Twitter and Associated Content: Answering the Tough Questions

There are so many excellent articles circulating about the Associated Content Twitter Challenge that I spent time pondering how to stand out from the crowd and win that coveted, brand new Netbook Computer. Upon further scrutiny of the details, I see that winning isn't about how 'good' your article is or how 'well' you tweeted but rather, by "fulfilling the assignment, you'll be entered into a sweepstakes." Hummmm, that's a tough one. No way to stack the deck in my favor - too bad. #iwanttowin

I think I've already botched the assignment anyway because, even though I'm generally pretty good at following directions, I was not included on AC Jelena's first list of participants. I probably did something wrong. Since I'm new to Twitter I'm sure that's the case. I messed something up. See, I find that to effectively communicate on or about Twitter you must learn an entirely new language. I'm still in the puppy stage. (A phrase about old dogs and new tricks springs to mind but...) Anyway, maybe I'm on AC Jelena's second list. I haven't taken the time to find that second list. I've been way too busy tweeting and retweeting. #quicklybecomingatwitteraddict

Last night I was thinking of a way to knock this assignment out quickly - since I waited until the last minute and since I already messed it up. To me, the interview style articles are interesting and fun to read. Whether it's a real interview or a telepathic interview, they are all good. I interviewed my brother for an article assignment (Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race - #shamelessselfpromotion) and people seemed to like it. So I'm going to interview myself for the AC Twitter Challenge. Hey, it seemed like a good idea last night, so let's see how it goes...

Why did you enter the Associated Content Twitter Challenge?
I need a new computer badly. Really. But also, I was curious about Twitter and figured the challenge would force me into learning something new. I try to stay current and make my own decisions about these things. And, if I'm totally honest, I wanted to see if the promotional component of Twitter would increase my page views. #bestofac #maybenot

Did it?
Yeah, some. As of 8:00am on September 17, 2009 my AC stats were:
Total page views: 13,598 / Published Content: 51 / Fans: 71
And my Twitter stats were: 467 Following, 465 Followers, 1,274 tweets

And as of 12 noon on October 14, 2009 my AC stats were:
Total page views: 16,747 / Published Content: 56 / Fans: 81
And my Twitter stats were: 589 Following, 586 Followers, 2,580 tweets
#boringstatistics #whocares

Those are just numbers. How do you interpret them?
It's interesting that in 28 days I picked up 3,149 page views. It took 1,306 tweets to get there, not counting the retweets. What I really like about these figures is the increase in fans. I do believe my writing was exposed to more Associated Content people. In turn, I've been introduced to many talented new writers here on AC. #goodstuff

What about those RTs?
Yes, the happiest thing to report is that the AC community on Twitter is very supportive. When I first started tweeting I had no clue how to shorten a URL or what hashtags were. Some of the more seasoned AC tweeters would helpfully edit my sloppy tweets, add appropriate hashtags and then retweet them. The trickle effect is amazing. Sometimes your article is retweeted multiple times, even by people you don't 'know.' I find it heartwarming to boot up and see how many times your article was retweeted while you were doing something else. #iamasap

It looks like you didn't write many articles during that 28 day period.
Okay, yes, that's true. I'm still finding my way. There must be a sweet spot, a magic formula, a comfortable balance between writing and reading and commenting and tweeting and retweeting and - well, real life. #howcanimanageeverything

What, specifically, slowed you down?
I tried to keep a normal flow of writing and reading articles but once I loaded TweetDeck, a notification box kept appearing in the upper right corner of my computer screen, beckoning me to click over and read the new and interesting tweet. So I would pop over to TweetDeck, read the tweet, maybe click the tweeted link, and then probably read that article. And if I liked that article, I would retweet it. #gettingcaughtinaviciouscycle

Oh wait, there it is. And I have to retweet it.
RT @acnews: Last day to take the AC Twitter Challenge! You could win a netbook or other fabulous prizes! http://bit.ly/WN1GH #acsweeps

What were the rewards of the experience?
It is so interesting in a variety of ways. For sure, I have been introduced to more writers here on Associated Content. It's gone in both directions - from here to there and from there to here.

Huh?
Okay, let me explain. I communicated with some people on AC first and then we became Twitter pals. I'm happy to report that some of these fine AC writers are absolutely hilarious on Twitter. How folks can be so darn funny in 140 characters is bewildering. I literally laugh out loud - often.

On the other hand, there are many people I first became acquainted with on Twitter and we now subscribe to one another here on Associated Content (hence the rapid increase in fans). I enjoy reading a wide variety of articles so finding new writers to subscribe to is an ancillary bonus.

Any other rewards worth mentioning?
Yes, aside from these warm and supportive benefits, I stumbled onto a tangible benefit. If you have read any of my articles (now that's just weird, I'm interviewing myself - #easilyamused) you know I like to support local businesses. I wrote an article about Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka (again with the #shamelessselfpromotion) from Charleston, SC.

I tweeted the article and @FireflyVodka started following me. A fantastically funny AC pal picked up the thread and began very helpfully retweeting my Firefly article. In fact, we ganged up on the Firefly tweeter and twitter-bombed him with funny requests. The benefits were two-fold. 93 new people read the article during this timeframe AND the Firefly guy is sending both me and the supportive pal a 'Front Porch Party Pack.' I don't know what that is but I am really excited about it. And, if it's good/interesting/cool, I'll write an article about it. #hopeitisworthwritingabout

And really, what is it with those annoying ###s?
Those are hashtags. And I think the misuses of hashtags are one of the funniest things going on on Twitter. When people tweet things like 'my toddler just pitched a running fit in line at the bank #whyme #toddlerforsale' it makes me laugh. Yep, #veryeasilyamused #dontjudgeme

What is your conclusion?
I now share recipes with an acclaimed Chef and goof around with an amazing college kid who just published his second book. I belong to a lovely and supportive group of 'Women Who Write Online' and help find missing children and lost pets. In fact, this experience has allowed me the opportunity to micro-correspond with a tremendous group of fabulous and interesting new folks.

Since I've already bungled the assignment I'm not going to abide by all the rules. It is clearly stated that you should list of some of the interesting people you follow but I'm going to skip that part. If you are interested in becoming acquainted with the snappy folks I follow, just Follow Me. I don't have any duds on my list and will keep on tweeting if only #justforthefunofit.