Lets just get this right out in the open -- I am addicted to Twitter. There - I said it! Yes, this Well Behaved Mormon Woman spends quite a bit of her precious time, as LdsNana, twittering around. I'm not even going to attempt to justify the amount of time I spend sending out tweets and connecting with multitudes of people, nearly everyday - on Twitter!
Instead, I'd like to persuade more LDS members to come on board, and join me on Twitter! That's right -- consider this an informal invitation, inviting YOU to jump on the Twitter bandwagon! I've even provided a way for you to connect, almost instantaneously - with many other awesome LDS members!
All you need do, is first sign-up for a Twitter account, and then head on over to this link -- and join the LDS Twitter Group. Piece of cake.
You might be asking yourself, why YOU should join Twitter? In fact, you might not even be aware of what Twitter is all about... Well, that's OK! In all honesty, when I first signed-up, I didn't either. It took me quite a few months to begin to understand the POWER of Twitter!
I'm not here to tell you how you should use Twitter. But I will tell you, that I do think you should be a part of the Twitter movement. There are already quite a few Mormons on Twitter. It's fun, because everyday - we learn that another person on Twitter, just happens to be a Mormon, too. Really, they just keep coming out of the woodwork! As LDS members connect with each other on Twitter - others are also intertwined into our "small conversations". This is a great way for others, to get a small glimpse into Mormonism.
"That word conversation is important. There are conversations going on about the Church constantly. Those conversations will continue whether or not we choose to participate in them. But we cannot stand on the sidelines while others, including our critics, attempt to define what the Church teaches. While some conversations have audiences in the thousands or even millions, most are much, much smaller. But all conversations have an impact on those who participate in them. Perceptions of the Church are established one conversation at a time."Elder M. Russell Ballard
I'd like to share with you, a few of the exciting things on Twitter, that I have been privileged to be a part of over the last few months.
During our most recent LDS General Conference, Twitter became a medium to connect with other LDS members, in real-time - during conference. I will admit, that I did find it necessary to re-read each talk, later. (Which we always do anyway:-) However, the POWER of connecting in such a way - cannot be denied.
Twitter and LDS General Conference
Twitter is an amazing tool, for dispensing information in a very efficient manner. Many Mormons, were very involved with the YES on 8 campaign. For me personally, Twitter became a way to connect with many others, online - that are also passionate about defending traditional marriage.
And last, but not least - I have had wonderful opportunities to meet many people of different faiths, and beliefs through my Twitter connections. I am consistently impressed, encouraged and humbled at the sincerity and respect, that I find with so many people on Twitter. I'd like to introduce you to just one, of these amazing people, of whom I have come to truly respect and value their friendship greatly... Meet @wading4U, also known as Tim Wade.
You can read the full story here... Are Mormons better Christians?
Well, I could go on and on about the many positive reasons for spending my time, just Twittering around. I could list off @ after @, of the really nice folks that I have had the blessing of becoming associated with, on Twitter. Instead, I'll stop there. I hope that you have - in some way, been inspired to join the conversation, on Twitter - and add your light, to a place where there are so many who are ready and willing to receive you, as a person.
About Twitter - In Plain English
What IS Twitter?
THE Twitter Manual - DOWNLOAD IT NOW!
Twitter Quick-Start Guide
How to use TweetDeck - My favorite application for managing your Twitter account
I would love to hear about some of your - Twitter experiences?
tDMg
LdsNana on Twitter!
I'm with you Kathryn! It is addicting to chat with people all over the world through Twitter. I've developed lots of relationships 140 characters at a time...including getting to know you who happen to live in my hometown and know my parents!
ReplyDeleteI think that quote from Elder Ballard is so important and having been very active on Twitter during this last election and seeing the discussion that happened surrounding Prop 8, it's only becoming more important. Twitter, Facebook, blogs, all are ways to take part in the discussion that goes on in the world.
That being said, I know that Twitter is not going to be for everyone. Some will be overwhelmed in the techy world that it is. Others can't/won't delve deep enough into the community to be of any value (if you are waiting for 15 people to says something, it can be less than productive). But for those that put in the time to get through the learning curve, it can be lots of fun.
Ryan -
ReplyDeleteFinding you on Twitter, was hilarious to say the least! I must tell you, that the term "small conversations" has hit me so hard, as I have had such great times using Twitter.
I love your advice to new users, that you can't just sit back on Twitter, and hope that someone with make a connection with you. It requires active participation in that conversation.
However, I love, that even the least techy person - can easily sign-up for Twitter, and start posting small sentences of only 140 characters. It really is that easy:-)
Thanks for commenting.
tDMg
Kathryn
Very interesting stuff. I read the First Presidency message and went to Las Vegas last week. CES was in Vegas but also, blogger events and tweetups.
ReplyDeleteListened to several social media speakers. Message over and over was build relationships. Don't be "that guy" who posts only about his Amway products or whatever.
Pres. Eyring's message about a warning voice is along the same lines. We don't have to shove the Gospel message down people's throats. But we need to love others.
In the case of twitter that means just engaging people in genuine conversations. We don't have to lie in wait and spring on folk.
And it's fun.
BTW, why can't I comment using my real name and http://willisays.com here?
Willis -
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. Relationships are what is most important. I'm so glad you brought up that very important point.
I wouldn't want members thinking that I am implying that they need to join Twitter and then shove the gospel in peoples face. I sure hope that I don't do that! In fact, most of what I "tweet" about, is just the stuff I'm doing, thinking, or am interested in... And, what I blog about. For me personally , that happens to have quite a bit to do with "Mormonism". But if you follow me (LdsNana) you would expect it.
Again, that is why I really enjoy Twitter. I love the small conversations, that develop genuine interest between tweople.
Thank you for your thoughts.
tDMg
Kathryn
P.S. I too, don't like the limitations of backlinking, etc... on blogger. I prefer WordPress, in that regard. Even I can't post the way I would want to. Very frustrating!
Twitter rocks. I'm addicted and mrstommytrc has sometimes called herself a twitter-widow. Excellent
ReplyDeleteSO there!
Thomas Clifford -
ReplyDeleteAmen! LOL We are going 2 need 2 come up with a plan, to bring your wife on board:-)
tDMg
Kathryn
I find lots of interesting folks on twitter. I like to connect with people from all faiths. I really enjoy following other grandparents as well. People are on twitter for various reasons. Some are social butterflies. ;-) Twitter can be very entertaining, and also quite useful.
ReplyDeleteIt took me awhile to figure it out though. I often see new twitterers struggling to build their little community of friends and followers. Many of them go about it in ineffective ways.
That's why I wrote the "Twitter quick start checklist" you so kindly linked to above. (Thank you.)
I also enjoy connecting with other LDS tweeple I find in the LDS Twitter Group you mentioned above.
Thanks for the nice article!
@ShaynePacker
Great summary of the fun on Twitter. My problem now is I am building too many contacts it's hard to keep track of everyone without just sitting there reading tweets all day. Any advice on this would be much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteFor beginners, a great start is to look for Twitter Groups about stuff you're interested in. By joining the LDS group I got a lot of people who added me (@foodstoragetips) just because I was part of that group.
Hope to see you all on Twitter! And ldsnana I'm so grateful for our friendship that has blossomed 140 characters at a time. You are an incredible woman.
-Jodi
p.s. To those who want their name to link to their URL, just check the button that says Name/URL under "choose an identity" and it lets you input what you want. (see mine for example)
I've enjoyed twitter (I've only been on for about 2 weeks) and I loved reading your thoughts on it!
ReplyDeletePS--I'm @1momof5
Lolli -
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to comment. By the way, I am now following YOU on Twitter. For only being on Twitter for two weeks, you are doing extremely well making many new friends.
tDMg
Kathryn
I'm glad you posted this link on Twitter Moms and glad we are friends on Twitter! I am finding I love all these wonderful social networks and love that we are encouraged to share our beliefs through these mediums by the Church. I am finding, though, that at my current stage in my life I have to be very careful to not be addicted to my computer!
ReplyDelete: ) I have had to scale back my computer time and devote more attention to my hubbie and little boy. You are doing a great job promoting the Church!
Becky -
ReplyDeleteI think regardless of our age, we need to balance our computer life, with our home/family life. As you inferred, social media can be very addicting! It is addicting, because all of us enjoy connecting with others. Having the opportunity to share some of our beliefs, is definitely a perk.
tDMg
Kathryn
Jodi -
ReplyDeleteI have had a lot of fun, watching your food storage business grow, online. Twitter has been a wonderful way to make some great connections. I too, have really enjoyed getting to know you, too.
tDMg
Kathryn
I was pretty addicted to Twitter and that's when I started to notice it's negative effects. My little children and husband weren't on twitter, nor were my sister, brothers, mother, father or grandparents.
ReplyDeleteI was spending all my time and conversations with people who really didn't matter. I had shared my daily activities with acquaintances and when I came home to my family, I didn't have a need to share my day with them. I decided to delete my twitter account and it has been so much better focusing on making real connections.
I do miss my Twitter friends, but it has been nice to get my life and family back.
Emmy -
ReplyDeleteI suppose it's all in how we see things. But, I'm glad that your family has you back. Thanks for taking the time to comment, and share your personal experience with using Social Media.
tDMg
Kathryn
I "facebook" and I don't see any diff. between that and twitter??? I just heard about twitter on your post and Seth Adam Smith's....I enjoyed reading your posts...glad I found you!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Diane -
ReplyDeleteI am on Facebook as well, but I promise you, Twitter is very different. Facebook is a live feed that is broadcast to all of your followers. It is extremely interactive. Much more so, than Facebook. Although, I too - am a major Facebook user.
I would just say, that it depends on the level of "contact" that you desire with others. Twitter tends to satisfy the need for immediate feedback, where Facebook is a bit more casual.
Twitter gives you only 140 characters to communicate your message, where Facebook is unlimited in your ability to post information.
I enjoy both Facebook and Twitter, for many of the same reasons; and yet, for the differences.
Thanks for commenting.
tDMg
Kathryn
BTW - Most who use Twitter are also on Facebook - and not the other way around:-)
I appreciate all of the comments. It has been a lot of fun to connect with members from all over the country, sometimes the world, I have a store called, www.latter-daycrafters.com where artisans list their handmade items. There are so many talented people out there! I do most of my advertising through Facebook. Like Kathryn said, Twitter only lets you leave short posts. I guess that is all it takes sometimes to get your point across.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment. Good luck with your store! : )
Delete