jbrotherlove

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experiments in wordpressionisms

Tweeves: Facebook links & #followfriday

Note: Actually, starting everything Twitter-related word with “tw” is a bit of a pet peeve of mine, as well. The things I’ll do for a clever blog post title.

Facebook Links

This pet peeve isn’t limited to Facebook, actually. Links to iTunes (the worse – it attempts to launch a program!), LinkedIn, newspapers, or any service requiring a login/membership creates the same problem. But due to its popularity and/or culture, Facebook gets the most abuse on Twitter. Newsflash: I’m not on Facebook. And I shouldn’t have to be to view information that has nothing to do with Facebook (general pictures, local events, etc.)

Yet people freely throw up shortened links (that obscure the destination) without annoucing they lead to Facebook, Imeem or whatever walled service of their choice. Annoying. Give a heads-up; announce the service or make the Facebook event public.

#followfriday

I first noticed the #followfriday Twitter meme two months ago. The idea is to suggest Twitter accounts for others to follow. Great idea. However, most people end up using the #followfriday hashtag and then listing as many Twitter accounts that will fit in the 140 character message. No content or explanation. Let’s stop that please.

Davidé and I are among a growing number of users who have tweeted our frustration over this. And this morning, @Ohdoctah tweeted:

FOLLOW FRIDAY I love you BUT GIVE 1 Person and a REASON to FOLLOW them. I DO NOT FOLLOW A PACK OF @ names! PLZ HELP ME #followfriday

If you really want to suggest a Twitter account to follow, please give me some context. Like so:

#followfriday @drewconway, analyst using mathematics and social network analysis to shed light on security and world politics.

Oh, and if the person already has thousands of followers, do you really need to keep suggesting them?

6 Things That Make Me Happy

I was tagged by Tiffany. People rarely tag me for these things so, let’s see how it goes…

Rules

  • Link to the person who tagged you.
  • Post six things that make you happy along with these rules.
  • Then tag six others (letting them know, of course)
  • Let the person who tagged you know when your entry is complete.

My 6 things

  1. Overcoming demons. Sure it’s scary. But I’m getting better at facing my demons, allowing me to become a better me (cryptic, I know but you’ll be okay).
  2. Music. All day, all night (although, I’ve been slacking recently).
  3. Being appreciated. So many people wished me “Happpy Birthday” yesterday. It was overwhelming and made me feel special. A little thing but a big thing. Work-wise, a sincere “thank you” can make all the difference.
  4. Film. I love watching movies. Independent, sci-fi, and any well-acted, character-driven story are my favorites.
  5. Good food with great service. I love trying new restaurants (probably due to my years as a restaurant PR/marketing professional). I’ve taken a break but Atlanta has a crop of new spots I need to visit. Join me?
  6. Sleep. Sleep is elusive and erratic for me. When I can grab it, I do so with fervor.

I tag:

  1. Tiye
  2. Patricia
  3. George
  4. Lynne
  5. Karsh
  6. Twanna

Hype Machine

See me speak at SXSW 2010 (http://sxsw.com)