I read an intriquing statement on Twitter today…it kind of blew me away. Actually, it wasn’t a statement it was more of a question; it said, Is Twitter destroying blogging? Wow, that was kind of a loaded question for me. I love Twitter and I love blogging…can’t have my two digital “friends” duking it out, ya know what I mean?
I love Twitter because it is immediate. It is the thought process and relationship equivillant of instant gratification. That is pretty addictive for most people. On the other hand, blogging is the process by which a thought, a statement or an idea is presented in a deep and meaningful way. It is the vehicle through which a post can be fleshed out.
I like to think of it this way, Twitter is verbal shorthand. It is clear, concise, direct and immediate. Who doesn’t love that when time is short and people want to connect to others and not feel isolated in the midst of their day. Blogging is more like a novel or a streaming consciousness. It is a full on conversational connection; if comments are encouraged, embraced and followed up on.
Or for those of you who are more visual; think on this:
Twitter is like fast food and blogging is more like an all you can eat buffet. Both are tasty, both meet the need and both have their fans. But, when you combine them…you get a fullness of good food, tastiness, and service. Both have their place and serve their purpose.
Twitter doesn’t have to replace blogging just because time is short and people have limited attention spans. After all, there will be down time eventually for longer reads if they are temporarily short on time. Blogging (or reading blogs) isn’t always possible because of demands on a person’s time. However, Twitter can be a blogger’s best friend by simply being an immediate word of mouth referral (or an advertising)…an introduction of sorts. It is like being invited to a party where you know no-one. Then, the host of the party (Twitter) introduces you to people who share the same interests as you, have connections that will bless you; and maybe, just maybe, you will discover that your blog and some of Twitter’s referrals have mutual friends that you both know and love. That also works in reverse…your Twitter stream can be enriched by the readers of your blog. Don’t you just love it???
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Some time ago, I had never heard of Twitter; now I’m an avid fan. If it were to replace blogging, those of us who are long winded and love to rant and rave will be up a stump! The evolution of the internet, social networking and mankind is ongoing. I wonder what the Next Big Thing will be that causes us to create blog posts and Tweet and affect our lives!
What interesting concepts you bring us, Rainy!
Hugs,
Mother Connie
http://foodstampscookingclub.com/blog