I think people have lost touch with what Twitter can actually become. Rather, it’s become what serves our interests best instead of how we can all benefit from distance communication. As the principle of 140 characters suggests, it’s an advertising platform, but a cheap one.

I think that finding articles that we like are Twitter’s second purpose, the first being 140 characters of relationship building. I think of it this way, you approach a potential customer in only 140 characters and it’s really sweet, you don’t have to talk so much but you can leave a positive comment. I often experience the same feeling when someone’s @mentioned me, just like when I get a letter. It can be a very positive, very strong thing if you can use 140 characters beyond automation.

How you describe “the way I navigate” is simply a perspective shared by thousands of twitter users and suggests a utilitarian purpose of Twitter. Perhaps Twitter was designed to be a tool, with poor ability to develop relationships, I am not certain; however, it has far greater applications than we realize.

“You better realize, now is the time to self-actualize” – Saul Williams, Coded Language
The Glaring Facts´s recent blog post ..Ender’s Game and Speaker for The Dead Analyzed

Excellent, excellent post. I am with you 100% of the way. It’s unfortunate that so many people do buy into automation that simply puts out ads. And I can’t say that this doesn’t work. Obviously it works for some, doesn’t it?

I’m with Mitz, though, in that I really don’t like Twitter at all anymore. Like you, I put out a quote or two, I do Tweet about my blog posts, retweet other posts and articles I find interesting, and attempt to get in a conversation about topics of interest to me personally.

But it can be so hard to navigate and keep track with all the Twittering about. The name definitely suits it. It’s like seeing a large flock of birds flying overhead and trying to keep track of one.

The one thing that I have been finding it useful though, as Patricia mentioned, is finding posts and articles I might want to read. In that, it’s actually taking place of search engines for me. Simply because I can find new posts and articles easily.

Something does need to change with Twitter in my opinion. Maybe it’s in the way I navigate it, definitely in the way people spam it. I’m making an effort to turn on the conversation a bit more, but all too often I find myself going to Facebook or some other social media for that.

Thank you for the post and wow… 295 MILLION results for Twitter marketing? Didn’t expect that. Whew.

Vincent Parker
Vincent Parker´s recent blog post ..The Art Of Saying No To Your GDI Leads

Thank you so much for reading this post! While on my vacation to Sweden, all I could think about was how much Twitter annoyed me, how little content there was that people actually could share. People could build more meaningful relationships if they avoided a link or two. Maybe one of our tweets wouldn’t be automated, that would be nice.

It’s good to maintain organic growth, I am trying to do the same. I often write about quotes and mostly comment on other people’s tweets, I mean, that’s already contextual and relevant already. We can really drive Twitter towards a more meaningful state if we took the time to write 140 characters.

it’s 140 characters how hard can it be?
The Glaring Facts´s recent blog post ..Textual Hatred for Harry Potter

As a regular Tweetheart I had to come read this I have now read your article and I so agree with what you have shared. I have unfollowed and blocked so many people in my Twitter stream for doing the things you are sharing here. And I am growing my numbers organically. Not interested in doing it any other way.

I use Twitter to intereact with my followers as well as find posts to read. It is a powerful social media tool…..if used in the right way. You nailed it. Off to RT and hope there are heaps of tweeps who read and take note. Thanks for sharing. Really insightful post.

Patricia Perth Australia
Patricia´s recent blog post ..Collaboration- the new buzz word