Hashtags. Retweets. Trending Topics.
It may sound like gibberish to a lot of people, but for those active on Twitter, this is the new language of social media.
The fast-growing social media site, which allows users to post short updates, or tweets, in 140 characters or less, has more than 200 million users and counting since its debut in July 2006.
Dismissed as a frivolous arena for over-sharing and celebrity worship (the site’s top tweeter is Lady Gaga, with more than 17 million followers), Twitter has earned respect in recent years as a viable news source and an integral part of the social uprising in Middle Eastern countries (many protesters use the site as a means of communicating their message to each other and the world).
Closer to home, Triad tweeters are using the site to network, inform and entertain our community. These four Triad tweeters are making waves in the Twitterverse — 140 characters or less at a time.
Tweeter: @LordRetail
Identity: Jermaine Exum, manager of Acme Comics in Greensboro
Twitter bio: “Lord Retail of the 3 time Spirit of Comics nominated Acme Comics in Greensboro, NC. Join me for the love of comics. Stay for the nonsense.”
Joined Twitter: 2009
Why he tweets: I’ve been told that I have a way with words, and this allows me to be creative within a 140-character limitation. My goal is to entertain through silly posts but also make sure that when it’s time to educate with a thoughtful post about the comics industry, the followers are locked in to see that, as well.
Best thing about Twitter: It lets me promote Acme Comics on a global scale and has connected me in a tangible way to many comics industry professionals. I’m genuinely flattered by the professionals who have thousands of followers who count me among the few they actually follow themselves. I also think Twitter has done a lot to get word out beyond the Triad about our “Acmecast” comics podcast on iTunes. We’ve had more than 20,000 downloads in 12 months.
Worst thing about Twitter: Sometimes I forget exactly how many people read whatever I write. Even though I rarely put anything too personal out there by accident, sometimes when I meet people in public, they will already know things about me or things I have experienced because they read about it on Twitter.
Twitter pet peeve: When I leave a typo by accident — sometimes a single typo can render an entire tweet completely indecipherable.
Worst Twitter blunder: I’m one of those who will stare at a tweet before committing to make sure it reads exactly as it sounded in my head. And if it’s something I think could be misconstrued, I reword it to be sure. So, no major blunders, so far.
Favorite topic/hashtag: Comics, of course, is my favorite topic, despite all the food pictures I post. When possible, I try to use the #comicretail tag I created as a means to single out a tweet that is for comic retailers specifically, as opposed to one that is universally for comic fans. Unity and idea sharing between comics retailers is important to me.
Topics you avoid: I generally stay out of politics. Also, relationship topics, no matter how interesting or dramatic what’s happening in my life would be to other people.
Why people should follow you: No one can say that I’m not interesting, and some pretty interesting things happen during my days. I’ve also been told that I’m funny — hopefully funny on purpose.
#FollowFriday shout-outs: @acmecomics, of course; @mixedtapefilm to see what local events they have coming up; @Robot6 for comics news; and @aliciousjoy because she’s pretty clever.
Tweeter: @dhatfield
Identity: Danielle Hatfield, chief dirt digger at experiencefarm.com, managing partner of linkinggreensboro.com, a senior editor for Mobile Local Social (a tech blog), founder of GSO Tweetup (a local Twitter meet-up event) and co-founder of Social Media Club Piedmont.
Twitter bio: “Chief Dirt Digger @EXPfarm, web geek, graphic designer wannabe, green furniture designer, world traveler … now, about me being super girl … ”
Joined Twitter: April 27, 2008
Why she tweets: I use Twitter to connect with people who share similar interests — locally, regionally and around the world.
Best thing about Twitter: It’s incredibly easy to discover, learn from and befriend others on a global scale.
Worst thing about Twitter: I’ll let you know when I find something.
Twitter pet peeve: Automatic direct messages (automated thank-you messages sent to new followers).
Worst Twitter blunder: Years ago, I tweeted where I live — BIG no-no.
Favorite topic/hashtag: #design — whether it’s graphic, furniture, interior or architecture.
Topics you avoid: I stay away from negative news. I want to share things that will help and inspire.
Why people should follow you: I like to talk with people and get to know them, not shove a marketing message at them.
#FollowFriday shout-outs: @Twitter — if you are using Twitter you should follow them. @gsolights — they are truly shining a light on hunger in our community. @johnrobinson — John does more than share the news; he gets the community engaged with news stories. @visitnc — fun North Carolina facts and a great way to explore our home state from the comfort of home. @brandonpierce, my dear husband, whom I would have never met without Twitter (the couple met at a GSO Tweetup event).
Tweeter: @NikSnacks
Identity: Nikki (Nicolette) Miller-Ka, a Winston-Salem native (not born, but bred) and professional cook by trade. I also teach cooking classes and write about food.
Twitter bio: “Food blogger, food writer, culinary instructor,@tastecarolina tour guide, member of @wsjaycees & voice of @NikSnacks. Bite it & write it. That’s what I do.”
Joined Twitter: Aug. 9, 2008
Why you tweet: The right reasons: I tweet to connect with other food professionals, follow my favorite brands and restaurants and gather information. I am responsible for other Twitter accounts (@wsjaycees, @slowfoodpiedmnt, @citydash) and juggling each account is fun and has unique challenges that I take head-on.
The real reason: to enter Twitter contests and win prizes from local and national companies. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I’m lucky. I win something every week. I’m holding out for a car or some cash.
Best thing about Twitter: Twitter is instantaneous. And I love that I can customize my Twitter feed to complement me and my interests.
Worst thing about Twitter: If you follow too many people, you miss tweets that may be chock-full of information. Also, everyone is trying to promote their cause, charity, blog, website and don’t engage in conversations or answer/reply to questions. There are programs that help with this, but there is no way to monitor everything 24/7.
Twitter pet peeve: Asking your followers to retweet and then you get goose eggs. I feel like tweeting, “I know you read this! Just retweet it! C’mon!”
Worst Twitter blunder: I’ve never tweeted something I’ve regretted. Twitter has a delete button, too.
Favorite topic/hashtag: #food #triadtribe
Topics you avoid: Sex and politics.
Why people should follow you: I always know what’s going on in the city. I’m like a fun aggregate of cool things to do related to food and drink. And I really do “bite it & write it” and tweet about food that I’ve made.
#FollowFriday shout-outs: @allen_joines, the mayor of Winston-Salem, is new to Twitter and needs a little help from his friends. @rsmithing tweets beautiful photos via iPhone, plus info about apps to make your own photos look cool. Follow @whitegrlproblem for the sheer hilarity. Follow @aplusk (Ashton Kutcher) — just kidding! @chowandchatter is a fellow food blogger who lives in Winston-Salem and has an app for recipes.
Tweeter: @DesignArchives
Identity: Kit Rodenbough, a 55-year-old store owner who writes, has three children, five rescued dogs, 36 vendors and 682 consignors and left her design career for a retail career in 2000.
Twitter bio: “Vintage Shopkeeper Elm St GSO, luvs poodles & people & random obstacles; read my stories www.shopdesignarchives.com;
Joined Twitter: Spring 2010
Why you tweet: To promote the business and my writing and to feel connected to the world and be able to learn about things quickly.
Best thing about Twitter: For me, it is the challenge of learning something new and the instant gratification, recognition and responses, along with a feeling of worldwide connectedness.
Worst thing about Twitter: Sorting through the crap, just like everything else.
Twitter pet peeve: Spammers.
Worst Twitter blunder: I get mad when I tweet about something that makes me mad — I prefer to keep it upbeat and happy, but sometimes I slip.
Favorite topic/hashtag: #vintage
Topics you avoid: Health and medical
Why people should follow you: For shop news and if there is a special sale or a really cool new product at the shop, you can hear about it here first. I also like to promote others, too, and hope that you will learn something from me.
#FollowFriday shout-outs: @katespencer2go, @jetbluecheeps, @TheWomensRoom and @NewsandRecord.
Contact Jennifer Bringle at jenniferbringle@gmail.com
