Are you on Twitter? If so, is it just another form of blog addiction?...or is it that it’s easier than Facebook when it comes to keeping in touch with your peeps? Perhaps it’s the hip factor. I mean, everyone’s tweeting, right?
It’s been a couple of months now since I surrendered to the sweet mysteries of Twitter. I’ve been tweeting at least a couple of times every day and spending valuable minutes here and there, between appointments and before bed-time, reading through hundreds of tweets.
It’s a tad addictive. But nowhere near as addictive as my more personal, Dolittler-style blogging. It’s simply not as easy to get my voice across. Sure, I can log 140 characters in a flash compared to what I do here on Dolittler, but I can’t help feeling that I’m talking to––and not with––my “followers.”
Lately, however, I happened upon a way to more effectively focus my Twitter energies: by tweeting a “Vet Tip of the Day” and broadcasting it for all my pet-loving followers on Twitter to enjoy, digest and “retweet” to their hearts’ content.
Here’s a sampling of my recent Vet Tip of the Day tweets (you may recognize the content and its style):
- Substitute high calorie commercial treats for the real thing––low calorie carrot nibblers and apple slices. :-)
- Keep pet food vitamins and supplements in the fridge. Same goes for kibbled food (if you've got the room) :-)
- Is your pet taking more than one medication? Make sure you always ask your vet about adverse drug interactions.
- Bring your vet and staff a breakfast treat every once in a while. We're so much better at what we do when we're happy. :-) Keep Mother's Day lilies away from pets. These attractive nuisances are deadly to their kidneys!
Though my ability to write effectively in 140 characters has been a stumbling block, I think I’m getting better at it. You tell me. And feel free to offer your own vet tips. If you do, I’ll even credit you on my tweet.
So how about you? Do you tweet? And why or why not? Is it just one more online attractive nuisance to distract you from the mundane realities of daily life?...or does it represent a very real opportunity for you to connect with like-minded others? Your call...
And feel free to follow me.
Add Comment37 Comments
I don't think of Twitter as blogging. I think of it as slow motion IM with a group of people. That's how I treat it, at least--I have coversations on Twitter. My blog is only open to people I know well so its a bit more intimate than how I use Twitter. I do use it to opt in for marketing type stuff I am interested in too--I like to go to Las Vegas, so I follow a few casino hosts who let me know who is having specials and what not, very useful when I am in town!
drsteggy May 16th, 2009 12:18:45 PM
Dr. Steggy: Interesting. For me, Twitter has taken more of a micro-blogging turn. Perhaps that's how I'm wired? I also use it to hear about new events/issues in pet health--sort of like putting a finger on the pulse of what's happening in the pet world in an organic sort of way. I like that, too, since I can source blog post ideas and content from these. Never used it to make travel purchasing decisions but that's a good thought--especially as I like to go to the Keys a lot. Thanks!
Dr. Patty Khuly May 16th, 2009 01:09:09 PM
Anyway no I don't twitter. Disruptions in my focus annoy me. Let alone constant interruptions. It's the reason I do no own a cell phone either. I'm busy, I'm trying to accomplish an important task, leave me alone, so I can bring back the check to purchase your latest "twitter gadget" which you'll be bored with in one week before "needing" the next latest and greatest toy. In fact, go out and mow some lawns for a change and buy your own stuff. The mowers in the garage.
Evet May 16th, 2009 02:45:58 PM
Our sole purpose was to get you addicted Doc. I'm an ex 90's Tech Evanglist. LOL seriously I pray for my salvation now from my sins.
Evet May 16th, 2009 02:47:56 PM
Just keep the Twittering device locked up and turned OFF when your performing surgery thats all we ask Doc! Listen to soothing classical musical while operating. No heavy metal.
Evet May 16th, 2009 03:03:20 PM
Hello? Is there anyobdy out there?
Which way the crowd go? . . . LOL
Evet May 16th, 2009 03:46:54 PM
I hear you, Evet. Thanks.
Dr. Patty Khuly May 16th, 2009 03:52:36 PM
Your welcome got black coffee? LOL twit!
Evet May 16th, 2009 03:58:40 PM
I do like the look of your Twitter page Doc. But I am extremely jealous of that lucky Cat. LOL . . . . .
Evet May 16th, 2009 04:02:26 PM
I didn't think I was going to like Twitter, but I quickly found that I enjoy the relationship building aspect of it, and I'm in awe of the really great information people offer on any and all subjects, and how helpful and generous most Twitter members are in terms of forwarding useful information. Sure, there are spammers just like everywhere else online, but that's what the "unfollow" button is for.
My focus is on pet health, veterinary topics, conscious living for pets and their people, blogging and the publishing industry and there just aren't enough hours in the day to absorb all of the great information that people post.
It can get addictive, and once my followers hit around 200, I felt overwhelmed and wasn't sure I could keep going with it and still have fun. I looked at various desktop apps that are out there, and now that I found one that I like, I can keep up with it and enjoy it again.
And if it wasn't for Twitter, I never might have found Dolittler!
And to copy Dr. Khuly, feel free to follow me, too!
Ingrid King May 16th, 2009 04:11:15 PM
What sign are you Doc. I need to check your current astrological profile since today seems to be fun day at the Dolittler Ranch.
Evet May 16th, 2009 04:12:43 PM
I tend to prefer Facebook but pass along a few tidbits and updates to my blogs. Mostly I am pretty busy and am not online as long these days.
Your idea is a good one and I find it useful. I had a series of daily PSAs that I got away from but think I am going to pick that effort back up again.
Not sure how Arden finds the time to keep up with all the social media--she is super active.
Find me blogging at Ark Animals
Ark Lady May 16th, 2009 04:14:11 PM
Actually Twitter could be helpful. You could twitter a client and say "we're running a little late stop for a Latte".
Only problem there is you might have to send a Twit, a Blackberry, an Email, and a Cell Phone call all at the same time simultaneously to get the clients attention. LOL . . my oh my I'm in a fiesty mood today.
Evet May 16th, 2009 04:44:02 PM
Tweet! "~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~"
Tweet! "Okay already stop announcing what you're having for dinner."
Evet May 16th, 2009 05:05:39 PM
How did computers become so addicting? Just replaced the telephone & opened up to a huge community of contacts! I visited Twitter once or twice, have a page on Facebook--that is getting too confusing. I must need to work up to it.
As it is, I am totally revamping my web site to include all the learned updates & facts...that will take me forever as it is!
The best part is the non-intrusion...you connect & converse at your designated time/convenience.
My blog post for today: Drug Fraud is a felony or....what the he** were they thinking?
Barbara A. Albright/NH May 16th, 2009 05:13:15 PM
The addicting nature of the Internet is having such a vast amount of information available. The other side is connectivity with other people. We don't have sit home alone twiddling our thumbs now we can be social within the comrfort of our homes. Computing is a marvelous tool but I still feel we are somewhat in a rut right now, still stuck with a keyboard, monitor, and a handle, never quite getting to the point to where we can make a genuine and sincere and honest connection. Real time high speed video just isn't there yet. AT@T's video phone never took off, and no matter how hard I tried I could not get people comfortable with "being seen" via computer technology. Expecially women who insisted they would have to be made up and maxed out before entering a Video social platform. What I don't like about the internet is the dark side, and the fact so many young impressionable kids are exposed to it and all the wrong things at very young ages.
Evet May 16th, 2009 05:22:59 PM
Ingrid: You are now being followed! Thanks!
Dr. Patty Khuly May 16th, 2009 05:34:09 PM
Pete Twitter has a 40% retention rate of users, who tend to drop the service after a month. The Technology behind Twitter is promising (still bridge technology) but the marketing is ultimately the achilles heel as in any tech product. My take is get what you can out of twitter while it's hot because some new hot ap will come along to entertain the instant gratification and the wow neat kewl junkies that may render it obsolete overnight. The problem I see as a business man myself is how in h*ll do I get someones serious undivided attention with this? But thats always beens techs problem at least in the commerical main stream.
LOL
Evet May 16th, 2009 08:05:36 PM
Twitter: Another way to be flooded with sound bites (most useless and nonsensical) from a thousand sources. No thanks.
PJBoosinger May 16th, 2009 08:19:54 PM
The addicting nature of the Internet is having such a vast amount of information available. The other side is connectivity with other people. We don't have sit home alone twiddling our thumbs now we can be social within the comrfort of our homes. Computing is a marvelous tool but I still feel we are somewhat in a rut right now, still stuck with a keyboard, monitor, and a handle, never quite getting to the point to where we can make a genuine and sincere and honest
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dfgdfg May 17th, 2009 12:21:16 AM
Nice try again dfgdfg. Rule number one is never "click" on a link or open an email from someone you don't know. And thats you.
Evet May 17th, 2009 10:37:12 AM
PJB: welcome back...I posted a few blogs for the CSI lawyer in you and all the CSI vet voyeurs too. I could never hone it down to a twitter without help!
Barb A's comments: http://walnut-hill.bravejournal.com
Barb A./NH May 17th, 2009 12:13:08 PM
Nope, don't Twitter. Not interested in micro-blogging "I sneezed" (feeling sarcastic today, yes I am). I have a Facebook profile because another author started one and the only way I could view it was to sign up. I made my page look decent and soon had 16 friends. Didn't know I even knew 16 people. One friend found me because I use Mike's photo (my service-dog-in-training) and she recognized him. Dang. Can't hide anywhere anymore. I have my blog and Mike's blog to keep track of.
PaulaO May 17th, 2009 05:26:53 PM
Here's a Vet Tip of the Day for you, Dr. Patty -- came up today on one of my breed bulletin boards.
Owner extremely distraught -- dog violently vomiting until nothing left but foam, next step is violent expulsions from other end which continue until bloody. Dog is lethargic, has no interest in food or water, is utterly miserable, and Owner has no idea what to do. At all. Has never heard of an emergency vet. Wouldn't know where to find one.
It's a very supportive and kind bulletin board and people help him find one in his area (as you would expect, there was one listed on his vet's answering machine), the pup was brought in, worked up, put on subQ fluids, is expected to be fine, PHEW.
Would it not make sense to incorporate into the initial client meeting an explanation of what an after-hours vet is, what they are for, where the nearest one(s) are (perhaps with some nice little maps and phone numbers, or even magnets for the fridge) so when that emergency happens -- and we KNOW it will happen -- they will smack their forehead and say, "It's in Fido's File!" or "It's on the Fridge!" and go tearing off to get Fido or Kitty the help needed as soon as possible?
Maybe even a list of examples of symptoms which would justify a night visit. (with a "thisisnotexclusive" caveat)
Just thinking.
Susan Rosenau May 18th, 2009 12:49:11 AM
Thanks, Susan: Tough to get most reccs into 140 characters but I'll give it a try.
Dr. Patty Khuly May 18th, 2009 01:31:14 PM
I love Twitter, though I try to limit the attention I pay to it, as it could easily eat up an entire day.
I Twitter to drive traffic to my blog, connect to other cat bloggers, share links, find links to great articles (especially about marketing & design, which is my other great love), make connections with people who provide services I need (I've tweeted about needing a Drupal programmer and a place to get business cards printed - both times, someone messaged me or followed me within the hour), get to know other bloggers in a less formal setting etc etc.
I have my blog set up to automatically post to Twitter when I've posted a new blog entry.
I think Twitter is a valuable tool - just keep it under control instead of letting it control you.
@anlinas
Anlina Sheng - abnormalloveofcats.com May 19th, 2009 02:25:07 PM
My #1 vet tip isn't even medically related, and it's probably something Dr. Sophia Yin would say:
Promote good behavior--ask your dog to say "please" by sitting prior to giving him something he wants!
I wish everyone would abide by this rule! (My dogs do! Most of the time anyway...)
If you use it and want to provide credit (as you suggested), I'm Dr. JC Burcham from Olathe Animal Hospital in Olathe, KS. :)
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