GREENSBORO — When Stewart Pittman joined Twitter three years ago, he did so “begrudgingly.”
“I didn’t understand it or like it,” he said. “I fancy myself a writer, and I write a lot of long stuff, and I thought it was preposterous.”
About 3,000 tweets later, Pittman’s attitude has changed somewhat.
Though he still regards Twitter as “a strange beast” and admits “there are times when I find it useless,” the TV news photographer has found the social media device beneficial if not entertaining.
“I don’t fully understand it, but it can make for a great back-of-the-cereal-box reading,” he says. “It’s a great news source, and I’m a news guy.”
Pittman, who writes tweets under the name @lenslinger (“It’s turned into an alter ego to be honest”) earned the title of Best Tweeter in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
He was surprised but flattered.
“I don’t feel like I tweet that much, and it certainly isn’t my primary online output, but certainly a good surprise,” he said. “I’m more of a blog guy.”
His blog, Viewfinder BLUES, features essays and critiques about working in the TV news industry. (Pittman is a cameraman for WGHP, the Fox affiliate in High Point.) Through the blog and Twitter, he’s been able to boost his own awareness and brand name in the industry, he says.
“It’s all raising your profile ... probably more so than I deserve,” he quips. “There are a lot more better people out there than me.”
All joking aside, Pittman takes the written word seriously, whether it’s 140 characters or 1,000 words.
“I’m a fan of social media. I think a lot of people are bad at it; I like to think I’m good at it. Rarely do I just throw something up there.”
Want to learn more about the man behind the tweets? Here’s what Pittman had to say in 140 characters or less.
Why did you join Twitter?
I joined Twitter in August 2008 because others who were already tweeting raved about it. Years later, I’m still trying to figure out why.
Why do you tweet?
To entertain myself, to advertise my blog (lenslinger.com), to remind folks that people behind the camera can be self-absorbed losers, too.
What is it about the medium of Twitter that hooked you?
Unfiltered immediacy. Raw feedback. As one who communicates with TV cameras and sat (satellite) trucks, popping of odd sentences is like going acoustic.
When does Twitter get too personal?
Religious fervor? Tell it on some OTHER mountain. Political pet peeves to share? I vote you don’t. Manscaping plans? Please, no pictures.
How do you filter yourself on Twitter? Are there certain topics you avoid?
My bosses, frenemies, wife and daughters read this stuff. I try not to tweet things I wouldn’t say aloud. Some days, that doesn’t leave a lot.
Twitter blunders: Ever tweet something you regretted?
Looking back on it, that entire six-week period I spent tweeting my every other thought in Pig-Latin was just a wee elf-indulgent-say.
What’s the best thing about Twitter?
Twitter helped me attract new readers, introduced me to kindred souls and taught me above all else how important it is to choose words good.
What’s the worst thing about Twitter?
Over-sharing, of course. Hey, that pastrami on rye may have rocked YOUR socks, but I got my own indigestion to ignore, #thankyouverymuch
What’s your Twitter guilty pleasures? Anyone you’re ashamed you follow?
Following celebrities is lame, but so is zoning out in front of that “Matlock” marathon. Not that I’ve ever done that. As far as you know.
Has the 140 character limit made your prose (both on and off Twitter) more clever or the opposite?
Limited sentence length hones thought distillation. I use Twitter as a writing prompt, as well as a place for old knock-knock jokes to die.
Why should people follow you?
Folks should follow my every tweet because I’m a needy writer type who needs panegyrical support. Plus, I use odd words, like panegyrical.
Four must-follow Tweeters:
@Mrsdaughtry — a bald rocker’s better half
@scottiegarrand — a funny friend
@SteveMartinToGo — My hero
@johnrobinson — pretty clever for an editor
Contact Carla Kucinski at 373-7319 or carla@gotriad.com
