Twitter for Bloggers – Can I Quote you?

When I was at the Press Publish conference in Portland each of the speakers names was written up on the board, and screens, with their Twitter address next to their names, not the URL for their web-site or blog but their Twitter moniker. I found this interesting.

Later on, talking with some of the Automattic people, as we tried to work out how thekitchensgarden had “flown under the radar” (their words) for so long when the blog is daily and the Fellowship is such a strong and numerous force, we came to the conclusion that it is because I have a very teensy Twitter footprint. (Plus I am still learning about SEOs and Tags) So much to learn! Though I am being choosy about what I learn, my wee brain is only so big you know.

Even later on – talking to the people who have  published books – I asked about having a Facebook page for a book. That is one way they said -but –  “Publishers love Twitter.  They are all over Twitter.” Once again with the Twitter as a vehicle to get your message out there.   Interesting. 

And this blog does have a message . You know the message. I am adamant that if I can farm – anyone can. I want people to know this. This is why you are invited on my journey to discover how to farm. How to create an old fashioned American farm (using modern tools of course). That it is vital to take control over as many aspects of our food as possible. If only growing herbs, or choosing to buy local or a small vegetable garden in a sunny spot, or chickens in town, or a goat in a semi rural setting  or a full old fashioned farm like I have, utilising barns for what they were built for or (my joy of joys)- growing food for others to eat.

I think that we can all be involved in this and every time one of The Fellowship reports back about a chicken coop they built or a farm they visited or a market they go to on Saturday and we are all supporting each other in what is an endless struggle to keep small farms alive, to keep our connection to real food alive, then Sheila and I are succeeding with the message.  But can we do better?

So, after watching how this Twitter thing works I think that we should ALL encourage each other to push the Twitter button at the bottom of each others posts, if we like what we see and if we think other people should read this too. One speaker told us how sharing other peoples work is a generous move.  It invigorates the work.  Empowers each other.  And Tweeting information and inspiration is generous too.  (Though I have to get over my aversion to the word Tweet!)

And I think this is what Twitter can be used for. Tiny written sound bites. Short and simple. And good.

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” – Da Vinci.

Twitter is definitely simple.

And we could tweet actual quotes from each others work. The line that catches our eye and the link.  I know this is not what they mean but I think this is how The Fellowship might create a twist to the Twitter game. Imagine us being important enough to quote! And we are.

An interesting fact is that the best time to Tweet (cringe) is just after lunch on a week day. 

What do you think? (And now I am looking at my writing more critically and wondering what I  have said that is quotable – that is a good thing – makes me work harder at saying what is worth saying).

I hope you have a lovely day.

Your friend on the farm

celi

P.S. One more day just to be sure then Poppy is going to make her announcement. (It is looking promising).

P.S.S. From dawn today the Give Away has closed.  I hope you were in to win. And The Cadet is going to choose the winner of the signed print! ASAP. 

P.S.S.S. (is there a P.S.S.S?) Last night I  collected one Korean student, one Japanese student and one student from Hong Kong (all university students) from the train station. They are here for a farm stay until Monday. And if they work as hard as Gracie (who sent them) we are going to get heaps done this weekend. This is another mission of mine – to bring young people back to farming.

See you tomorrow.

c