Talkin’ Twitter

Throughout 2011, social media—namely Twitter—changed the way we consume information. Time after time, we saw news breaking and developing, all thanks to news outlets, beat writers and those that were on the outside looking in. With Twitter, we can take in reactions from all around the world and see photos and videos of events happening miles away, nearly instantaneously.

At the same time, we’re told how we should be using Twitter by people that are “social media experts” or know the most effective way of communicating across the medium. Now while there may be some legitimate marketers that carved out their own niche, how can one users’ opinion be the right or wrong view? It’s something that that I often wonder about, especially when you take into consideration the fact that not everyone is using social media — specifically Twitter — in the same manner that someone else is using their account.

When I log on to Twitter, I like to connect with a variety of individuals: sports fans and journalists; news outlets; bloggers; brands; entrepreneurs; athletes; websites and anything else I may find interesting. It gives me reactions, emotions, information, tips, inspiration and entertainment. I also enjoy people that are themselves and really don’t try to force things: it makes Twitter feel like a conversation between two people—or even a large group of people—with the use of a hashtag. It’s these types of features that make Twitter stand apart from the other social media platforms for me.

It doesn’t bother me when someone “checks-in” to a restaurant or tweets their 3 mile run. If you don’t want to see those types of tweets, that’s why there’s the unfollow button. Nowhere does it say that you have to follow anyone on Twitter; it also doesn’t say that users can not share any information (no matter how ridiculous) that you may not be interested in. People are coming up with their own “Twitter Rules” all the time nowadays, but guess what – YOU log in on YOUR Twitter account. Of course, you shouldn’t tweet offensive/objectionable stuff but when it comes down to it, it’s your account and you decide how you use it.

This brings me to the main reason for this blog post – recognizing some Twitter users that I feel are underrated, informational and entertaining. These are people/brands/accounts that are on my follow list. (Note: I did not say that they are “must-follows” because they may not be for others.)

In no particular order (with their Twitter bios in italics)…

@LanceWilkerson—Play-by-play voice of the Aces and Director of Development for Athletics at the University of Evansville; proud Dad of Cal, and hubby of Kim
This guys takes tweets while on the air, broadcasting Evansville Basketball games. Great interaction, great use of Twitter.

@cksyme. Helping you be your own media. Social media/reputation/crisis communications agency in Bozeman, Montana; lover of good food and wine.
Chris often tweets useful and informational stuff related to social media, communications and PR.

@jaystancil. Christian/Husband/Dad of 2, Dir of Sports Communications @ Union College (KY), host of #SIDChat, runner & Half Fanatic #1684 http://bit.ly/fON0ls – running blog
Jay works in Sports information and hosts #SIDChat.

@JoePott. Play-by-play guy, husband and father in St. Louis. Dayton grad. Proud voice of @siuecougars.
Joe also works in Sports info but he’s also a St. Louis Cardinals fan and a downright good guy.

@TunesSTL. St. Louis Cardinals Media Relations Specialist. Stetson University alum. College Baseball enthusiast.
Chris works in Media Relations for the St. Louis Cardinals. He has good tidbits from a guy that’s always around the club.

@BigWestMD. Digital Media Director for the Big West Conference. Opinions do not reflect those of the Big West Conference and are solely my own thoughts and musings.
Steve works in the same capacity as myself, but for the Big West Conference.

@PaulKirk_Drake. Drake University Asst. Athletic Director for Communications
Former NFL Media guy, now in the Missouri Valley. Has a great grasp of twitter.

@nortonbrian. 26, single, Journalist, writer, editor, designer, online junkie, traveler. These are my own personal views. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/brian.norton
Brian embraces digital media similar to myself.

@wildjays. CTO and contributor for White & Blue Review covering all Creighton Sports @whitebluereview. MVC correspondent for Rush the Court @rushthecourt
Patrick is one of the most connected Creighton/MVC twitter users that I follow. Not sure how he rounds up all the info that he does, but he’s good at it.

@AndyPawlowski. Inspired by all things digital, social, and basketball and will post on this often. Work in digital at Nike. Enjoy being a father & berry picker.
I enjoy reading Andy’s blog. He’s usually good for inspiring digital/social media ideas.

@CoreyMMeyers. Born and raised in the St Louis area. I’m no Rob Lowe.
He’s not Rob Lowe, but its fun to go back and forth with this guy.

@D_Love. Athletic geek, Mac user. Love sports and sci-fi. Enjoys home theater and Xbox
I’m not sure how I came across David, but sports fans tend to find each other.

@creativereason. Interactive Director, Partner / Founder at @Spoke_Marketing, Mac Enthusiast, Tech Geek, Web Designer, @SMCSTL board, Speaker, Husband & Dad.
Ok…so he does have over 2,000 followers, but Brian is one of those guys that I ask questions or can point me in the right direction.

@NateLatsch. Cover prep sports for STLhighschoolsports.com, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Suburban Journals.
I’m not big in to high school sports, but Nate is a good, solid twitter user. And he’s on board with my #BeastMode tweets.

Not being a part of this list means nothing. There are people on this list that don’t follow me and there are people on this have no idea who I am. But I hope it serves as an example of how Twitter can be individualized and there is no right or wrong way of how to use it.