One thing you will notice about Heart and Mind blog is that I am not on any social media, not even almighty twitter account. Everyone is tweeting and boosting the followers they have. I have been told it is one of the necessary evil process for being a successful blogger. Even my favorite minimalist blogger like Leo Baubuta of Zen Habit who has got rid of emails, Google, and other social media, is available only on twitter. Now, I have never chance to talk to my idol as he does not do email and I am not on twitter. I am big believer, if it meant to be, it will happen! I am sort of laid back (lazy) like that.
I am sure, it is almost a crime and suicide in terms of avoiding twitter and write a foolish post about it like this; but I am for being all transparent here so here it is;
If you have not heard of twitter or not on it, there has to a few reasons;
1. You are living under a rock
2. You actually have a life outside of internet
My reason is because, I actually live under the rock! I bet you did not know that!
While there are many sites, posts and blogs about how to use twitter to your advantages, and benefits of using twitter for you blog and your business, I will share an alternate views on it. And no, I am not twitter, bigamist. I have blog friends and other people I admire who are on twitter and I follow them (without twitter account), as I check out what they and others are saying and musing about in 140 word or less.
Without further ado, here are my top ten reason for not being on twitter:
- Everyone has it and uses it: Now, if everyone does it, and if you do it too, it will not make you unique. Or it will make you unique just like everyone else. In my mom’s favorite term “If your all friends jumped off the cliff, would you do it too?”. No, you would not. I choose to follow some of friend’s idea such as being more positive in life but choosing twitter just because they are on it? It is not for me.
- I want to say more than 140 characters: One of the reason I started blogging (out of many) is that I have a gift of gab and love to talk and share. 140 characters or less words is just not enough for me to convey my point. I want to share and say lot of words, say like 142. I can not do it with twitter. But sure, I can do it on my blog and and chat way with real life friends, who have no choice to shut me off at 140 words. I do not want to limit myself!
- It is big time waster: How do I know? Just for fun, I check out other friends and blogger tweets and sure, I can spend minutes and hours reading same information over and over in different tweets. Yes, I follow my blog friends on twitter, without the account! So person like me, who is not twitter who can waste time like that, imagine for people who actually tweet and follow each others tweets, blogs and what not.
- There are Spammers: There are good people and good information on twitter and blogs but many of them spammers and what is worse, there are spammer followers who are also spammers. It is hard to know who are genuine friends and who are not.
- Most people do not care what you ate for breakfast: I see many tweets about such a meaningless tweets which has no meaning to anyone else but the tweeterer himself or herself. Many of us readers are selfish and only care of themselves, not many want to know what you ate for breakfast or how you are seeing clouds instead of working. Wait, I will take last one back, may be your boss cares about that one!
- Lot of noise: Okay, twitter has no actual voice but you know what I am saying, with everyone tweeting around 10-100 tweets a day, it can be noisy and one has to filter through that noise to find what is relevant or even useful information.
- No one is listening: Tweeting to me is like one way conversation, where people tell world what to read, what they are doing and re-tweeting and hardly any one is listening. Imagine going to a party, you are yelling out loud, “I am drinking coffee”, ” I am eating pizza with olives” and some one else is yelling ” I visited my friend and had drinks” and third person is saying, “Pizza with feta cheese is best”; Can you imagine? where no one responding or listening, twitter is party where everyone is talking and hardly anyone is listening unless you count RT tweets.
- Fake ego booster: It can make you feel extremely powerful to say, “I got 200 followers in 3 days.” or ” I have 3498 more followers than you, so you should listen to me.” I actually see many blogs with twitter followers counts proudly displayed, but can you really be friends with 3498 people? Really, you believe that? Good for you if you do. However I think the opposite.
- False insecurity: I know some people feel if they do not keep up with tweeting, they will lose their credibility or authority in internet. If people un-follows them, some can take it so personally. I know someone who checks her twitter account when she is on vacation as she does not want to lose any followers. That can not be good vacation. People follow and un-follow has nothing to do with you, it is all about THEM.
- Paid advertisement: Many people have misconception of this rule but there are paid tweets, as large as $5000 for one tweet like John Chow gets for his sponsored tweets, depending on your authority and gazillion numbers of followers to influence them. trusting every tweet can be dangerous.
Here is a bonus reason to consider:
Down time: What do people do when twitter is down? And believe me, I have heard that there are some technical issues and downtime with twitter and some options keeps changing.
I have friends, I rather meet them,write to them, email them, phone them instead of tweeting them (is there such a word? Oh well, I just invented it).
Personal and Real Reason One of the main personal reason I am not on twitter or any social media is that I barely get a time to blog, read other blogs and comment with 2 little kids, homeschooling, and teaching at co-op school with other life’s tasks that we all must do. I do not want to be “too networked”. While my blog is small and growing slowly, one of my favorite blog Small Notebook by Rachel is very successful with 12,000 plus subscriber and that too without any social medias help, this gives me a hope that I might make it. There is another one of my blogging friend Raul from Alien Ghost and Carla Half Dozen Daily who are not on twitter, I am sure there are a few others who are in similar position.
I have made this choice mostly on time constraint and I know twitter can be very useful tool, if used right. Who knows what future holds, I may adapt if necessary but right now I am happy with my slow growth and slow blogging.
Update (Dec 17, 2012) after 3.5 years of blogging, heart and mind is finally on twitter (slow twitterer too) Zengirl9
see: Heart and mind is finally on twitter
Preeti AKA Zengirl
Image sources:
The evolution of communication: grove-marketing.com
The history of my blog cartoon: citizensound.net
Hi Preeti, I love this post and I just now shared it on Twitter and Facebook. 🙂
I love sharing what comes my way each day that enhances my life in some way.
Love and Blessings,
Jimmy Piver
Jimmy,
Welcome, Thanks but I did not see twitter or Facebook icon on your website, how did you shared the post?
Preeti, I have used the icons in the past. Currently I just click the addthis add-on in my Firefox browser.
Hi Preeti.
This is cool. I don’t think I have seen one post like this anywhere up until now. Your reasons are quite valid. It does make you different to not use it if almost every other site-writer is using it, so that is a plus.
A service is only as valuable as it is to us, and if we don’t find value in it, we’ve got to cut it off as soon as possible.
Regarding that ego boost part, it is important to not let follower-ship boost ego, or else quality diminishes, effort diminishes due to lack of motivation, and people start to see you as conceited or no longer a leader.
Preeti: What I really appreciated about this post was your honesty and your decision to do what feels right and not just join Twitter because so many other people are doing it. I think this is such a great trait to have because we should always try to find our own answers and do what feels right to us. Like many of the other commenters, I am on Twitter and I use it to share good posts and information. This is how I have decided it works best for me and I really think it is great that you have found your own answers and approach with Twitter. I think that is what is all about … finding your way to what you know is right for yourself. Thanks for the great post.
Thank you for your honesty. I’d say that it is refreshing to read that someone out there is not on twitter nor see the need to. I have a twitter account, tried to be on it and then found that I just could not keep up with it. I am slightly more active on Facebook, though not everyday; but that is because my friends are on it. I recall a friend telling me once how an inspirational saying that I had published on FB helped her through a difficult period. Just knowing that my friends are reading what I am posting on FB and the possibility of assisting them in some way keeps me motivated to be on FB.
You have said it brilliantly. You have got a life! And more reasons than one to know that it is not for you; at least not for now. I also know what it feels like to be trying to blog, with kids to mind and all!
Much blessings!
Hi Preeti:
I read your blog post. I admire how you believe in yourself.
Whatever you do you express it with full force and have reasonable grounds for it. Just like you do not agree with millions of people on twitter, many out of those millions do not agree with you. This is Freedom of choice and we all are very lucky to live in a world where we can make choices. This makes me feel better. I like your blog and your writing style. Your post got you lots of comments and your post was mentioned on twitter. Girl you are famous. Keep up the good work.
Make it a great day for your self
Fran Aslam
Now tell us how you really feel, Preeti.
Twitter and social networking is a personal, individual choice kinda thing. I personally do not like MySpace and think Facebook is okay. I adore Twitter though. I have had a lot of “success” with Twitter as far as links and retweets. Basically, you get out what you put in – like with everything else.
You have mentioned your dislike or lack of interest in Twitter before and I say “hooray”. At least you are doing what you want to do and not following “trends”. Continue rockin’!
Peaces!
Preethi!!!
you are right , I always want to be unique.
I do not have a twitter account too.
” I really dunt care what others have for their Breakfast ”
Good one again !
How is Twitter compared to Facebook ????
Waiting for some good suggestions !!!
I’m not a big fan of twitter, too much spam in there.
Jimmy,
Wow, I am learning new things! I did not know you could do that, neat! Thanks.
Armen,
The reason you have not seen post like this, is because most blogger are wiser, unlike me 🙂 I get often asked why I am not twitter, so I thought of writing it here, sort of a large “why I am …”.
I personally think all social media is great tools, unfortunately, I think we will spend quality time to get quality outcome and I do not have extra time nor I see value investing my much time in learning the tool. Maybe I am naive but right now I am okay with that.
It is kind of nice to see numbers of followers, subscribers and comment counts, we all do that but you are right, ego boosting will diminish the trust and quality both fast.
Sibyl,
It is great to see you always! I try to be honest and show why I am doing certain things differently. I know it has effected me not being on twitter but I guess it will have to do as I simply do not have extra time to add social media on my blogging to do things.
Maybe some day but right now I am okay with slow progress and slow blogging. Thank you for the support!
Evelyn,
You as a mother know, that being mom is not easy, I barely blog part time, with teaching and homeschooling so adding social media to the mix was not possible, nor I see the value in it so much.
I have never tried twitter so I do not know how it will effect and work but I visit many of my blogger friend’s twitter out of curiosity and some of kind of support. I heard facebook is much more personal and better.
I like how you helped someone on Facebook, that what keeps all of us doing right thing and be inspired.
Fran,
Thank you for kind words. Yes, many will not agree with me on my choice not to be on twitter. But, I am not asking anyone to do what I do, I am simply stating the fact why I am not on it and why it does not work for me.
Like you said, we are lucky to live in a world where we can make choices that work for us!
Ali,
Good to see you, I know you were busy with new site! Congratulations!
Yes, you are right, we will get what we put in, and that is one of the reason I am not doing social media because I do not have much time left to give quality to another task, If I do not have to.
I get often why I am not on twitter question so thought of writing it here! 🙂
Taurian,
Do you have a blog or website too? I would love to check it out.
I am wrong person to ask about social media opinion.I do not know how it twitter compared to Facebook as I am not on either one. But a few commenter are saying Facebook is more personal and better. For some people twitter has worked very well for bringing traffic to their site.
My husband uses Facebook for personal use, and he loves it.
Adriana,
There are some good information also there, you just have to weed through it.
Nah I dont have a blog or a site.
I use to maintain my personal blog 2 years back , later ignored due to hectic work.
I have to get back to it and I am planning for one again . dunno when I wil, but definitely one day for sure.
Twitter , I have not tried it yet . If possible collect some good/bad reviews abt facebook from Gen guy 🙂
Thank you so much for your time.
Hey Preeti,
Yeah, I totally understand about adding more “to-do.” I know you’re not trying to be unique only. Time is very valuable.
I think you can go to this site and download feed demon. Here is the link. http://feeddemon.com/ I hope you like it.
Take care,
Evelyn
You’re very welcome! 😉 This was a great post!
Evelyn,
Thanks for the feed demon info, I am going to check it out. Great!
🙂 Thanks, the irony of sharing this post in twitter! Oh my!
Taurian,
Yes, blog can take up some time! But it is fun to write sometimes. When you decide to start your blog, let me know, I will check it out.
Zenguy like using Facebook and has a private profile only for a selected friends and he spends 10 minutes a week on it, not much. You can share photoes, add comments to it and so on, as far as I know. There is too much info on net anyways.
Yeah! will surely let you know about ma blog..
Off late I have bookmarked your blog in ma browser , when ever I am bored or Jam packed at work .. your blogs making me feel relaxed.
content in your blogs are really worth reading 🙂 Thanks your time and valuable information
Great post Twitter is waste of time, I only follow Gary Vaynerchuk on the twitter thats it,
Marios
You’ve given some great reasons!! – and with your schedule including home schooling, I am amazed that you make the time and clear mind to write so brilliantly.
we can learn a lot from you!
Hi Preeti,
May be you are busy so you have no time on working with social net working sites. But SNC like twitter is really good one for communication.
In this busy world there are many people they don’t have time, friends to speak about what they feel every min in their life. They cant tell it all directly with their frndz or others. But in twitter you can tweet about it and the whole world is listening you. Its a great stress reliever for many busy people or people feel lonely though they are with many. Its physiologically boosting them. They tweet and they read somebody’s tweet. Its one way of stress reliever.
And may be somewhat elder (sorry) people like you it wont look that much interesting. But ask any college students or youngsters. They find more interesting in this and its helps them in many ways. To communicate with their long distance frndz, etc..I hope twitter is more used by youngsters than elderly people.
And so many of them using twitter now a days to promote their product, website, many things. So it really helps in many ways.
No offense, just put my views.
right! i have used twitter for one year! it’s time wasting without a end. now i’m concentrating on my two blogs, that’s fun!
http://goodiesforthesoul.tumblr.com/
http://hirnrock.wordpress.com/
Taurian,
Thank you for liking to read my blog and its content. It means a lot to me.
Marios,
I am glad you found Gary to follow, I heard he is very good! Thanks for stopping by.
Aileen,
Aww..you are making me blush! We all do what works for us, I am following my heart and doing I think is right, how it will be in future? No one knows for sure.
Thank you for kind comment.
Aadhi,
I agree, many social sites can have amazing effect on spreading the word. When I was in college and before kids I used to do and love many things, I can do not do now.
You might be right that college crowd might do more social media however, I do not think twitter has anything to do with age, I have seen all ages, all gender of people successful with it.
No offense is taken! I value honest opinions.
Rolf,
I am glad you are spending your time and energy on something you believe in such as your two blog! That is great!
Hi Preeti,
Thanks for your very kind feedback.
Hi Preeti,
It’s been awhile hasn’t it? I’ve been quite busy blog hopping, writing blog posts, articles and furthermore, this post really brings more of a realistic light to ‘our time’ online. 🙂
I have both a FB and Twitter account. Twitter helps me update those who follow me with the latest content. I use it more like my RSS to blast out new posts. However, users don’t like that all the time so sharing posts with them on where I blog hop is also relevant. So if I like what I read, I share it. Thanks to sites that have the twitter button I can do so. If they don’t I’ll shorten the URL and still share it. Much like this one. 🙂 Otherwise, I’m rarely on it, unless I want to check those who have mentioned me and thank them.
With Facebook, my family is on there, so if I don’t have one, I’ll be ignoring them. It helps me share photos with them as well as say ‘Happy Birthday’ etc. Believe me, a lot of young ones over on my side. 🙂
These are just networks that have naturally grown on me. I utilize them to help those who don’t know me, to better know me and vice versa. I don’t find that boosting numbers does anything to help but moreover, these are networks that allow users who are on them that do not blog often but follow Tweets and hang out on FB another way to contact me.
So you can have these accounts but minimizing your task on them that they don’t invade, pretty much like checking e-mail is how I have come to see them.
Well, I’ve spoken too much already. I don’t want to convince you otherwise to join me. 🙂 I respect your decisions and am just sharing with you my thoughts as well on how Twitter has been.
Thanks for the conversation!
Have a great day, my friend!
Thu
Hello Preeti. Thanks so much for your thoughts on Twitter, which I’ve been worrying about. I don’t do it or Facebook, and I simply don’t have time. It’s hard enough for me to find time to blog, which I do enjoy. I’m really writing to you because your post said you’re a home schooler, and so am I. I’m really interested in how you incorporate home schooling into your life and philosophy and vice versa.
Cheers, Fran
Thu,
It is good to see you, yes it has been awhile, but I guess you have been busy being productive I hope.
I personally believe social media is great, one of the main reason I am not taking it up is because of lack of time and new learning curve learning and setting things up.
I blog part time, but often time it feels like I am working full time with 2 busy little kids. May be some day. My husband is on FB and he loves it.
You do not need to convince me, my blog could do better with twitter and other things I can do to market it, but right now timing the big issue. My hats off to all of you, who are marketing so well. I fail at it despite having marketing background on purpose ! 🙂
Fran,
I checked out your blog, great for writers. I too was hoping to find homeschool info but I guess you do not write about it there like I do.
I have been unofficially homeschooling R, since he was 3, now he is 5 and we are officially doing it with Independent studies according to laws of California and subjects based on it. We take some classes from experts, teach some at co-op and learn a lot at home. I am not sure how it is in Australia so can not comment about that.
I would like to know how do you do homeschooling with your kids?
Hi Preeti,
In the state of Victoria where I live, the laws are quite easy re home schooling. There is no set curriculum and we aren’t checked up by the Education Dept. My 15yo is at school part-time and my 13yo not at all. They are both passionate about sport, music and art, so we take some music and gym/circus classes, ski a lot, and see a lot of our friends. Our lives are busy and usually happy. With teenagers, I’m more of a facilitator and driver than teacher, but still it’s hard to fit everything in. I also work part-time from home to bring in the money and try to keep up with my writing. I’m keen to find out how you manage everything – especially with little kids!
Cheers,
Fran
Fran,
That is great to know, sounds like both of your kids are doing various enrichment classes and seem to enjoy it! R is 5 only in KG and P is 1.5 yr old so we do not do much heavy stuff right now. Besides studying reading, writing, we do little sports, and piano.
My time is very limited, so I blog about once a week, part time, I do little marketing for it and one of the main reason I am not on any social media as it can get overwhelming otherwise. Some days are better than others. I am learning to let go of many commitments right now so I can focus on my top values in life.
You seemed to have lot on your plate too. How do you manage?
Posting once a week is very respectful, and obviously it hasn’t harmed you to avoid lots of marketing. Like you, I manage by prioritizing and shedding commitments I can’t give myself to fully. I think of many commitments as serial rather than fixed. eg I’ll focus on taking the family skiing (and somehow finding the money for it!) during winter, but we have a state election coming up and I want to spend more time this spring helping our Greens’ candidate get in, and I’m also organizing a week-long writing workshop. Come summer, I’ll be able to focus on something else.
Fran,
I try to post 1-2 posts as time allows, I do a few blog comments but that is typically it for blog marketing for now.
Supporting elections and spending family time skiing are both important, I hope your winter and summer stays productive. I have to let go of many commitments and keep what are important to my heart. One step a time, life is moving along.
Best wishes to you. It is always nice to meet people who care about family and there are many of us out there.
Aadhi,
You are welcome!
And best wishes to you too, Preeti! I look forward to exploring your blog some more.
Fran,
Thanks, I hope you enjoy reading here!
I can really relate to this! I’m not on Twitter either. I’m a homeschooling mom too, and can’t see where on earth I would find the time. (I have a hard enough time checking in with facebook once or twice a day.) Still….there’s that little part of me that wonders of I’m sabotaging my blog by not being on it.
Maybe I’ll change my mind at some point, but for now I’ll stick with you in the slow lane.
Denise,
I knew there has to be a few of us who are not on twitter, because kids and life sometimes can be social enough to do more social media. I am with you, maybe someday if I think timing is right, I may change but for right now I am happy being tweet-less, as I do not want to add more “t0-do” list.
It is nice to know I have some friends to company me in slow lane!
This blog looks like a good place on the net for home schoolers to meet up!