A number of people contacted me yesterday, with a link to this post on Seth Godin’s excellent blog. In his post, Seth warns people about using Twitter. His argument is that it’s easy to be misunderstood, so you should avoid it for anything important or controversial, unless you want people to “assume you are an ignorant jerk and move on.”
Twitter would look very different to Seth Godin
I believe we have to look at this through Seth Godin’s eyes, if we want to understand his point and see why he doesn’t use Twitter. Of course, Twitter would look very different to Seth, than it looks to you or me. He hasn’t got hundreds of ‘followers’ – he’s got millions of ‘fans’ who would love to chat with him.
As you might already know, Seth Godin has banned people from commenting on his blog. He says the primary reason he has banned comments is because:
I feel compelled to clarify or to answer every objection or to point out every flaw in reasoning.
If Seth is genuinely as obsessive about this as he suggests, with the huge following he has, he would find it impossible to use Twitter the way we do. People often disagree with what you say and it’s easy, as he points out, to be misunderstood.
Seth Godin is a very clever man and a superb writer too. However, in my opinion, I think his reasons for not using Twitter and for warning people about it, are perhaps less relevant to the rest of us, than they are to him?
I believe Twitter is a great form of communication for 99.9% of us. Believe me, lots of people get a great deal from Twitter; including me and most (if not all) the people I chat with there.
I also think that Seth’s good friend and business associate Robert Scoble @scobleizer, proves that you can be controversial on Twitter and people will not just ‘move on’ – As Seth stated. Robert currently has over 40,000 followers and can be extremely controversial in what he says about business, politics and technology.
Over to you!
Have you found Twitter useful? If so, in what way has it helped you or your business? Share your thoughts, and include your Twitter username, if you would like people to contact you!
I think Seth Godin is a brilliant marketer who’s discovered how to drive people to his site, without him doing anything. I’ve seen more discussion about what he should do and not do in the past couple weeks than ever before.
He’s laughing all the way to fame on the backs of people who think there’s a story here.
Dr. Rus
I think you’re right. I think the bottom line is that if he were involved in Twitter, it would take up the rest of his time, which I’m sure he’s already short on. But why couldn’t he just treat Twitter as he does his blog, and not reply? Why not apply one policy to the other?
I’ve found Twitter to be a powerful and useful tool. I’ve built business relationships, made friends, found web designers and gotten tips for business. But beyond that, Twitter (and all Social Media) for that matter is about RELATIONSHIPS, and how we manage them. A twitter friend (@frankidurbin) and I were just discussing how twitter is like a wonderful worldwide cocktail party.
I’ve gained insight and have access to people from around the world that I would otherwise have not a chance to even see, let alone chat with, share ideas and get opinions. My business team has expanded exponentially and I can tap into areas of expertise in two clicks.
I love connecting…and this is just one more way to get that done. As Franki and I discussed in our 140 or less tweets, you have to “Work The Room”.
Twitter, like any other form of writing or communication, is not the same for all of us. Seth’s problem isn’t with his millions of fans, but with those few who think they can call him out every time he writes something and try to gain notoriety by getting him worked up.
Social media of any sort when the numbers get too high is an exercise in futility. That’s why so many celebrity Tweeps only follow a small number while being followed by huge numbers, I suppose.
Those who will misinterpret your 140 characters probably would have misinterpreted your three paragraphs, just at greater length…
David
Twitter is something like a “continuous thought stream” documenting what some pretty smart people think. Wouldn’t want to miss that. Would be a shame not to tap into this source!
Seth is more a “big picture guy”. He is pretty good in describing macro-trends, I doubt he would know his way in the nitty-gritty of day-to-day Web 2.0 work and philosophy – and that’s what Twitter is about (at least from my perspective).
I pay very close attention to what Seth says and writes. Actually, I currently recommend The Dip and Tribes to every single person I meet. And Purple Cow to every person I work with. But this are all macro-trend, 20k feet type of things, you don’t necessarily need to be part of the Twitterverse for that.
P.S.: Your post caught my attention via the accompanying tweet, ‘f course!
Wonderful insight as usual Jim. Yes what you say about why Twitter might be a whole different experience for Seth than the rest of us makes a lot of sense.
Seth may not have the same “social personality” as Scoble who has built his brand on social media and blogging.
I say, to each their own and for each individual their choice is the right one. As you mention the rest of us should read Seth’s “warning” as Seth’s opinion based upon his unique perspective and not valid by inference.
I love twitter! I love the interaction, the positive energy and the love! I have learned about new resources, new books and feel like my tweeps are a special type of family who appear in 140 character interactions.
I use twitter to share things I’ve found, hopefully enrich people’s lives, bring people to my blog and expose them to new things like Money Reiki Healing. And to keep my vibration high!
Thanks for this great post and opportunity to see how diverse we can be, interconnected diversity I’d call it!
With Gratitude,
Amy
http://twitter.com/allaboutenergy
I can see your point, as through the eyes of Seth Godin; but I agree with you – that’s just relevant to him, not most of us who do not have a large ‘fan’ base.
Twitter is flat-out awesome. It’s nearly tripled my site traffic since I really started using it heavily in July 2008.
I love how I get instant notification of webinars, offers from those I follow (some exclusive to Twitter!) and even news arrives faster via Twitter.
It’s a vast network of new connections for me and I’ve met some amazing people. Only on Twitter can you connect with offline celebrities personally (@THE_REAL_SHAQ , for example).
Whether strictly for personal use, business or both: Twitter is hot and the direction of the future. It’s here and here to stay.
Jim,
I have worked with a professional trainer as obsessive as Seth claims to be … who ruthlessly pursues perfection to the exclusion of reality. Unless these types of professionals have unlimited resources it is an impossible mission. Having a healthy understanding of your (and your team’s) resource capacity is a great thing. I am glad that this one “brilliant” leader is aware of his own reality. Some people can handle having people disagree with their perspective, some people can allow others to have divergent opinions albeit in their minds “wrong” and not “correct” each and every comment. Others…. well… as I have learned up close and in person … they just don’t.
Seth has his own perspective and granted he is brilliant man but I agree more in this case with your article.
Twitter is great communication tool but first you need to have the desire to have a two way communication.
Dr Rus,
I think Seth’s a very clever marketer too.
Kyle,
I couldn’t tell from Seth’s blog post, whether he is ‘literally’ compelled to answer every objection – or if he just likes to.
Staci,
I’ve also made some great contacts via Twitter – Including Seth’s friend Robert Scoble, who gave me advice on setting up this blog.
David,
Yep – different things to different people.
Dushan,
Twitter took you to a post about Twitter – nice
Amy,
You make a few interesting points – thanks.
Traci,
Yep – Twitter is awsome.
Jamie,
I am not sure if Seth was just using powerful language or if he has, as you suggest, maybe an actual issue with it.
Interesting.
Of course, I wasn’t warning people about Twitter.
I was warning people about being misunderstood.
I had just listened to an NPR story about a company that was starting to use Yammer instead of email, and all I could imagine was people doing their quarterly reviews, etc. via tweets.
I have no problem with Twitter, and anyone who reads my work honestly would understand that. For all you know, I’ve been using it under an alias for years.
Seth,
Thanks for the comment – Nice to know you read the blog, thanks.
It’s so tempting to say I misunderstood you….
All the best!
Misunderstandings can happen on Twitter, e.g. last night I thought it was a bit of fun to send a racy reply to a fictional character from Mad Men, but as a result I’ve lost a couple of followers who no doubt didn’t realise it was a joke and thought I was a nutjob!
It’s true though that Seth Godin doesn’t need the extra traffic or followers and probably wants to keep his message simple and clear, which he can do by sticking to a few very specific outlets. But I agree with the above comments that Twitter is a great way of being in direct contact with some amazing people and a great learning tool.
I love that Seth came by to comment! Good for him!
His alias on twitter.. GiantSquid!
What do you think?
In Gratitude,
Amy
Yeah, not to burst your bubble, but Seth doesn’t read this site.
I once said something about him on a very small humor blog and he commented within hours.
He has Google Alerts for whenever his name is mentioned.
I think there’s an element to Twitter that reminds me of dating.
When you start following someone, it’s like the first few dates. You’re seeing what that person is really about, and you’re also a lot more critical. A piece of food stuck between the teeth, a bad joke, these are all things we’re a lot less likely to tolerate on a first date than 6 months into a relationship.
Same thing with Twitter I feel.
Steve,
Yeah – but he’s bookmarked it now for sure!
To answer your question, Twitter has brought people to my little local blog that otherwise would not have seen it. Many have commented positively on what the blog is intended to do.
But what I would really like to say is that I admire the consistency you display with looking at another person’s opinion and understanding their point of view.
Karim – in that case I had a disastrous first date – not the first time
As someone who is beginning their journey as a freelance copywriter, Twitter has been one of the most useful business tools that I have found.
I’ve been able to connect with so many people in such a short period of time, it’s been so beneficial to me.
The information pool is invaluable to me and I’m so thankful for this amazing tool!
I think Seth has a point about Twitter. I walk a very delicate wire with Twitter myself. My business entities all have separate unique twitter accounts. Most people would be hard pressed to connect those entities to the other more social and controversial me that is on twitter with his pet project blogs. In the end Twitter will continue to have a place for anyone and everyone who wants to be someone online, unless or until they start charging…
I know the feeling Milo!
)
You are 100% correct! I have found Twitter to be enormously useful for what I use it for. I use it to network with everybody in the Web Field. I also use it to acquire potential leads.
http://www.twitter.com/iKyleR
I think this thread simply proves Seth’s point. No matter how clearly he writes something (or thinks he writes something), it will be misunderstood. That’s a commentary for both the reader and the writer.
Think of how many times you’ve sent an innocent email that ends up really irritating someone because they read it as though you were berating them, or calling them out, or whatever. And that’s unlimited content. The chances of it happening only amplify when you’re limited to 140 characters.
I’ve just thought – by banning comments on his own blog, and then writing provocative posts that are open to interpretation, it almost guarantees that people will start up discussions about his posts elsewhere on the web, like this one, thus spreading the Godin word further and further! The man is a genius.
I think Seth is maybe just bored with all the chat and this is his rationalisation…perhaps.
Twitter does take up time, sure, but for my part, I’ve learned so much, been directed to some great blogs and sites. My blog traffic has increased. Besides that, Twitter is just plain fun.
While I’ve seen other view it differently, I have my “taboo list of tweet topics” so I avoid crossing those lines of miscommunication.
Seth is a brilliant man who already has a huge and loyal following! I think many of us are active on social media sites to gain a reputation for our niche and build relationships with others in our fields. I think Seth has such a large network of both already that for him it would not be a useful way to spend his time. And although I do not completely understand the reasoning for the no comments rule, I have to agree with Milo on what the outcome of that choice probably is!
I love Twitter right now, it has brought people to my blog, provided me freelance work, garnered me some new friendships and gives me a way to break the monotony of working from home everyday! Will I always be on it? I cannot say for sure, but for now it is a great place to be!
For some it works, for some it doesn’t; to each his own. You certainly know how to stir things up and get people involved. You are great for Twitter and a great resource. I love Twitter; without it, I certainly would not have met you, and that is a significant missed opportunity and you are just one of hundreds I can say the same about. Keep setting the standard and inspiring the best in people.
Mark
What seems fantastic to me about your blog and the subsequent postings is that this dialogue speaks to the heart and value of social networking. Via Twitter we listen in, share, comment, observe, dissect, and debate topics and tools that some of us find helpful, fun, interesting and/or distracting. Meanwhile others decide Twitter is senseless, useless, and banal. Therein lies the beauty of human complexity. Thank God for the freedom of speech and the freedom of choice. Thanks all around! Great discussion.
It all depends on what you are looking for as well. I like twitter because I meet new people, network and expose my forum to more bloggers.
As you mentioned what’s really in it for Seth?
I think you guys have it Wrong. People call Seth out now and he feels compelled to set the record straight — even on this post. How very time consuming is that!
I think that a lot of Facebook and Twitter is noise. I had to stop following many folks including Kawasaki because he uses Twitter like a broad cast radio station with mainly noise and self-promotion.
I’m almost at the point to close FB and TW down because it is mainly distraction and self-promotion. (Does everyone have to tweet that they just posted to their blog? That’s what RSS is for!)
During the campaign, the amount of political rantings on FB and TW were ridiculous. How do you not know that you lost customers and prospects because they dislike your pol views? You don’t. And if TW is for business, then why talk politics or religion?
Bloggeries put it best: “what’s really in it for Seth?” That’s one goofy way to look at it. I thought it was about sharing and helping others. Apparently, the majority disagree.
Hi Peter,
Did someone / anyone suggest Twitter’s ‘not’ about sharing?
I am trying something new.. I am using Twitwall to highlight my articles and stuff (see link on my name).
As to your point the thing about TWITTER is that it has opened up whole new worlds for me. I have friends that are graphic artists, I talked to Shaq (see my article list) I have learned how to do things with kids and blogging and photos and learned about live in NYC.
People that don’t bother to build relationships or take time to talk as it happens (I view it’s like grocery store long line) MISS OUT on so much.
Sure I plug my articles and I retweet articles or blog of interest. I have people that have put me on a favorite friends list and others that block me.
It’s the same for the stuff that overwhelms SETH. PUT THEM ON BLOCK.
I learned over elections that what I normally participate in on other forums is not so welcome on TWITTER. I lost communications with a few good people. But were they tired of the rhetoric or of my postings to election board? I also gained a few good friends during that time too.
Twitter has the justtweetit.com which has helped me make friends with other Twitter authors.
I also started EHOW twitter friend group. Groups are new to eHow. Come join us there even if you aren’t a writer! If you read you can eHow.
AT any rate this is great post and I am being verbose. Thank you for great thought provoking blog.
I have been active on Twitter for about a week now, and coincidentally am reading Tribes by Seth Godin in stolen moments during the past two days.
I arrived at this post thanks to your comment on Twitter. I find Twitter to be an excellent way to belong and develop community.
Being that I am an artist who is founding a new theory of art, that actually can help people to see more, Post Conceptual UnGraven Image, I am used to being misunderstood or rejected. Everything that is radically new goes through that phase, until enough early adopters discover it and it reaches a tipping point. So, Godin’s warning does not deter me,
besides, part of the fun of social media and networking is the dialogue. The community.
A community can change the world. I just wrote a blog on that. Seth Godin seems to think this is true from Tribes, too.
Thanks for the good blog and topic,
Judy Rey Wasserman
on Twitter: judyrey
Twitter is an absolute riot. But Seth’s point is obviously well-taken: choose the medium based upon the message, its purpose, and its intended recipient(s).
Hmmmmmm now if I were Seth Godin and wanted to Tweet under an alias… what would it be?
-TheDavidJohnson
@TheDavidJohnson
As with everything on the internet, there are going to be things that do not suit everyone.
You can also be misunderstood in a blog post not just on twitter, as with all forms of written communication where it wouldn’t be deemed professional to use an emoticon to convey your state of mind or view point when you made a blog post.
I really enjoy using twitter, it gives you chance to link up with people all over the world that traditional forms of communication would not allow due to costs.
I agree that you could be misunderstood however that is the risk you take when you step out into the world and start communication with others.
We are all mature enough to read between the lines and see the writer is coming from, thats why many people do not unfollow someone because they have said something that doesn’t gel with their beliefs.
Seth already has lots of other ways to communicate with his fans, I also agree that he is not right to warn others off it. Unless he actually tries it himself.
Seth Godin does not communicate, he dictates. This is why he wont allow us to comment on his blog and why he shuns twitter etc.
He blogs, but it isn’t blogging, it’s dictating, as he arrogantly refuses to interact with his fans and customers.
His comment here is a prime example, ignoring to thank Jim for the post and failing to thank his ‘fans’ for speaking so well of him. Just him, him, him.
Love hearing his tribe defend him though. But these are the fools who need a leader, and belong in a tribe.
Wow, all this over some guys comments on a blog.
Until I looked at the books he had written I had no idea who he was. Then it clicked “oh yeah I got his Tribes book off Audible in the US for free and not had chance to listen to it”.
I don’t follow his blog, so his sermons (I shall describe them as that seeing as they are not conversations) miss me. So his influence to me is not that great.
But isn’t it always the case that some get it and others don’t? For me Seth is one of those that don’t.
fascinatingly i’ve received two assignments from Twitter via mutual follows. its a great social tool. yes Tweets can be misunderstood. ppl need to develop thicker skin if they intend to live in the public realm. or better yet monitor themselves and be a leader in positive commenting or in this case Tweeting. there’s nothing wrong with polite!
I just started to use Twitter, and believe that it is a very powerful networking tool. As one poster says, you have to work the room. To me, networking in cyberspace is like networking in person. The same rules apply, with the most important rule being is listening.
@giselleconyette
I ignore everything Seth Godin says on his blog. I refuse to read it, and when people send me his links I refuse to read them. I figure he could care less what I have to say, or what I think, about his words, so I’m not giving him my time. So, to me, his thoughts on Twitter or anything else are irrelevant.
[...] Seth Godin on Twitter – Marketing Specialist Jim Connolly’s take on why Twitter is different for us than it is for Seth. He makes some excellent points worth reading here – and don’t miss the comments. Often the most gold is found in the discussions so encourage them. Answer them. And if you’re not Seth Godin certainly don’t turn them off! Reward them with dofollow and grow your blog’s popularity! [...]
For Seth Godin – you don’t owe anyone an explanation or further clarification – especially when they are only really interested in being trolls.
The wise man learns more from the fool than the fool learns from the wise man – when he is listening. To each his own.
Those who think of others’ desires above their own are living a higher purpose. What style they use in doing so is not as important as the quality of what they share.
I’ve been intrigued by Seth’s ideas since I first read about him in Fast Company way back in the mid ’90′s – but I’m not sure he gets the point of Twitter either – it’s truly about building a community – about doing well by doing good and by being a trustworthy contributor to the whole. Thank you for your role in moving forward the idea of community over competition.
Peace and many blessings,
Amethyst Wyldfyre
@Awyldfyre on Twitter
Twitter Name: DomainBELL
I think Twitter can be different things to different people for different reasons that could change from day to day — depending on mood or need…
I have a question about Twitter –
when someone send you a DM to Thank you for Following… are those AUTOMATED messages they pre-set somewhere ?? If so, where do you go on Twitter to set that up ??
Thanks in Advance…
~Patricia — DomainBELL.com
I completely understand your reasoning: Seth on Twitter would result in total gridlock and burnout for him. No need for him to be on Twitter when you look at it that way.
But Seth isn’t only talking about himself when he warns people about Twitter, and that’s where he may be stepping on a few toes.
I have connected with more potential collaborators and peers through Twitter than any other social media tools yet – including the brandbuilder blog, LinkedIn, and Facebook. It’s a fantastic tool on so many levels, I can’t recommend it enough.
Do many people use it as a self-promoting broadcast channel? Sure. Is there a lot of noise on Twitter? You bet. But you learn to filter the good from the bad. All in all, like any other tool, Twitter is as effective and valuable as you make it.
I won’t fault Seth for not using it, though. To each his own.
Jim,
First it is cool that Seth visited. Whether he it was notification when his name is mentioned or not does not matter. So woot! there.
Second you are great at hitting the nail on the head every post I have read.
What works for seth and what works for everyone else is opinion.
I have found twitter really helpful now that I can see things in a way that serves my brain. The web page with fast scrolling messages drove me crazy. Right or wrong is still again opinion.
While Tweetdeck is not perfect I love it and will try others just to be informed.
It always boils down to ask questions, learn from others and find out what works for you and your needs.
I have found just in the last ten days four strategic partners for projects in 2009 that will make us all more income and also serve our customers better which is the darn point.
Thanks for this great post and I will be recommending it on my radio show next Monday while I talk with Mari Smith about using Facebook.
Michele Price
@prosperitygal on Twitter woot!
Spot on with your post. I’m a Godin fan, he has unique insight into marketing and the new ‘empowered consumer’. But any advice he has for me regarding my daily use of social media, especially Twitter, falls on deaf ears. Same goes for Scoble. He’s moved on to Friendfeed, which has no pull for me. For now, and for the forseeable future, Twitter is THE place to meet people, learn things, and hopefully pass on some worthy insight as well.
Twitter is, for me, about connecting with people & building relationships. I haven’t read any of Godin’s books but he seems more interested in spreading & explaining his ideas than developing relationships. Hence, Twitter wouldn’t be an ideal forum for him, a blog where he can write whatever he wants to write and not have to respond to any criticism seems to work better for him.
For the people who complain that Twitter is all about self-promotion, I can say I agreed with you the first two months I was on Twitter. Every Tweet I got was someone announcing a new blog post. So, I found new people to follow who weren’t so much interested in building their “personal brand” (ugh) and more on communication.
Bottom line, you control who you follow and if you don’t like what the people you are following are saying, you need to find different people to dialog with. It doesn’t even take that much work, just find a couple of people who you think are interesting and see who THEY follow. Doing so completely changed my experience of Twitter and, personally, I found the most engagement from the people with fewer numbers of followers (500 or less). They are much more likely to carry on a conversation & want to get to know you than people with tens of thousands of followers. Then, as both of our follower numbers grew, we still had our original relationship that started when we were all just small fish in a big pond. These are lasting relationships, not just one-way conversations.
Seth Godin is one to listen to, in as many places as possible. Not only does he ‘get’ the big picture but quite often his hand is holding the brush that’s painting it.
A small change in approach can do wonders to the Twitter experience. Commit to using the words ‘you’ and ‘your’ twice as often as the words ‘I’ or ‘me’ in tweets. To do so, we need to listen and respond to what others are saying, which breeds involvement and interaction.
I think some of the comments here are a pretty good example of being misunderstood.
Jim’s first paragraph is pretty balanced but I wonder how many of the commenters took a minute to read the original post that was referenced?
Just a snippet:
“I’m merely pointing out that the medium has to be appropriate for the message. Using microblogging (like Yammer) to share your quarterly review or to fire someone or to make an important, nuanced announcement is just sort of dumb.”
“Using it for keeping in contact with an ever-widening circle of friends and colleagues is brilliant”
Whether Seth chooses to use Twitter should be a matter of how it helps him achieve his goals – but I don’t think it can be said from the original post that he is anti-Twitter.
Excellent point about Seth having a different POV than most others – I found it extremely interesting that this post generated so much discussion about it on Twitter itself, with some things indeed being misunderstood, BUT easily clarified by continuing the conversation. That’s the key. As I believe you’ve put it before, it’s broadcast vs. conversation.
how does anyone really know that was Seth Godin commenting here…
Blogging and micro-blogging are related / cousins but are still different.
Comparing blogging to Twitter is like comparing a big grapefruit (blogging) to a little lime(Twitter).
The blog is the cavalry, artillery, and main infanty – Twitter is the small infantry regiment that is swift of foot).
Twitter can be good at supporting your blog. But in fact it is proving to be so much more than that as well. It can, also, achieve similar things to blogging (but in different ways).
I’m really just now starting to “get” twitter. I think it’s a great tool to build relationships and train people “how” to develop relationships through social media.
It’s nothing more than a tool in my eyes and it’s now so obvious to to me to pick out people who “don’t get it” who unknowingly “spam” their products and services.
I love the tool and certainly am using it to gauge my success in building value in my community with others based on the feedback of my peers and followers.
Thank you Jim. Very good comments. I just started to network on twitter.
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Jim, I am fairly new to twitter and still learning the ropes. I have found it good for communication, not sure about its potential for driving traffic without annoying followers – I have been (I hope) fairly subtle when mentioning my sites. Seth seems to know his stuff on sites and marketing – but I don’t expect him to know everything.
I think Twitter is awesome, if it’s used correctly. Like anything, if you’re intentions are bent on self or greed then you can plan on reaping what you sow. If your intentions are genuine and you plan to use these resources to help, educate and be of a benefit to others, then it’s very powerful!
[...] wrote a post a while ago, where I asked why Seth Godin was not using Twitter, to ‘tweet’ with his many fans and why he banned comments on his blog. Seth was [...]