Two years ago, no one really spoke about Twitter. Two years hence, that might be true again, of course.
That doesn’t mean Twitter won’t be useful or fun… but the buzz factor seems destined to move elsewhere, just as it did for AOL, MySpace and others.
The question I have for you (individually and collectively) is… does that type of buzz matter?
I love exploring new sites and networks. I like to keep up with what’s out there (while still focusing on work!). But for me, at least, it’s never the buzz factor that makes me stay.
Instead, it takes a combination of my comfort level using the software and an ability to connect with folks I want to connect with for me to keep on using it. If I get results – based on my definition of results, not someone else’s – then “buzz” doesn’t matter. And yes, each network might offer different types of results.
Put another way, MySpace still has waaaay north of 100 million users – a large base of people who are connecting with “their” people. If it works for you, do you need to move on? And I still blog despite the “blogging is dead” articles this year: for me, it isn’t.
I have been thinking of this a lot this week as I’ve taken a semi-vacation (and only semi-expected!) from online life. What little chance I’ve had to be active has been spent tweeting and emailing – both things I can now do from my phone.
What will I be doing in a similar situation two years from now? It’s unclear the network, but I know that I’ll be where my friends are… whether the buzz is there or not.
And you? Do you know why you’re using the networks you’re on and are you happy using them? Are you following the buzz to find a new one (or just cuz!)? My way works for me… but I’d love to know what works for you….
Photo: close up of the bees by wishymom
