3 Reasons Why I Use Twitter

I got started with Twitter in early 2008, but for the wrong reasons. I tried to use it as a communication tool for the youth group, but there were several problems getting that off the ground with people, primarily because there was a lack of understanding. Now, it is 2009 and there is still a lack of understanding over the primary purpose of Twitter. Initially, when I got restarted this May I was not sure what I was doing and in fact tried to quit at one time. I continued to press on to figure out how I could incorporate my personal web identity using Twitter. As someone once said, "You don't exist if you are not on the Internet." This rings true in many facets. Really you can have a presence on the web and still not exist. I am very limited to what I do on the web and social networking, but if you want to carve out a niche or build an online profile you can no longer do that and not use Twitter.

Here are three reasons to use Twitter;

1. To connect with others in my field and continue building friendships. I have had the opportunity to DM (Direct Message) a few authors and have had immediate feedback. This would not happen with e-mail or Facebook. In fact I have started to build new relationships and professional rapport with a few because of Twitter over the last few months. This also allows me to connect with others who do not know the power of living life in Christ.
   
2. To slimline my Google RSS blog reader. I can quickly read Tweets to see if a person's blog is of my interest on any particular day. This has helped me cut down on my time reading blogs. I do not feel compelled to read everything. Now I can read what I need in 150 characters and it better catch my attention if I am to continue reading from a Tweet. Most bloggers have an automated feed that links to his or her Twitter. (I am sure that is not the right lingo.)
   
3. Tweetdeck. This fabulous tool allows me to see Facebook and Twitter simultaneously. Enough said. I do not feel compelled to look at the Facebook account as often knowing that I can see those feeds right inside my Tweetdeck.

What is the big deal with all the social media? It is the deal. In our new generation people are less concerned about traditional news because "news" now can happen from friends, colleagues, and others who you may follow in the Tweet world. Not only is your friends news important, but when traditional news becomes an important matter you can easily find those Tweets as well or I am sure someone will RT (ReTweet) important news.

Did I mention that I no longer watch the depressing traditional news. Coming up next, "How 3 Steps to Cutting out TV News can Simplify Your Life."

Look forward to your follow @lantzhoward or www.twitter.com/lantzhoward