know what you mean about dancing in public, but the music just carried me along - and at least I wasn't on my own or I'd have been too stagestruck I think!

Diane Fordham said...

Hi Rosemary, I have been wondering about this Twitter thingy - please do keep me informed. I am very 'challenged' when it comes to this sort of thing. Is it kind of like Facebook? (no laughing please). I must look into it! Thank you for the post x

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Diane - I know how you feel. I took ages to jump in and I still have alot to learn about it. But already I can see some advantages.

Facebook is good for longer messages but twitter is for short snatches of up to only 140 characters so it's much more snappy and immediate. I've found it's easier to handle if you download the free TwetDeck on to your desktop. Will report back with my thoughts in a week or two.

Melanie said...

Following you on Twitter. I'm new to it too so getting used to it, too.