Like all social networking and Internet distractions, keeping up with Twitter eats into work time yet is an often valuable tool. I only access it from my computer (no Internet access on phone) and it can seem overwhelming at times. But I've met some lovely people there and it's a great place to hear what's happening in the writing world, if you can ignore the amount of self-promotion some writers do.
If anyone wants to dive in and have a go, you might like to follow some of the links on the Bookbaby Blog and tips on Indie Author News first.
The best idea is to sign up and see what it's all about. You'll never keep up with everyone but lots of interesting information, competitions and publishing news wings its way around Twitter. Something every blogger could do right away (without being on the sites yourself) is to add the social networking button to your blog (includes Facebook, twitter etc in a row). This allows others to tweet and FB your blog post straight from the page.
Good luck! My Twitter handle is @rosemarygemmell if you want to find me there.
Rosemary
12 comments:
I've been avoiding both Twitter and Facebook for the reasons you've mentioned e.g. timewasting. To be honest I don't understand twitter as I've never done it. A teensy little part of me is interested to find out but I don't like the idea of getting swept up in it all. So if I put the twitter button on my blog,(not being on it) Rosemary, and you clicked it - what then happens?
Hi Wendy - I understand your reluctance to begin! Must admit, it took me a while to get back to everything after the holiday.
What I meant was the little line of social media buttons you can see at the end of my post: mgtf. You can add this to your own blog the saem way you add other gadgets. It then allows readers to click on the 't' for instance and we can tweet your blog post for you, click on the 'f' to mention it on Facebook! Hope that makes sense.
How much I agree with this, Rosemary. It is a valuable tool but you have to use it wisely. Too many people seem to do nothing but promote their work in tweet after tweet and after a time it becomes very off-putting!
Some people are on there a lot! But you do learn some interesting things, and it's a great way to reach out.
I agree with you and can end up wasting far too much time on Twitter and Facebook. It can be fun, too much fun sometimes though.
It takes a while to get your head around Twitter, but I have 'met' lovely people, spotted opportunities I would have missed and find it a good way for someone working at home to get their fix of 'water-cooler moments'. 8-)
I absolutely agree about the constant, off-putting promotion, Myra - a happy balance is required!
Definitely agree with the learning aspect, Kathy - thanks for commenting!
It's that balance thing again, Debs!
Thnaks for commenting, broken biro - I think you sum it up perfectly!
I've been put off joining Twitter because of all those symbols and abbreviations people use - it looks like I'll have to learn a foreign language before I can join in! But, looking back, I suppose I was just as mystified when I started blogging, understanding how e-mails work etc. etc. Steep learning curves do provide good exercise for ageing brains!
I thought it would seem a bit cheeky putting those social networking buttons on my blogs if I don't use them myself but perhaps I'll give it a try.
Hi Linda - don't worry, you soon get the hang of it. The hashtag is probably the only one you need to use so your tweet gets to the right audience.
It's good to have the social networking symbols on all blogs. If I see a good blog post that should be shared, it's much easier for me to click on the relevant button on the blog and it will go straight to FB or twitter.
I don't use twitter well or often but it does have uses.
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