Dave Fleet wrote a response to a recent post by Robert Scoble about the ‘secret’ of Twitter. He said that Scoble is "dead wrong" about his theory that following more is better than getting followed more. I had to go back and read Scoble’s piece again, because I seemed to recall nodding my head as I read it the first time. Sure enough, I still agree with the essential point that Scoble was trying to make. Twitter is not, and should not be, a popularity contest where the winner is determined by the number of followers. That’s what Feedburner stats are for. So I don’t think Scoble is dead wrong on this one.
I hesitate to criticize Dave to strongly, though, for his assessment of Scoble’s theory. Dave knows his stuff and I’m convinced he’s not dead wrong either. The points Dave makes to support his criticism are excellent ones and I found myself nodding along with him as well.
How is it, then, that I can agree with two diametrically opposed opinions? When this happens, it usually means to me that I’m looking at a false dichotomy. An argument of extremes where the answer actually lies somewhere in the middle.
But maybe it doesn’t matter at all. Maybe we should be more focused on the quality of the conversation rather than the quantity of our audience. Maybe we should stop paying attention to those following/follower number entirely. The power of the ‘@’ will ensure that your audience will grow in proportion to the quality of your participation in the conversation cloud.
Twitter is the world’s largest pub. If you walk in with earplugs in and start talking to everyone – you will probably get hurt. On the other hand, if you try to sit at every table and never say a word, well, you’re probably just hurting yourself. The two extremes.
My advice? Walk in, order a beer, look for a few friends. Introduce yourself to a few of their friends and let the conversation take its course. Most of all, just be yourself.
Tags: Dave Fleet, Scoble, Twitter
Hi Colin,
You’re absolutely right – the answer is somewhere in the middle. That’s what I was trying to get at with my points. Followers are important. The people you follow are important too. However, other things are equally important, like providing value to the people you’re connected to. For most people (the non-so-called ‘A listers’) that’s what enables you to get real value out of Twitter.
However, I strongly disagree that the secret to Twitter is how many people you follow.
Thanks for the great response!
I like the pub metaphor, but I think it only points out the folly of Scoble’s approach. He’s walking into the pub and trying to talk to EVERYONE. Actually, as he’s currently following 16,000+, it’s more like he’s walking into an arena.
His claim that he’s learning more, meeting more people and becoming a better listener while following so many others is ridiculous.
geez! what’s with the ‘things-hafta-be-a-certain-way’ attitude in this space? if scoble likes trying to talk/listen to 16000+ people then let him. If you like talking to 15 people, then do it.
i thought the beauty of this world was that we can customize things (blogs, twitter, SMPRs etc) to how we like them and according to what we get out of them. who cares what the other guy is doing?
colin, your advice is the best – be yourself.
I agree with zoe,
I’m getting annoyed with Twitter edicate rules and others prescribing how Twitter should be used. I say to each his own! There so many different reasons why people are on Twitter; let each person decide what works best for their purpose.
If you don’t like how I’m tweeting, simply unfollow and move on.