TechPastor.net

I have had quite a few people in my circle of friends recently ask me about twitter. Social media tools have been getting quite a bit of attention lately and the popularity of twitter is on the rise. Most of my conversations have revolved around why I use the service. So here is a quick list of reasons:

1. I like to try new things – Seriously, I just get a kick out of trying out new gadgets, toys, and tech. So when a new service or product is available (if it is not outrageously expensive) I’ll give it a shot. Twitter was easy because its free!

2. Networking – Twitter has given me the opportunity to connect with new people that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to interact with. There are pastors and church leaders around the country that I have connected with through twitter and blogging before ever meeting them in person. Heather Zemple, and Cynthia Ware are just a couple of examples. I met them through social media (twitter, blogging and facebook) before I met them in person to conduct a workshop at the Group Life Conference last year. By the way, If you end up attending the Group Life Conference this year, consider attending my breakout on social media. It should be fun!

3. Staying Connected – I can keep current on what my friends are up to.

4. A Good Laugh – Just choose to follow a few funny comedians and you will know what I’m talking about.

5. Facebook – Yes twitter can work with facebook. If you install the twitter application in facebook, when you use twitter it will update your facebook status. Here is a link to the app page in facebook. Oh and if you want to connect with me on facebook click here.

6. Mobile – Twitter works with your mobile phone. You can choose which people you follow hit your phone with a text message and you can send updates via text in seconds.

7. Relationships – Twitter and other forms of social media (like facebook) allow me to know people more intimately. I know when their kids are sick, when they are diagnosed with cancer, when they lose their jobs, and I have an opportunity to make a connection, pray, and offer encouragement. I also get to celebrate with others, birthdays, anniversaries, births, promotions, vacations, and other exciting moments. People are often worried that technology weakens relationships with others, but an argument can be made that social media enhances relationships with others.

8. Free – Yep, no cost. The investment is a few seconds to text message an update.

9. Fun – I have to be honest, I find the whole thing entertaining. Especially when you find out how strange some people are!

10. Limits – I love the fact that twitter has limits. You can only update in 140 characters or less. So when you are reading the messages of others it takes seconds. Just seconds to read and seconds to reply (if you want to).

Click here to follow me on twitter.

Here is a quick video from CommonCraft that explains the basics.