Twitter is Stupid
May 8th, 2008 by MarkFolks, twitter is stupid. I’ve spent the last two hours trying to find a single redeeming quality to the service, and I have nothing to report. For those of you who haven’t familiarized yourself with it, two things:
1. Don’t.
2. Watch the video below.
It introduces the concept of twitter as “life happens between blog posts”. Well, yes. It should. But it’s hard for life to actually happen if you’re wasting it watching people’s…twitter feeds (did I say that right?) with such dazzling information as:
“Going to the store.”
“Working on my newsletter.”
“Overslept.”
All I see on twitter is an odd hybrid of a forum and a blog, except nothing meaningful is being said. And I mean nothing. So far as I can tell twitter is something the A List bloggers are promoting as a way to get their groupies to follow them around all day, begging for a shred of acknowledgment with some sort of “@joeshmoe” response to a….tweet (again, am I saying that right?).
Talk about a colossal waste of time. Be warned, there are those that are saying twitter is great for connectivity and getting information in real time. I can’t think of a tool that gives you a lower roi on your time when it comes to networking.
A noteworthy blogger talks about how he loves twitter, but then he disclosed his traffic sources: Google - 42%. Twitter - 1.87%. I think that pretty much tells the story. Go build some links.
Anything you get from twitter you should be getting from your blogging efforts. It’s nothing but a time sucker, and do any of you feel like you have lots of excess time?
Guys, when your content is written and your link-building is done for the day, get outside and get some sun. It’s Spring, and instead of tweeting you should be shutting off your computers and going to hang out with your kids at the park. Or going to spend some time with friends IN PERSON. I’m here to tell you that a good laugh in person with friends is quite a bit more gratifying than any LOL from a twitterer (”twitterer”…brilliant). Phones, emails, and blogs are enough…and maybe too much. Twitter is blogging taken to an unhealthy extreme.
And besides, how can I possibly participate in anything where the primary activity is called “tweeting”?
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May 8th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I think you may get quite a reaction from this post.
I think Twitter is getting really popular because people can feel like close friends when really they have never met.
Maybe I am wrong, but after following a few people for a while you start to get to know them a little better, and a feeling of community is all it takes to make a website very popular these days.
May 8th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Hey, I love my family, my kids, my friends. Enough to not reduce them to a 140 character tweet. My “tweety” is only 3 years old, and I DO shut down the computer, mobile phone, etc. to let him know he is important. Are our lives so busy that we forget to be human? To me that is what “Twitter” artificial communities represent.
Mother’s day is coming. Will you tweet Mom on Twitter, or be real?
Gotta go cuz its time for my tweety to get some real attention
May 8th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Maybe you started to follow the wrong people at the very beginning. That’s why you thought it is not worth spending your time. But I think it is a good way of communication if used properly.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
This is precisely the reason that I don’t use any of the IM programs. I tried a few times when ICQ came out, and it was near impossible to get anything done, because somebody was always sending you a message. Now, it’s even worse, because the bastards have figured out how to spam the IM programs. Honestly, it’s only a matter of time before Twitter becomes a spam swamp as well…
May 8th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
I’m a mild twitter user. I can see some upsides but in general, definitely a HUGE time suck and distraction.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Thank you for this… I never found the appeal in such a website. I mean, those who like to know what John Chow is eating, would love twitter…. but I just never understood it, but I am glad that you don’t like it.
May 9th, 2008 at 8:34 am
I’m a user of the twitter box, but I don’t let it overwhelm the very fabric of my being. I find it a useful tool for engaging local writers and those not so local that may have experiences that I can use.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I totally agree. I tried it for a while and it just sucks.
Who really cares.
I have a cell phone, email, a blog, flickr, facebook. Is there anything that did not make it on those mediums that I REALLY need to know?
Doubtful.
Besides, if they’re really my “friends” then I know what they are doing.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Mark, Thank you. Thank you. You just confirmed what I had been thinking. I thought I was the crazy one. I never go it.
You are right, It is about a bunch of A-listers and their groupies. Who cares what _________ (insert A-lister’s name) is doing at this very moment. I know an A-lister who comments on where he pees when he is in NYC. There are even contests to see who can come up with the best 140 character twitter posts. Get a life.
Note to twitter-addicts - Do as Mark says, go outside and enjoy life.
May 8th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
This post is exactly the reason why Court is my FAVORITE blog (along with Blogger Unleashed). Twitter is a total waste of time. Only someone who has no life would follow people on Twitter.
I have an account and tried to find some value in Twitter. But, just like you said, unless you are one of those bloggers that everyone follows then it is a complete waste of time.
Why would I waste my time reading “New ebook”, “Exclusive webinar”, “I just woke up”, “My toilet is broke”…
Twitter is Trash
May 8th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
lol. I love this post. I love twitter to though. There are some people worth following on twitter. A lot of people post interesting links, information, and breaking news through out the day. A good majority of people do tweet about daily things…like bathroom breaks and pizza. I guess it gets interesting when you meet and find people that actually post interesting things.
May 8th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Thanks for the thoughts and the compliment Scott.
May 8th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Twitter is on the surface vapid, but I this post reads like you avoided finding the value in it. Like anything else on the web, it’s a tool, and if you don’t understand how to use it, all you’ve got is a toy.
Consider this: in the past month alone, via twitter I’ve networked my way into:
1) a DEMO event where I pitched my startup to the right people,
2) Connected into several Social Media circles including scores of interesting & smart PR people who have
3) introduced me to many a VC, and
4) shown me concrete steps, through their network, of getting TechCrunch-ed.
5) I’m never at a loss for fun, off the internet activities which are broadcast frequently,
6) know the news before blogs do,
7) Connect to specific people in a very easy, unobtrusive way
Frankly, it sounds like you want to say “small talk is a waste of time”. So don’t make small take. Get what you want out of it. What did you try to get out of it? Or were you just treating it as a toy, and ’surprised’ to find you had a toy?
- Aaron
May 8th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
A fair and thorough comment Aaron. And thanks for introducing me to the word vapid. I looked it up, and your usage was perfect, but you probably knew that.
May 8th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Wish I had taken a minute to proof my post! Twitter really isn’t just valley girls, but of course that type of user is their in spades. What is your account name Mark? Be interesting to see who you were following.
May 8th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Proof your post? I thought you made your point fine. Anyway, I only looked at one tweet session. It was problogger’s. It was all I could take.
May 9th, 2008 at 6:49 am
Problogger was where I first heard about “twittering for the masses”. I’m glad I didn’t fall into the trap.
I’m also glad you had the guts to point out how un-useful Twitter actually is.
May 8th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
This may be one of the better review of Twitter I have read. I’ve been trying to figure out if it is any use. So far, it’s just a waste of time.
A big waste of time.
May 8th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
I couldn’t agree more. Personally, I’ve been on the fence about the whole Twitter craze, and I’ve struggled to make sense of it. It’s refreshing to know that somebody else is making a rational, very smart decision NOT to use this silly service.
I think I might go Twitter this post right now just for a little irony.
May 8th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
And I wouldn’t know whether to thank you for the plug, or condemn you as a time-waster. It’s a toss up.
May 8th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
LOL. I just haven’t had time to get involved yet. Man the internet has some time suckers. It will be interesting to see if this is just a passing phase or whether twitter ends up becoming like “blogging” - a phase that appears to be here to stay.
May 8th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I have not wasted a minute with Twitter. Except for making this comment that it.
May 8th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
You’ve got the right spirit in your closing. That aught to be a post in itself.
I think Twitter (or similar service) has a better potential than it’s being used right now. Blog promotion is great, but I think the community would be better served by something like this:
Doctors or nurses could “tweet” to other docs or other health care providers if they’re stumped on a case. Type in a cluster of signs or symptoms & see if others around the world have a clue based on their experience. So far I don’t think a service like this is around (could be great in ICU or ER).
The engine behind Twitter does have potential. I just don’t think that potential has been exploited yet. (Twatter might be a better word?)
But I agree with you Mark, it can be very stupid.
May 8th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
I see what you’re saying Phil, and what you’re describing would be great. Doesn’t it already exist, and isn’t it called a forum?
May 9th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
It ABSOLUTELY IS being used like you talk about among professionals, Phil. As other people here have stated, you have to be disciplined about when you look at it, and WHO you follow. Otherwise, you are just sipping other people’s drivel.
Good luck!
May 8th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Mark,
You truly disappointed me with this one.
I was really hoping for a great and honest review of what you thought about Twitter. Not only that, but I was really wanting you and Court to post your Twitter addresses so I can follow you not sending out anything while you are building links.
lmao…nice review…i hate twitter too…life sucker!
May 8th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
I think I read an article in Inc. Magazine a couple months ago about Twitter and the guy who created it. I had the same reaction when I read it. It left me going…”so what?” Why would I want to text message little snippets of my life to create a one sentence blog post? I’m with you Mark. I haven’t researched the service very much, but just from the concept I agree that it seems pretty worthless.
May 8th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
I don’t use twitter yet.
But Vic, mr. anti-twitting himself, found a good use for twitter: he “twit” when he is going live on his ustream channel. Now, that’s useful when you don’t have a regular schedule. He can believe it himself
May 8th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
You got me Steve. The ability to message your readers or audience is in fact a redeeming quality. Good point.
I would say that in the absence of twitter the Vics of the world could find any number of alternatives for sending out the message.
May 8th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Yup you are right buddy I found it amazing that I only found it for one use and that is to notify those that use twhirl with twitter so in reality I use it as an IM to give some sense of schedule for the channel but I could easily use some type of IM for that. I love it when I see a post on how to make tons of cash from twitter it is laughable. Mark my friend I am on your boat a true worthless service that consumes peoples time on crap instead of link building. I am still looking at making a better message system to folks about the channel
May 8th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Vic, the only reason I turned twitter on is to see those notifications that you’ll be going live on your ustream.tv channel.
May 8th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Same same as vinny I just keep a tab open on Vic’s page - so I can check before Igo to bed! Facebook is bad enough - I can’t see how u can be really connected to someone u never met !
May 8th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Ya! Twitter could be a tool, but no one needs to here the nonsense. I guess some people have that burning need to share!
May 8th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Halle-freakin-lujah!!! Twitter is like reverse paparazzi.
May 8th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
I started using twitter to get Vic’s “I’m going live in five minutes” tweets. I have taken the time to add others since I’m on there anyway. I’ve got to say, twitter is poorly positioned. That video Mark linked to is shown on the front page as an explanation of the service. What a sad choice.
I’ve spent some time thinking about how twitter could be used in a way that doesn’t make it a stupid waste of time. I “tweeted” a post I submitted to Blogging Zoom, and someone replied, “That’s the first time I’ve ever had a useful tweet.” So that’s got me thinking I’ll continue to use Twitter in that manner.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Court,
I’ve been reading your blog for a while, and honestly this is the exact response I would expect you to have to Twitter. Lol
Your all about business and Twitter goes beyond that to build personal relationships with people. No offense, but I can totally understand why you just don’t get it.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
I joined Twitter for about 15 minutes. After seeing that I would have to filter pretty much … all of it, I stopped.
May 9th, 2008 at 1:00 am
@mark, boostranks is going to the toilet now, bbl
May 9th, 2008 at 1:26 am
nice link bait sir, but i disagree.. twitter rocks and useful
May 9th, 2008 at 5:35 am
Was that video supposed to make Twitter look appealing? Because it felt more like a parody to me.
May 9th, 2008 at 5:58 am
I was really hoping for a great and honest review of what you thought about Twitter.
But Twitter is a total waste of time. Only someone who has no life would follow people on Twitter.
May 9th, 2008 at 7:03 am
Sorry, but you’re just wrong. And I only say that because I felt the same as you at one time, but finally gave it a real chance. And I had to admit I was wrong. Perhaps you’re connecting with the wrong people, I don’t know. But give it more than a glance before you declare it stupid. Spend a month with it. Then come back and see if you feel the same way or not.
May 9th, 2008 at 7:09 am
Whew! I thought I must have missed something when I checked out Twitter - but it seems it’s exactly as you say. Some people obviously get something out of it, but their time is a lot less valuable than mine.
May 9th, 2008 at 7:22 am
Hmm…
All right, I’ll do it. Someone needs to play devil’s advocate.
Twitter isn’t all that bad. It’s not for everyone, but I personally have found it to be an effective tool.
Here’s the thing: I use twitter for business networking, and it’s been extremely effective. I’ve landed more than a couple freelance writing gigs via Twitter. I’ve used Twitter to promote social media love for blog posts (asking for Stumbles and whatnot).
I also get a good 10% of my blog traffic from twitter. Blog traffic isn’t my main goal with Twitter, but it is a nice little bonus.
I also use Twitter for social networking. Twitter is, in some ways, a virtual water cooler. I’m a self-employed web worker, which means I work alone most days. Twitter provides me two or three 10-minute breaks where I can blow off steam, rest my tired fingers, and shoot the sh!t with colleagues.
How useful is twitter purely as a marketing tool? I think the jury is still out on that question. I think we’ll have a better picture of it in a year or so, when we see whether or not the rapid growth continues.
I’m in good company, here; Darren uses it, Brian uses it, Maki uses it.
Twitter is also a neat way to create a brush with greatness: I’ve tweeted with Wil Wheaton, Scott Kurtz, and all three of the aforementioned blogging bigwigs.
On top of all of that, without Twitter, there never would have been Niebu.
May 9th, 2008 at 7:33 am
AMEN! I hate Twitter as well.
May 9th, 2008 at 7:44 am
[…] I’m not alone. Mark posted “Twitter is Stupid” over at Courtney Tuttle’s Internet Marketing School. Since he broke the ice, I […]
May 9th, 2008 at 7:54 am
I help folks in the RE business with their online marketing (I’m mostly on the analytics/on-site optimization side but I’m fairly well cross-trained). My market has been going on and on about Twitter for some time. And I use it myself, though more for “entertainment” and getting new ideas than active marketing.
As for “I’m waiting for the bus” style tweets that is an issue of reading the wrong folks. Some people put interesting and insightful information/knowledge out on their twitter feed. Just like there are useless blogs and useful blogs, there are useful twitterers and useless twitterers.
I currently do drive very targeted traffic to my company’s blog via Twitter (not tracked via twitter.com, but in time-after-tweeting statistically significant increases in traffic–traffic that stays on site and reads the whole post). It’s more of a warm-sales broadcast kind of thing.
But the main uses on twitter are probably in other areas.
Since it’s a hot topic in a few industries right now, I’m collecting a variety of posts/articles about Twitter (in the sidebar, based on Court’s suggestion for putting the good stuff out front, thanks!). This post on courtneytuttle will go under the Twitter Naysayers section as an excellent example of why not to use Twitter.
May 9th, 2008 at 7:56 am
I would wholeheartedly disagree with you on this one. Twitter has been one of the most helpful (though sometimes productivity sapping) social tools I use. I use it every day to connect with other like minded individuals and receive instant feedback on ideas. It all depends on how you use the service. Sure you can use it to let people know you are having dinner or waiting for your flight, but it can also be a quick way to connect and network with the people in your field.
May 9th, 2008 at 7:57 am
Twitter is complete *&%$£S. I’d rather stick forks in my eyes or watch paint dry than partake of inane banter. Well said that man.
Mike is now making the tea.
May 9th, 2008 at 8:17 am
It’s not networking. It’s hero worship. I don’t know how many stupid posts I’ve seen that are basically, “(A-Lister) tweeted back at me. Wow! I feel so validated. I must be important now. I have arrived!” How low does your self-image have to be to even give a crap if “@shoemoney” or whoever replied to you?
Hey, Darren Rowse replied to one of my emails once. Does that make me important now? Or is that up to me to decide my own self-worth?
*Tweet
*???
*Profit
May 9th, 2008 at 8:28 am
@ Fiar -
Wow. Cynical much?
You’re making a hell of a lot of assumptions here. The point wasn’t hero worship, the point was that some very successful people use Twitter in very effective ways.
Now, stop being a jackass and find something useful to do.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Why is he a jackass? Cuz he call it like it is and you felt that it went direct to you?If so the problem is not him is you
May 9th, 2008 at 8:53 am
I think Twitter does have a use somewhere. It’s just that I haven’t found out what that use is yet. As far as I have seen you get 2 types of tweets.
1. IM people keeping/getting their name out in the public eye by with what ever means they can, and Twitter is just the new way.
2. Friends chat a whole load of rubbish to each other.