Social media is a fantastic way to communicate value, expertise and or passion to numerous amounts of people. It is also a great to way to keep relevant people up to date with what you’re doing with your day, week or next client.  But what about the more meaningful stuff? What about the awesome fun stuff you’re doing with close friends? I notice a lot of people like inform their weak ties about the activities they’re doing with their BFFs.

This can lead to BFFs thinking you don’t really enjoy their company quite as much, and your weak ties thinking your closer than you are (surprise dates!).  Which can be a problem because suddenly who we consider ‘friends’ is a very different from what we use to.  Does it take anymore or any less to be my BFF?

In my discussion for the Future of Conferences I discussed the difference between ‘actually being there’ and ‘reading the Twitter streams’ – this is important not only for conferences but for activities with friends too.  After all, no body wants to read about being in the mosh pit at Slipknot over actually being there!  So if we’re truly friends, should I need to read your Twitter stream to find out you had a great time with me over the weekend?Are these interactions going to strengthen our ties having never met? Or are they going to rip existing ties apart?

I’m still unsure – but one thing that is certain is that this is changing the way we interact, consider and experience social situations and people.

I’m young and curious. And somehow found myself a selection of peculiar Twitter accounts. What’s interesting is that most of these accounts started in 2007, and have very few followers, and generally fewer tweets.  So whether you think Twitter is Great or you’re on team ‘Fuck Twitter’ – it’s definitely the topic of conversation.

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What the deuce is SecretTweet?

@sn11 Secrettwitter or something loik that search “SecretTweet” its people who post to this site then the site posts them up on secret tweet

I’m sorry, baking powder? SecretTweet is a site that allows you to submit your most scandalous secret anonymously. This is then tweeted by @SecretTweet and your sin is let loose to the world, without the fear of retribution or embarrassment. You’ve shared your pain, but nobody can laugh at you for it.

So what do people think about SecretTweet?

@cynjh secret tweets is so scandalous – it’s like dynasty on steroids.

@thelonelysouls There’s some people posting some sick shit over at Secret Tweet. I’ve been reading it on and off all day long.

@LipLand God secret tweet is bloody depressing!

@TheLuluBean This secret tweet thing makes me realize how horrible people are. Even if they’re faked.

@jestergoblin I THINK PEOPLE ON SECRET TWEET ARE BATSHIT INSANE.

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Having fun at #SMX? Need to get your Twitter fix?

Switched On Media will be hosting the SMX Sydney Expo Hall Reception, and will be tweeting the event. - Andy and I will be speaking on day 2, so come say hi :)

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Do you follow me?

Guest post by anonymous. You’ll see why.

The definition of awkward:

1. (more…)

I’ve been doing some visual thinking around the way that social networks and, in particular, the people who make them up and the content they produce, affects the amount of time we allow to each person (or singular piece of information) in that network.

Facebook moving to its new layout was a significant indicator of this relationship.

As the popularity of social media and networks increases the amount of people on our individual networks also increases. Driven by the power of weak ties, we’re compelled to connect with more and more people from the different circles of our lives. Facebook – which hit 5,000,000 Australian users this year – quickly spotted the growing popularity of Twitter, and mimicked the model used to display information from the network.  Being a Twitter user I’m actually a big fan of the change.

It allows me to see more content, from more friends in the same amount of time.

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Sandra Davey is straight to the point – no bullshit, just action. Sandra is the ex-National President of AIMIA, and currently still holds a position on the board.  Sandra has been a great source of inspiration and knowledge for me since joining the industry, so I’m very happy to present her views on the industry moving forward.

Look forward to your feedback.

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Like all social media, new technologies and innovations
have allowed people to connect online in new ways.

Over the two days at ad:tech 2009 in Sydney I said Twitter more times than I said fuck. Which is rare.  But seriously, it was the topic on everyone’s mind, and at everyone’s finger tips.  I was lucky enough to be invited to open and moderate the final session of day 1, dedicated to the topic: The Relevance of Twitter.

I was joined by Gavin Heaton, Mike Hickinbotham and Laurel Papworth. We received great feedback about our interactive panel.

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Michelle baited me with some Twitter skepticism over at ARN. And as Katie would put it: I got a little shouty.  Reflecting  back, I don’t really mind — the 600 people below and I seem to have some brilliant conversation and share some amazing stories (and you too can get your twitter mosaic).

People, conversations, community and network. All in 140 characters. Oh, and you – that’s not so frightening is it?

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You are only as good as your last Tweet.

True/False? Discuss.

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Our lives, feelings and experiences are becoming more frequently articulated online. Hence, I believe that the way we are forming these articulations is no longer for ourselves, but for our peers and network. Does this, or will this, change the way we process feelings?

I believe users enter phases and thought processes when experiencing and articulating these happenings and emotions, online.

1. Obligatory
   Put simply, this is “Oh I guess I should update my status now that I’m using this Facebook thing” e.g. John is now on FaceSpace, John is trying this Twitter thing.
2. Convenient
   “Well I’m getting use to updating Facebook and or Twitter and I’m checking it now, should probably post” e.g. John is at the office, John is happy it’s Friday, John is looking forward to seeing his girlfriend tonight.
3. Routine Updates
   Every morning to you login to Facebook and Twitter just like you would login in to your email and make a quick post about what the day might entail. e.g. “John has another day full of meetings, John really enjoyed gold today”

By this stage, the user is generally more reactive than proactive. From here, the user may become a heavy proactive user delving deeper with input, or simply plateau.  It’s a common plateau due to time, perceived value and expression.  But what is important to remember is that even at this stage, the user is probably reflecting and expressing him or herself to a greater level than before by using these technologies as a social platform.

So then you meet 4 – hyperconnectivity.

This is where someone like me has their social (Mobile (SMS), Facebook, MySpace, Gmail, Forums, RSS reader, IM) compounded with work (Twitter, LinkedIn, Email, RSS Reader, IM) as well as recreation (Sonixtrip, Crossfit etc) — all of these accessible, integrated and functional through my mobile – my portal to the connected world.

After being a heavy user for some time, I often find myself feeling fatigued to some degree. But more so, I find myself suddenly feeling and experiencing things from the third person – I, as an individual, no longer take in and internalise my experiences.  But rather, I publish them in my mind from the view of the others

This is because I went from routine updates and entries to being compelled to update.

Is this is a bad thing?

Probably. Because it may mean I’m not letting these experiences shape me, as I’m keeping them at an objective distance. But are we not solely shaped by those around us? To understand our identity, must it not be defined by those around us?

Recently, during my change of roles, I took a week and disconnected from my key social networks, left only with email and IM for work. What I discovered was that for the first few days the compulsion was still there, but as it dissipated I found myself enjoying things for me again, and me alone.

What do you think? Are you hyperconnected for extended periods of time? How do you deal?

On Tuesday, March 10 I’ll be leading a panel discussion at ad:tech, Sydney.  I’ll be joined by Gavin Heaton, Laurel Papworth and Mike Hickinbotham as we discuss how you and your company can drive value and return for your business.

I’m incredibly flattered by this opportunity and would really look forward to seeing you all there. As we discuss the following:

• How Twitter can support business objectives
• The evolution of the B2C Twitter relationship
• The value of Twitter networks
• How to monetise Twitter for business impact

The session will kick off at 4:35PM and I can give you a 20% discount if you contact me directly.

My thoughts.

I believe that Twitter is a fantastic example of the power and inflence online communities and social media can have.  But with all great power, comes great responsibility (thank you, Spideman).  When talking to companies I like to highlight the important of authenticity and dedication.  Through this, powerful networks can gain incredible reach.

Comment and let me know what you’re interested to hear!

Friends, I’m going to stop participating in all forms of social media until next Friday, where I’ll make two significant announcements. The first announcement will be a competition winner who will take home a copy of Age of Conversation 2, the second will remain secret until then.

Told you did I, reckless is he! Now, matters are worse..

I’m also going to use the week to re-evaluate my blogging strategy and Twitter engagement.  I feel unfocused and need to realign.  And yes, both probably will be redesigned.  Perhaps it’s time for change.  I think it’s important to reflect on what I’ve been doing so far so I can improve for the future.  So much to learn.

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Hitwise just released UK Internet traffic to the site has increased 10-fold over past last 12 months.  A shiny new graph for your next presentation.

As always, it’s the stories behind this growth that I’m interested in.  So tell me, how did you begin on twitter? Is this growth going to continue and what does it mean to your business?

I’ve seen local Australian business turn real dollars from Twitter. And that’s with out ads.  When are we going to stop measuring the industry on advertising expenditure and start measuring it on engagement?

Probably when the ads stop working.

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Not mine — courtesy of The Future Blog.

Google search stats:

1,000,000,000,000 (one trillion) - approximate number of unique URLs in Google’s index (source)

2,000,000,000 (two billion) – very rough number of Google searches daily (source)

$110,000,000 – approximately amount of money lost by Google annually due to the “I’m Feeling Lucky” button (source)

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