Blame it on Roger Ebert. He Tweeted up (@ebertchicago) a coupla weeks ago and I have learned from his example that there's more to Twitty-ositude than using a small keyboard to broadcast what you're doing at any given moment. You see, in my daily Intertubular rounds (it's part of my job), I come across all kinds of interesting -- even fascinating -- things that I never get around to writing about. Often because all I want to say is: "Take a look at this, why don't ya?"
So, that's what I will do. I will show you all the good stuff. And warn you about the bad stuff. I do not like the term "follow," for I am neither a Pied Piper, a Fantastik, nor a Jesus Christ, but do pop over here and help me get started, won't you? That's jeeemerson. Thank you.
Above: The most flattering mug shot I could find. Almost used it for my passport.
I dunno, man... I just don't know. I staunchly opposed Facebook for a long time, but then I finally resented and signed up and now I find myself probably using it more than anyone on my friends list (basically for the same "hey, check this out!" purpose).
But Twitter... I just don't know. I think I far prefer the feeling of smug superiority I get by not joining Twitter and making fun of the people who are, and I'm not ready to give that up yet. Not yet...
JE: Believe me, I understand. It was tinyurl (which I've used for many years) and bit.ly that made Twitter seem worthwhile to me. I see it as a step back from Facebook, which involves more back-and-forth. Everybody uses these things in their own way, but I see Twitter as a straightforward broadcasting system for sharing links, like a stripped-down blog that you can post to several times a day, and an RSS reader that aggregates other peoples' stuff for you.
I don't have a Twitter but I've been following Ebert's updates with joy. I'm not pro-Twitter per se but I fully support this movie from you Jim. I see how you could be particularly effective at what you describe above (and not from above, just above)! I see us getting daily critical thinking thoughts out of this and that's always a good thing.
I love the total contrast between your Facebook and Twitter profile photos.
My mother says: "That man looks like a convict."
Okay, I'm still not joining Twitter, but I really wanted to participate in this game.
Answer the Right One's Unsolicited Phone Call
The Short Hello
The Day Before the Earth Stood Still (aka The Day the Earth Kept on Moving)
There Will Be Blood a Little Later
Honey, I Impregnated You
One of Many Available Mohicans (can also be used with "Samurais" or "Starfighters")
Good move, Jim. I also am annoyed at the tweens that use things like Facebook and Twitter just to tell us that they fed their cat or that they're sitting on the toilet. But social media is a great and simple way for guys like Roger and you to interact with us readers. I've started using sites like that to promote my site, too, and it's helped traffic massively. If you use them properly, they're pretty powerful tools! And I can see from your few tweets already that you use twitter properly and effectively.
I also take this opportunity to invite you and any other readers interested to follow my site: @thefilmbrief.
You can pride yourself for being the one to finally get me to look at a Twitter page. I find it interesting that you and Ebert are using it, but Twitter is still just a bit too much for me. I can only keep track of so many internet sites.
Well, now I've seen it. And, now I'm movin' on.