The Problem With ‘The Last Tweet Of 2009′
I’ve been seeing lots of Businesses on Twitter saying “this is our last tweet of 2009″, mostly around December 22/23 – before the office closes for two weeks.
Given that Twitter is more about augmented reality than blogging (it’s even changed in some circles from ‘micro-blogging’ to ‘micro-media’), then isn’t saying “this is our last tweet of 2009″ like saying “this is our last conversation of 2009″?
Whilst you might say “this is my last blog post of 2009″, blogging isn’t the same as conversation, so when I see tweets like this, I realise there is a fundamental misunderstanding about Twitter’s use as a platform for ongoing conversation.
In my opinion, this suggests that conversation ends for special occasions, that we cease to talk to one another because it’s the New Yew, or a bank holiday. But the reality is that it is on holidays like Christmas that we talk more, so then why put Twitter away?
I faced this challenge myself on Christmas Day. Should I tweet, or not? Well, if tweeting is like work, then yes I should consider not tweeting. But if Twitter is augmenting my reality, and extending my relationships from just being those in close proximity, then why not wish Merry Christmas to people around the world through Twitter and Facebook?
Do you not use a mobile phone to text people on Christmas, or even call them? I’m not saying you don’t pay more attention to the people you’re spending the day with – but I wonder why many of us have this rather inconsistent and incongruent view.
The future is not set for less augmentation, but more. I certainly felt a few years ago that texting on Christmas day was somewhat rude, but now it’s common place. Should businesses, then, begin thinking like this too?
Perhaps you have a thought to add here?
Hey Scott,
Are there two key points here?
1) That businesses “switch off” for holidays, and
2) That people misunderstand the ongoing conversation potential of Twitter.
For example, my consulting business is closed from 24th Dec-4th Jan, but I have tweeted everyday.
Thoughts?
Robin
Robin- I think you see it better than I do. This is a very good way of
understanding it.
What I was seeing was companies just deciding to 'abandon'
conversation for two weeks. This is a first-mile, jobs worth, good but
not great, 9-5 mentality.
As you say, just bc the business is closed doesn't mean the
conversation closes – but then the flawed, 1950s thinking says that it
does
The real opportunity for savvy business people is to leverage the technology to participate in the 24-7-365 on-going conversation. What was “share of voice” becomes “share of conversation”.
How does a business develop a sustainable competitive advantage in the “always on” conversation? 'Sustainable' being the key word.
Bang on. Hit the nail on the head.
However I do feel somewhat under qualified to answer your question.
Sustaining a 'always on' mode of operation and conversation is
something I've yet to implement for a client.
If I look at the concept, it ties into my thoughts on 'lifting
restrictions' – business should no longer (unless we are talking
Luxury Brands) be limited by time, location, availability, etc
Personally I'd like to hear your thoughts…
This is something I would really like to workshop for LikeMinds.
'How to sustain the 'always on' customer conversation in a way that builds mutual value and competitive advantage.'
Hmm – let's skype it this week.
Now *that* is something I've got vision for