Twitter Redux

[UPDATE: An alternet.org story on Twitter that's worth considering.]

Ronni so wearied herself – on several levels – writing Sunday’s post that she’s resting now and leaving it to Crabby Old Lady to take up the slack today. But even Crabby can muster only a half-hearted response to Frank Paynter of listics in a comment here, and Betsy Devine at her blog who both tweaked her about her Twitter twitter.

“Whoa!” says Frank. “Twitter has value beyond dim witted presence announcements.”

“Ok, and she’s right, it does sound really stupid. But it’s also fun and rewarding,” says Betsy, “in ways that would be hard to justify to somebody who hasn’t yet moved past the silly part into the wow, amazing! part.”

Far be it from Crabby to pour cold water on the flames of others’ social media joy. Plus, Frank and Betsy are of the ilk that their recommendations should not be given short shrift. But for Crabby, even instant messaging which - in comparison to Twitter’s 140-character limit - is profoundly intellectual, is twitch inducing.

Maybe Crabby Old Lady is just slower than everyone else: her Netflix queue overfloweth, there are 30-odd books on the unread shelf, 10 or 15 emails that require more than a slapdash response, a cat beating up on her for more playtime and a stack of New York Times Book Review sections that date back to Christmas.

Crabby has never got the hang of multi-tasking and perhaps those who are more adept at simultaneous, multiple, communication input are eager so have an additional feed, so if Twitter is your cup of tea – go for it.

Ronni says to remind you that there’s a new entry at The Elder Storytelling Place today.

Comments

[Cowtown Pattie]

I am afraid Twitter gives me gas. Due to a possible obnoxious fumigation in our home, I have valantly decided to forego this little electronic stickerburr, er, invention.

[freya1924]

I came across Twitter from another source and, frankly, it reminded me of Myspace. A blast of light and sound without substance. There's a lot positive to be said for various communication methods, but this isn't one that whispers it's value - rather it shrieks. It's one squeeky wheel I won't be greasing.

[Betsy Devine]

Dearest Ronni, you complimented my ilk? OK, say what you will of Twitter, I for one will be your admirer always.

[Betsy Devine]

Dearest Ronni, you complimented my ilk? OK, say what you will of Twitter, I for one will be your admirer always.

[Cindy]

To each his/her own--I truly believe that. And if other people get something out of it, go for it. But to me it just seems like another fast sound bite. I like the idea of it being actually useful in some way, but what I've seen of the Twitter notes, it seems it would just bore me to death. Why would I care is someone just got a coke out of the fridge?

[Damozel]

What a strange concept. What do they get out of it, I wonder? What's the part that is "amazing"? At any rate, I'm glad to know finally what this Twitter thing is, since I keep stumbling on references to it.

[Teri]

I tried Twitter, and used it a few times. It was a novelty - but does anyone really care what we are doing second by second??? Not me!