I often find myself trying to explain why I tweet, how it helps me, and why not Facebook… to list just a few questions. Tweeting isn’t for everyone. And, to each their own.
So here are my personal reasons for Tweeting (note: this does not translate to my philosophy on my professional/business uses of Twitter):
- I learn A LOT. 140 characters gives a quick summary about a story, and helps me decide if I want to read more – whether it’s new media stories from @Mashable or current events from @WSJ.
- Making connections. I communicate with reporters such as @grobbins in my professional capacity or find the best local eats from @dbgoudie. I even get virtual high-five’s from @charliefogg. It’s like going to a networking event or meet-up… but not.
- Be the first to know. News travels like rapid-fire on Twitter – way before it can be picked up by online newspapers. Imagine had Twitter existed on September 11, 2001. How many more lives may have been saved, I wonder?
- It’s not about getting 17,000 followers. I’m on Twitter because it’s a great way to discover new things. I enjoy the random conversations that I could never have otherwise with @ChasL, an interactive designer in Austin, or ReadWriteWeb blogger @eng1ne. That said, I am flattered that 500+ people find what I say to be interesting enough to follow me.
- Brands and celebrities are uninteresting. I hate being marketed to and I don’t gain anything from knowing where Britney is getting her car washed. But I do enjoy @Zappos or @JetBlue because they aren’t just about selling, but about offering human connections.
- No need to reciprocate. In Facebook, you are mutually “friends”. In Twitter, there’s no obligation to follow anyone… even those who are my real friends. In fact, I only follow those who regularly post unique and intriguing tweets. I can’t imagine trying to follow 1,000 tweeples as an individual.
- There are no rules. BAH to those who say to limit tweets to 5x per day or avoid tweeting personal details. I’m human and if I want sympathy for my migraine, I’ll seek it. Tweet as little or as much as you want, about whatever.
- Camaraderie. Put another way, snobbery. It’s yet another elitist clique where you have unique friendships – a sort of post-college sorority/fraternity.
Join the club and follow me @sherrymain 
I’d love to hear about your personal philosophy on tweeting too. What do you get out of it? Leave me a comment and let me know.
