subject: Microblogging, A New Writing Format [print this page] Microblogging new formats have created a whole new discipline in terms of content writing. Inspired by traditional cell phone text messages, they are a true challenge for people who has grown up surrounded by other media, traditional way. We all remember ritual of reading newspaper, without hurry, enjoying each section, each story and each advertisement. Somehow, inexplicably our pockets and purses began to contain a little device that, at times, it seems that it was designed to control our lives: the cellphone. And little by little, texts became shorter and love letters turned to something like HOW R U? I LUV U
Convenience made that language got appropriated by text messages, and soon we all become skillful writers of text messages. The vector became essential in our lives, and suddenly we couldnt even go to the grocery without asking Shall I buy whole or skim milk? Thirty-one characters that would provide us an appropriate response for a moment of existential anguish.
Now, social networks, especially Twitter, became the source of daily information, entertainment, reading material and areas for socializing. We want to know results of Super Bowl, we look at Twitter. We want to find a colleague who we had met a long time ago, we seek on Twitter. We seek new customers and more traffic. Where else, on Twitter. But how?
Company owners of all sizes and all activity niches, in different degrees of awareness, know they have to be on Twitter, but not everyone has a clear idea of what to do. Two obstacles stand in our way. Firstly, not all are able to get used to limit the number of characters. On the other hand, some feel something like the dreaded blank sheet writers syndrome, what to say?
If no one taught you how to interact with friends, and you still manage to communicate, exchange ideas, laugh, concern, inform, and know whats about the life-roughly- of acquaintances, the same should happen with your leads, sales prospects and visitors. Theres just one rule when using Twitter: dont spam. Spam on Twitter is like chatting with a friend and a vacuum cleaner salesman appears. The last thing we want to do is to listen to his sales message. With face-to-face contact we are forced to be fairly educated, perhaps hear him for a few seconds, then we cordially invite him to leave. But on Twitter, and throughout the internet, patience is scarce virtue. So well stop having fans and contacts in short time. I repeat, if its still not clear: dont spam. Dont intend to sell, dont impose your ideas, concepts or business advice. Listen in the first place. Listen what other users say. Contribute when you find an interesting thread. Share posts from other authors, if you think its truly valuable material.
Be generous with your time, attention and knowledge. Thats what Twitter really is for. To chat with friends, very briefly. When you launch Twitter, forget the words sell, recommend or visit. This is the most direct way to sell, recommend or gain visits.
