Twitter is a most unmodern of phenomena. It doesn’t work instantly.
To ‘get’ Twitter you need to stick it with while: more than a few days, and quite possibly more than a few weeks.
You might even find yourself leaving it for a while in frustration and coming back to give it one last go (I know that’s how I did it).
To ‘get’ it you need to believe that users aren’t just saying it’s worth persisting as an ‘in’ thing – but because persistence really does pay off. And perhaps just a bit of Twitter tenacity.
I’m sure there are business benefits of being on Twitter and you’ll find plenty of articles on the web as to why, and how. But for me the real benefit of sticking with Twitter is the people you get to know from spending time there.
You can see some of the people I’ve got to know in the mosaic below:
People I’ve got to know through their messages in 140 characters about things they’re working on, worried about, cooking for dinner, planning for their holidays. It might sound inane (yes, until you try it). But in the strangest and most unexpected of ways we start to get to know each other in these micro-blogged messages, 140 characters at a time.
We get to know how people think, and worry, and celebrate, and learn. We learn about senses of humour, and the way a mind works. We learn recipes, and things people enjoy eating, and what the weather is like on the other side of the world. We learn about things that are different, and things that bind us together, across the oceans.
We learn how to make the world smaller, and more human again.
And of course Twitter is not just micro-blogging, but interwoven conversations. Threads of words woven together. Which means getting to know people, over days, and weeks till they become more than just followers, or fans, but friends.
People you care about, and feel proud of, and worried about, and happy for. People who will irritate you, and amuse you, and make you cry. People who will watch out for you, and cheer when things go well, and find the words (yes, even in 140 characters) to help you pick up the pieces when things go awry.
That’s why it takes time to ‘get’. You’re not just connecting with people you already know: you’re forging new relationships with people you don’t. That takes time. It takes patience.
It means making an investment: and then reaping the rewards.
—–
This is a contribution to a group writing project that is being run by my good blogging and Twitter friend @alina_popescu. The topic is the ROI (return on investment) of investing in relationships through blogging. I’m bending the rules by writing about microblogging 
You’ll find out more including how to take part and the prizes that are on offer at this launch post.
PS if you want to follow me on Twitter you’ll find me @joannayoung
The Twitter mosaic is created by @walter. You can Get your twitter mosaic here.
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I first set up my Twitter acount, oooh, ages ago, a couple of years maybe. I used it very briefly and then gave up. And you’re right, because I didn’t get an immediate payback, I assumed it to be a pointless fad.
However, when I set up Write for Your Life in December, I decided to give it another go. I figured with something to talk about and promote, I might get more benefit. And I have – the blog is doing okay and I’ve had plenty of visitors arrive via Twitter.
However, what I’ve also got is a great network of people who are always happy to help and offer advice (and me vice versa). I didn’t expect that at all. It’s great.
I have plenty of ‘real life’ friends, but hardly any of them are writers. Twitter, all be it in a cyber-fashion, has introduced me to new people who have a shared passion. And that’s fantastic.
Iain Broomes last blog post..What do you keep in your writer’s tool belt?
This is a great description of Twitter. I remember how weird it was to start, and then how it just seemed to unfold naturally from about October last year.
It’s like a bar cum cocktail party cum networking gathering with no pressure either way.
The thing I like most about Twitter, that makes it so different from other online communication media, is the code of behaviour. In a sense it’s really old fashioned, but the demand that you show up authentically, that you don’t auto-DM people, that you don’t spam people, that all the conversations are public so you avoid the horrible stalky followers so easily.
I think I find that also the most interesting aspect of Twitter. The standard of behaviour and mutual treatment is exceptionally high, probably because it’s so much easier and more acceptable to snub those who break the unwritten rules.
It’s definitely the first place in a long time where I’ve felt entirely safe just being me online.
Joely Black (@TheCharmQuark on Twitter)s last blog post..This whole writing thing that I do
Joanna – I’m speechless, which as you know, is a rarity!
This post captures everything I love best about twitter and find so hard to articulate to twitter skeptics. Well done!
Amy
xx
PS I’ll always be grateful to Twitter for leading me to you.
amypalkos last blog post..Announcement – Shop!
fab – twitter even allowed me to help me come out as a trainspotter !
And I’ve got some useful leads for mac fixing today !
And a friend of mine sold a picture in 3o mins after mentioning it on twitter.
You are right though its long term creating of relationships kind of thing. Much nicer that Facebook because you meet new people.
creativevoyages last blog post..holding space between
Hi Joanna, You were quick to recognize the connective power of Twitter – thanks for showing me the ropes. It does take time to develop relationships, but I can only echo your point that these short bursts of words do somehow, magically bring people together in a surprisingly intimate way. Don’t understand it, but I sure like it!
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Silly Sales Wordplay – Invest versus Spend
My favorite part of what you write:
“People you care about, and feel proud of, and worried about, and happy for. People who will irritate you, and amuse you, and make you cry. People who will watch out for you, and cheer when things go well, and find the words (yes, even in 140 characters) to help you pick up the pieces when things go awry.”
That’s one of the things I love about it too.
Data points, Barbara
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coachs last blog post..Must-have HIGH payout alternative to Google Adsense
It’s interesting how many of those faces I recognized from avatars on MyBlogLog, Twitter, and reading blog comments. Who says the internet is anonymous and impersonal? It just doesn’t seem to be that true.
Terrys last blog post..The Nagging Little Critic and the Cherokee Wolf Legend
“We learn how to make the world smaller, and more human again.” Joanna, this line is such a lovely summation of Twitter. You precisely hit on why so many don’t see the point – it takes time to forge new relationships. I think people come with the expectation of instant results even if they’re not sure which results. Building relationships whether in office cubes or 140 characters does indeed take time and patience, but I agree that it’s definitely worth the effort!
That’s how I’ve gotten into Twitter, too. At first I was frustrated and left it, then with your help along with Brad Shorr and Barb Swafford I’ve found my way again. The Tweet Deck is the answer for me. It makes it much more fun to Tweet. I still have a hard time seeing how you can follow 1000s of people, though. I’ve only got a couple hundred now, but I’m sure I’ll get there. I need to understand the favorite thing a little better. I’ve actually been Tweeting more than Facebooking lately!
My family does find the little Tweet sound from the Tweet Deck annoying, but I love it. I do have to refrain from running to my computer in the middle of making dinner just to see who’s saying what, though.
Debbie Yosts last blog post..Special Exposure Wednesday – Sweaters
I must confess I have never tried Twitter, and was kind of refusing to give it a go , thinking I spend way too much time on my computer as it is. Maybe I should re-think this. So do you think it would be helpful if I’m starting a new business–not just for the contacts, but for getting answers or new insights to sticky problems, things that pop up and I have no experience in handling? That can all happen on Twitter?
Bos last blog post..Rusted Spokes–and a Different Way of Seeing
WOW! That is an interesting way to look at twitter, Joanna. I agree with you that one can daily meet with lot of interesting personalities and listen to and participate in enjoyable conversations and also fully depend upon for instant information.
Thank you for sharing.
Meghnas last blog post..A Record Fail!
Joanna, your bending the rules resulted in a great entry! I’m so glad you’re part of this project! Thanks you!
Alina Popescus last blog post..Keep the promise you make in the subject line
Hi Joanna,
You’ve certainly stuck with it with over 10,000 tweets!
I wholeheartedly agree that Twitter offers a unique opportunity to get to know a wide and diverse group of people. Twitter allows us to cross boundaries of race, religion, age, and many others.
What I really love about Twitter is the variety of all the “conversations” – I’ve learned a lot!
John
John Taylors last blog post..Are You Stuck With A Limited Audience?
Iain I just didn’t get it all to begin with, but I’m so glad I’ve stuck with it. As you say, it’s v. good for networking – in quite a silly and frivolous way
Joely, it is hard to pinpoint isn’t it? I recognise the bar cum networking gathering that you describe… but like you say it’s better than that, because I’d pretty much feel awkward somewhere like that in real life, but not on Twitter. Maybe it is the old-fashioned values. And also the fact you can control your own experience to such a high degree – which is quite modern, but with an old fashioned value base (taking responsibility).
I’m very glad you feel you can be yourself there
Amy rendering you speechless – I think that’s a first for me! My Twitter experience is very much wrapped up in my friendship with you – I’ve got to know so many great people through following your conversations, and always have so much more fun when you’re around too. Plus, like you say, it’s given us the chance to be ‘real’ friends in the ‘real’ world too, which is a blessing indeed
creativevoyage I think I missed that gem! It is a great way to sort all kinds of weird and wonderful things, from ideas, to technical solutions, to places to stay, to recipes… That’s part of what friends do automatically in real life or in a workplace – it’s entertaining to listen in to and also a good way to keep consolidating those relationships. FB feels much more static to me – though I have to confess I’ve never really invested much time in it.
Brad I don’t really understand it either, but I feel it, hear it, see it… and love it! I’m glad you’re there too – it’s a good way to keep in touch on an informal level I think
Barbara glad you liked that bit. Thanks for being one of my earliest and best Twitter buddies
Terry I think my internet world is more real than my real world! I can be myself more… connect with a wider group of people who ‘get’ me, and who I value greatly. I think the combination of twitter & blogging is v powerful – we learn a lot about each other from the longer posts & ideas that are shared, with twitter being more immediate, and informal. Definitely far from impersonal
Karen it does take time, and a commitment to sticking with it – and a belief that one day you’ll ‘get’ what other people are going on about. Anyone jumping in for a quick win will be disappointed though – esp with the emphasis on old fashioned values as Joely mentions below
Debbie I’m glad you’ve stuck with it. Tweetdeck transformed my experience too. When my numbers started to swamp me I added groups and that helps. I find I keep on hitting peaks – and thinking I can’t add any more… then your brain seems to adjust, it plateaus out and you can keep adding on again. That being said, we all have different limits and preferences. Making it work for you is key.
PS I’m lucky, living on my own I’ve no-one to witness how I cook, eat and tweet!
Bo well, it’s an individual call, but yes, people use it all the time to get feedback, ask questions, see if anyone can help. People also enjoy giving help back the way. I’m not going to say definitely try it, but yes, all of that can happen on Twitter.
Meghna glad you liked it – I love chatting to you on Twitter, how on earth would that otherwise have happened?!
Alina well thanks for organising the competition, and for being such a good friend on Twitter
John, it’s opened my mind to so many ideas and resources too, as well as people. I do love Twitter – though not entirely sure I should make too much of 10000 tweets!
Hi Joanna,
I must confess that I had heard of Twitter but had not signed up because of the many negatives that I heard about Twitter. Now I am so glad that I followed my heart and signed up. My ROI is the many friends I am now making.
Regards
David
David Atkinsons last blog post..If You Ask Me…
Hi Joanna – I love your Twitter mosaic. And you know lots of folk that I know on there too.
As you say – Twitter is definitely an investment. It can be really confusing at first but it’s worth persevering with. I have been away from Twitter, as I have most other things this year. But I’m beginning to miss it now and I’m sure I’ll be back on there by the weekend.
Hi Joanna,
Well, I for one am very happy you were *tenacious* enough to stick with it. I love seeing your tweets. While I didn’t get Twitter at first, I find that I can’t go a day without checking in and seeing what is up with my community. Most days, I’m on Twitter the entire workday. I think it was last Sunday when at the end of the day I realized I had tweeted nearly 100 tweets! Yikes, what a blabbermouth
Cheers!
George
Tumblemooses last blog post..Harriet Tubman keeps my writing going
I am very grateful for Twitter actually because it allows me to connect to people in a non-blog way. I can have interactions with people that are purely social while still working. Since I work at home and spend my days totally alone, this social interaction is important to keep me sane yet doesn’t cut too much time out of my day like meeting a local friend for coffee or going to the gym and getting to know people there.
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndromes last blog post..Accepting personal responsibility for our fulfillment in life
Joanna,
You’ve almost convinced me to give Twitter a try.
Lillie Ammanns last blog post..The Premio Dardos Award
Joanna,
I think the most important thing regarding Twitter is: it is just a tool and its worth depends on the way it is used. For me it is the tool of keeping up with people, in addition to reading their blogs and commenting (and often it is the other way round: I follow someone on Twitter and get to know his or her blog). Of course it sometimes seduces me to leave my daily work tasks – but that danger lurks everywhere, doesn’t it?
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..Once upon a Time There was a Station
Joanna, one of the most powerful things about Twitter for me, which is an element of what makes it so personal, is the way that tweets from certain people can remind you of the person you are/want to be. I’d love your thoughts on this idea…www.AuthenticOrganizations.com and I’ve love to know if this same dynamic holds true for other people.
c
CV Harquails last blog post..Tweet Yourself Like the Person You Want to Be
I am still so new at twitter, still fairly close to the shore, but paddling out… I think it is the best thing ever… so many wonderful possibilities…and so many incredibly fun, and smart and vibrant people. Huge hugs to the familiar faces here and to those of you that I am just getting to know. I think it CAN bring out the best in us, and help us to bring out the best in others.
I am not as great with a keyboard as I am with a brush, but I am right there with you thinking ” oh the places we can go.”
Lovely, lovely thoughts here Joanna.
Janice Cartiers last blog post..Room To Play
What an inspiring post to be persistent and really give new tools a try. One thing that can help make the transition is to realize when you push your brain like this to share ideas in 140 words or less, you do yourself a favor. This worldwide community teaches us so much daily! Thanks for a wonderful challenge.
Robyn McMasters last blog post..Say Congrats to Ellen Weber – New USA Citizen
David I’m glad you’re enjoying it. I think it’ll be a great help to you in finding the network and support to grow and develop your blog in the early days
Cath the mosaic is a lovely way to show all your friends in one place, isn’t it? It is very confusing at the beginning – all I can say is that I think it’s worth sticking with, in ways you can’t begin to anticipate at the start. I can well understand why you’ve been away… do just ease yourself back into things gently won’t you? And take good care of yourself.
George I’ve had to keep away the last few days as I’ve been travelling & working on other things… and I do miss you all. I think 100 tweets would be easy to do – the last evening I was on I was chirruping away like a crazy thing! It is so much fun though, and a lovely way to keep up with you all
Alex I’d say that’s quite similar to the way I like to use it – I think I’m a lot more frivolous on twitter, and there are no expectations other than fun, and friendship. Actually, I tend to dislike things that are labelled ‘fun’ but I really do find Twitter fun, and funny. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better there.
Lillie well, it can’t do any harm to try, can it? If you don’t like it you can just sneak off again. We won’t mind. On the other hand, you will find a lot of friends there who’ll be happy to help & show you the ropes when you get started
Ulla I think the seduction to leave daily work tasks is very important
I love the way you reach out and make connections on Twitter… including the hand of friendship to me.
CV thanks for adding that thought, and sharing the link to your post. I’m not sure – it doesn’t immediately connect with me, but maybe it is a dimension of what I value about Twitter, and why I love it so. Will keep thinking about it
Jan I’m glad you decided to jump in Janice – you have a lovely way with words and a big heart… which seems to make you a twitter natural
As Joely said, it’s a modern medium that repays old fashioned virtues.
Robyn I really do feel like tweeting gives my brain a bit of a workout – I love the short bursts of rapid fire conversation, following lots of different threads… and seeing others doing the same. There’s an art in managing your time and input (as it doesn’t really allow you to do too much else at the same time…. but it can be a great way to have fun, get a break from something you’re stuck on, smile, enjoy companionship… and I’m sure all of that is good brain fuel
It’s been fun watching you and Ellen interacting on Twitter – I get the impression you enjoy it, and that it’s maybe been more rewarding than you were anticipating?
I truly enjoy Twitter and narrowing a whole topic to one thoughtful statement, but I love the meat and challenge of a blog because then I can provide illustrations and more depth.
There is so much to managing one’s time well that it is a real art – sort of a dance.
Sometimes Twittering feels like a quick dance with many different people. But, I get to know them more through the blogs.
Both are definitely needed. I’m going to Tweet this because you’ve hit the mark on this one!
Robyn McMasters last blog post..Say Congrats to Ellen Weber – New USA Citizen
I would agree with you Joanna. It’s all about the PEOPLE you can connect with. Glad to have connected with you.
Tweet tweet!
Phil Gerbyshaks last blog post..Dream Manager
I’m glad that you posted about this. I discovered Twitter in its early days and didn’t have any interest in it. Then I got on the Twitter bandwagon because it seemed like something that needed to be done. I didn’t like it and left. I’ve recently come back and am starting to work on feeling more positive about its use. Inspiring posts like this one really help!
Kathryns last blog post..Trying Out Article-Writing Site Bukisa
I’m new to Twitter. I like that it’s not static. A regular blog or Facebook consists of messaging or commenting then a delayed response. That can occur on Twitter too, but it’s also a flowing conversation.
The other interesting thing is that their is cross niche conversations. A person focused on writing might find themselves chatting about environmental issues, travel, or philosophy. All is possible depending on who you follow and vice versa.
Gennaros last blog post..20 Travel Tips From Our Commenters
Frankly, although I have a Twitter account, but I must admit that I’m not a big fan of Twitter, Joanna. I rarely login to my Twitter. Maybe I have to change my perspective, after I read your article!
wilsons last blog post..Color will affect Your Children’s Health!
Hi Joanna – I just didn’t “get” Twitter for the longest time, even though I had heard lots of good stuff about it. Now that I’m tweeting, I’m loving it more everyday. I can not only meet new bloggers, but am kept abreast of when someone has a new post.
My biggest problem is I find so much great stuff to read, I don’t have that time to visit other blogs. If only I could do it all.
I also love seeing you come onto Twitter. You’re arriving just about the time I’m going to bed. Like clockwork.
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..Avatar Honesty
Robyn, I think that blogging and tweeting are a great complement to each other too. I love the point about managing time being like a dance… hmmm, blogworthy that don’t you think?
Phil hi, nice to see you! Definitely, twitter more than anything is about the people you get to know, in all their wonderful diversity. It always makes me feel better about the human condition to catch up with friends there
Kathryn I don’t think it’s worth doing it because you ’should’… but really worth trying because you might really enjoy it! Please do look me up and say hello if you do go back and spend some more time there
Gennaro, I think that flow is part of what makes it so engaging… and addictive. It’s real time conversation, and connection. Good point about the cross niche conversation – I certainly feel a lot freer to talk about all the things that I’m interested in than I would when I’m writing here. I’m glad youi’re enjoying it
Wilson if you’re going to give it a try you need to log in for a wee while, and follow enough people to get a feel for it. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea I know… but definitely worth experimenting with
Barbara so glad you decided to give it a go! Have you tried reading links from twitter and *not* your feed for a while so you’re reading an alternative fare rather than always adding on? A friend did that a while back and really enjoyed it. I’m glad you’re up late enough for us to catch each other. I have to confess I don’t tend to start as early as a lot of twitterholics!
Hi, Joanna,
Love this post! I shared it on Twitter and one of my friends found it helpful for a “newbie” as he put it. How did you get your mosaic to post here? I tried copying the code, but when I “publish” it shows up as the code. TIA.
Linda704s last blog post..Weekly Web Wanderings (weekly)
Joanna, I figured it out w/ a little help from @cristama. Thanks for the inspiration.
Linda704s last blog post..My Twitter Mosaic
You have stated the value of Twitter so well. At first Twitter is a bit like going to a party where you don’t know anyone. Once you start to mingle and express interest in others, you’ll find it to be a very friendly place.
Susan/Together We Flourishs last blog post..North Hills Youth Ministry Needs Volunteers to Tutor
Linda the mosaics are wonderful aren’t they? Glad you found a way to post it, because I had no idea! I just cut and pasted it in. Hope the meme goes well
Susan thank you – I don’t find it an easy thing to try and explain at all. I guess it is like a party, though I’d never manage to talk to so many people in ‘real’ life! As well as the benefit of connecting with people with similar interests theres’ also the fact that people who are drawn to Twitter do seem to be particularly helpful and friendly. Which makes it a wonderfully easy place to chat, muse, and connect.
Hope to see you there some time.
I remember when I first looked at twitter and thought, “Who cares what I am doing right now unless I’m giving away goodies.” But like blogging, I knew nothing will happen unless I do something.
It took a week or so to see how it’s beneficial — even to businesses and freelancers.
It’s the best party I’ve ever attended… no longer do I have to worry about whether I’ll understand someone or think of what to say. All those fears are gone in twitter. They still remain in person, though.
Meryl K. Evanss last blog post..Mommy, Where Do Clients Come From?
Great info about Twitter (and I love the mosaic). I signed up for Twitter about a year and a half ago and it took me almost a year to “get it”. I’m totally hooked now!
Carlas last blog post..Is it too late?
Meryl it’s funny isn’t it, because no-one does care… except all those details about who we are, what we do, where we live, are the things that help to make those meaningful and wonderful connections. As a very shy person I also enjoy losing all those fears in Twitter… even if not (yet) in person
Carla always glad to meet other addicts!
Joanna,
That’s amazing – you certainly have a great number of friends.
It must be a very powerful platform.
Andrews last blog post..Ryanair versus Jason Roe: How not to handle a blogging spat
Andrew, I do, and so many of them feel like just that: friends.
Definitely worth trying some time…
I had dumped Twitter as too many of my ‘followers’ were using it in what I considered a crass way, as a ‘bang you over the head’ marketing tool – endlessly banging on about all the benefits they could bring me. I opened a new account (@groovy_granny) and use it very careful – yes, to find out what Wossy et al are up to, but with the ultimate intention of making authentic connections. What you’ve said here, Joanna, really struck a chord for me. Thank you.
Jan Scotts last blog post..a suitable gift for a boy
Jan, what I love about Twitter is the way you can keep customising your stream so it gives you what you want (which isn’t likely to be bang over the head marketing!). I have made some extraordinarily wonderful connections there, and I hope you do too. Please keep an eye out for those that I’m chatting to on twitter and feel free to connect up with them too – they are kind, funny, generous, interesting people. I’m sure you’d like them.
yes ! just a few days ago I got interested in Altered books so searched for it on Twitter and got a great link to forward to a biz assoicate and also added a few more people to my follow list on an interesting topic. I’ve been doing twitter since Dec and have found far more interesting connections and conversations than even blogging. I’m really looking forward to meeting more tweeters in person in the next year.
Hi
I’m the same. I love blogging, but the flow of ideas and conversation on Twitter is something else. Finding people who are interested in similar ideas / values is also, as you say, a real buzz 
Good post! I found myself trying to explain twitter to someone yesterday, much along the lines you describe. At first I found it inane and banal and then suddenly it clicked. And now I love it.
I tend to view as a room full of virtual colleagues (great when you’re working away on your own). Some people I pass the time of day with, some give me good tips, (and hopefully I return the compliment), and some hav ebecome friends. I have even met up with some of my Twitter women in Edinburgh (I’m Bath based) and am giving a talk to Fife Women in Business on the strength of twitter contacts!
Jane