Okay, I know that the majority of people will want to say “all of the above”, but please try not to? I’m curious as to what your PRIMARY reason for using Twitter is. That is, when you’re not using Twitter, what is it that makes you run to it like it’s an enormous candy store, and you’re a kid with a nickel*?
Loading ...*Okay, I know a nickel doesn’t go far in a candy store these days, but you get my point.
My primary reason for using Twitter is to connect with people all over the world who share some relatively niche enthusiasms and who enjoy spirited banter in a pithy verbal medium. It’s all about the wordplay and (in my case) the music. Now words and music also happen to be my professional interests, but I don’t see what I’m doing on twitter as “networking for my career” or “promoting myself” – it’s more like finding like-minded souls.
@Gaelen2
I started on Twitter to network–my jobsite will be closing at the end of 2010. I wanted to connect with others in my field, explore new options, see what’s out there, and gather information before deciding about relocation. On Twitter, I found not only others in my field, but people with similar personal-time interests, interesting business contacts, great conversations and life/work directions I hadn’t even considered.
What keeps me coming back to spend that nickel?
Interesting ideas and conversations.
@riddim74
I use twitter to search “live” information at first.
Then i use it to share what I have found in the domains I am looking for information (photo mainly !)
@tweeminence
This is a difficult question to answer. I originally started using the services to promote a business, but I’ve found that I engage in conversations more than I actually talk about my own stuff. Its become much more of a networking, learning, and exploration tool than a promotional tool although that is still my aim.
@ScottBradley
I use it for 3 specific purposes
1) Find cool new links from the people who always share the best stuff
2) Connect with people on an individual level and help them any way I can
3) Promoting really beneficial content to drive traffic to
4) Bonding with my friends and others in the community through what I post
@srpatterson
Networking is a great use of Twitter. I wouldn’t be able to interact with John Chow for instance unless for Twitter.
@SmetanasGlasses
I’m using Twitter mostly to network and promote my blogs, which I’m hoping will raise my profile in the job search. (I know, more than one blog constitutes an addiction; thanks.)
However, about a quarter of my comments promote non-profits or organizations I love (like NPR) that are also on Twitter, so perhaps it’s a trifecta, in my case.
@shefaly
I marked ‘other’. Mainly Twitter is where I take a break from working.
Twitter is where I gossip. I also read and share stuff. I sometimes promote my posts but not exclusively. My getting-to-know-smart-people thing has gone both ways: Twitter –> IRL and IRL –> Twitter.
@fittertwit
I use Twitter for EVERYTHING. Tweeting with friends, making new ones, learning new stuff and networking. Social networks are just about connecting with people. That is what I focus on…. and it’s MY kind of entertainment!
@ParitoshBh
I use it for fun plus blog promotion.
Also, its easier to interact with ‘great ppl’ when u r on twitter !!!
@robertomueller
Just to meet awesome people
@toosinbeymen
I agree with Yvonne except to substitute politics for music.
@ONL2
To meet like-minded people, learn information, social network, and let people know about my blog and Podcast!
@Mike Landry
I serve as the pastor of a church in Florida and am looking for ways to interact with my congregation on a regular basis. Twitter allows me to put flesh on the weekly messages I preach as well as interact with my folks without them having to make an appointment.
@iGoMogul
I use Twitter for many reasons: promote for my company, promote other people’s works, networking (personally, professionally), and to stay informed in ‘real time.’ I like seeing what people are reading, talking about, and conversing with them.
Sara @ iGoMogul
@LJameson
Twitter helps me find interesting things and, in turn, allows me to share things I think might interest others.
@pablolarah
I am using Twitter because the information. A lot of information of real people in real time. I think the best Search Engine is the mankind.
@jimburke2
I use Twitter to get brief updates from those I follow on topics I’m interested in and to share my thoughts on topics I find interesting that may interest others.
@kmakice
Maintaining relationships is my primary use of Twitter, even if it has also become my most dependable source and channel for information. There are numerous lists that belittle and recommend against tweeting about what someone had for lunch, but those are the real bits of insights into someone’s day that are so valuable in lowering barriers during subsequent connections in other channels.
Twitter doesn’t replace anything for me. It augments the relationships I want to have.
@lesliemaniotes
Really, truly I use twitter to learn. Through my PLN I am creating a larger understanding of how to integrate technology and teach in the 21st century and my Personal Learning Network (PLN) teaches me new things EVERY time I come. I could’ve said that it was to find new “stuff”, because it is a lot of that. But it is so much more. Yeah they connect me to things that I wouldn’t have come across on my own, but the reason I do that is to learn, extend my understanding and apply what I know to other areas. Lots of times I laugh and enjoy as well, but mostly to learn.
@fcorgp
I’m still trying to figure out what my primary use for Twitter is. Right now, I’m following people I respect in my industry – mostly to watch and learn. I occasionally tweet when I ready something that hits a nerve.
I don’t know that I see Twitter becoming a primary communication tool for me, but I’m open to new ideas.
@smartboydesigns
I use Twitter as the ultimate destination for all things networking. Connecting with friends and relatives – discussing new ventures – gathering info/research – growing my brand – and much, much more. It’s also one of the best places to share quick, to the point advice and information.
@Paurian
I have some friends and family who would rather twitter than IM or eMail. Forced me into Twitter (which I tried to avoid).
@aflyonthewall
Why isn’t there an “All Of The Above” choice?
@Lashuan
The main reason I tweet is to stay abreast of current events, find out the hottest, most relevant topics of discussion and to share my political and social views.
@amitjalan1
To be honest I started with Twitter with no primary reason/goal. I knew Twitter is powerful but I simply didn’t know how to put this to use. After days of research and observation I found out that not only it is a great place to meet people and share stuff , it’s also paving the path to social networking revolution- right from a street vendor to big corporates,celebrities socializing,connecting and promoting in a way that never happened before in the history that too in real-time.
Now I knew I had a goal, a primary reason- connect with my existing customers on day-to-day basis and exploring potential new customers globally, sharing valuable information on almost anything, the ability to connect with top dogs of my niche,suggestion and feedbacks. And most importantly the human urge to share knowledge and resources at it’s best in the real-time !
@planyoursafari
Although there is more and more talk about twitter in the media, the idea itself is still very new in Holland and many people have no idea what Twitter is about.
@miguel_gomez
I use Twitter a lot like I use Google. To find information about a topic. Twitter is real time information and connection, while Google allows me to find in depth. Both are very useful.
Miguel
@TerriZSoloCEO
Networking to meet and get to know more solo entrepreneurs, and share great tips, strategies, classes and learning opportunities to help more solo entrepreneurs be successful.
@baekdal
Other…
Use it to help people better understand a topic (in my case ‘what it means to make a great experience’)
@kbrunton1912
To find out about new assistive and accessible technologies that I would otherwise have to hunt around the web for. By building up a network of people working in related areas I can find out about things that wouldn’t have even occurred to me. i can also post feedback on products that I have tried without having to write a full report.
@anomis66
I don’t really have a primary role for Twitter. I use it to share stuff I find interesting on the interweb, to met like-minded people, to share/solve development problems, to give people an incite into my life and thoughts, and occasionally vague hints at work related stuff. It’s basically a tool that I use as the description says: ‘What are you doing?’. It’s not always interesting, but that’s my life.
@AronSora
To promote the idea of space habitation (Not just my blog, but everything in this field)
@CarlaRose
When I first started using Twitter a little over two years ago, it was mostly to make new friends who shared the same interests I had (diet). Since I started my blog and web store last year, it has changed to mostly promoting my website and blog along with “all of the above”.
@StevenFretss
I guess..nothing of the above…Twitter is fun..plus, knowing what others are doing is exciting..(eventhough as ’stalker’ as it sounds..which i’m not..lol)..we may or may not know how others handle with each of their lives.. ; or their culture… ; music that they listen to…movies etc. etc. sharing information is the universal meaning i guess…
@Jetix2
Well …. I want to make more friends and know what my idols doing recently . But , didn’t get a chance to talk to them . I think that’s all .
@squeakymouse
At this moment in time, I am still learning about Twitter. I offer free SEO tips to my readers and not selling anything accept for me. I do get a little trickle of targeted traffic from Twitter and it is enough that keeps me content.
I am just being the best that I can be and helping some people with their SEO, on the way.
I use it for fun!