Twitter...what an unusual word and phenomenon. Its Wikipedia definition states it is a "social networking and micro blogging service" that sends out messages, a' la SMS text through a Web interface wherein the participating public can read and reply. Perhaps the reason my interpretation may seem vague or inaccurate is rooted in the fact that I don't "Tweet". It makes me think of a stereotypical Looney Tunes character. In fact, the whole thing smacks of a very narcissistic cartoon character. But, then again, here I am blogging...
So why would a reputable "multi-publisher online reference platform found in libraries all over the world" use Twitter? Is the Credo Reference crew trying to share knowledge, participate in the hippest trends in order to connect with multiple, digital generations, a combination of both, or some other reason? Having read through some of the public and entertainment tweets, I sense a need some people feel to just say whatever goes through their head, but why? Is there value to his? Is it useful? To whom?
However, the Credo Reference Tweets are actually rather fun and informative, albeit in the random way. For example, did you know that October 15th is October Horse Sacrifice? Or that October 16th is World Food Day? How about the month of October being Potato Days? Kudos to Credo for being hip, funny and educational in the Web 2.0 arena of individual advertisement and exposure to make sure we actually learn something.
Following a presentation in class today on Twitter, I rescind my generalizing comment that Tweeting is narcissistic. I learned how useful and valuable it can be to communicate with those outside one's social scope/network. And...it is kind of precious with its fail whales and crazy robot whatever-it-is. Cheers Library2PointOh!
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