Yes, I automate some of my Twitter activities.
Not all, but a good deal. I’m here to confess PLUS give my opinion on automated social networking. (And if you think I’m going to be 100% for or against anything, keep reading).
On a recent interview I was on, the host pointed out that “Twitter Pros” see automation as a detriment to world of social networking. I totally understand where they’re coming from. When you’re fully entrenched in something, naturally there is a sense of satisfaction gained from looking down on non-purists.
This isn’t a phenomenon confined to social networking; it happens with politics, food, feminism, religion, child rearing, child bearing, education, music, and any other arena of life.
My philosophy of using social networking automation (such as orchestrating this blog post so it pops up as a Tweet, a Facebook status update, an instant retweet by others, etc) is that it’s a SUPPLEMENT to an already strong, real time presence.
What I dislike (and I’m sure the biggies of Twitter, etc, hate too) is the total absence of real time interaction by people who clog the Twitter stream with information that doesn’t pertain to anyone but themselves. There are certain people I see come on day after day with Tweets that are so obviously not written in the moment, they’re almost laughable.
So here is my opinion: Everything is good in moderation. Too much of anything can kill you (or at least kill your credibility).
If ALL you do to stay highly visible and relevant is manual, real time interaction, then my friend, you’ve just outed yourself as a person without a life. Seriously, unplug from time to time and smell the flowers. Literally.You don’t have to bring the Blackberry or the iPhone into the bathroom with you, to the beach, or to the park when you really should be watching your kids play or experiencing life in real time.
And if ALL you do is load pre-written Tweet after pre-written Tweet, then you’re missing out on the social part of social media. (Reminder: it’s called “social” media for a reason!)
In my next post, I’ll continue the confessional and give you a list of reasons why I automate parts of my social networking. Click here to read part 2.
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