This post could be called 'The Narcissist's Guide to Meme.'
I blog and tweet in first person a lot. But I'm not a PR writer. And I'm not a journalist. I don't RT news links. I'm not an IT guy, life coach or one of those 'famous quote' twitterers. I'm a copywriter. And my job is to connect with people in a way that it makes them feel something long enough to do something. The way I connect to other people empathetically is through my personal reference point to a feeling at the core of an idea.
Because I've been blessed with a colorful life, I have an unusually wide personal point-of-reference. In other words, no conversation's safe with me around. This is one of the reasons I have a high number of updates on Twitter. I jump in and engage. The way I see it, as long as I'm not routinely replying to people with input like, "What about watermelon pizza? LOL!! ROFL!! WTF/FTW! W00T!" then maybe I'm adding value to a conversation. And since no one has ever told me to GTFO – I'm fairly confident with how I use Twitter.
The other way I use Twitter is by sharing random musings. This too is largely first person. However, when I tweet something like "I give you all imaginary voices when I read your tweets" I'm basically just doing my best impersonation of a Noiseless, Patient Spider. Flinging words into the Twitterverse like gossamer thread. Hoping they catch somewhere. And when I'm doing my job right – they often do.
Jim is a father, husband, copywriter, founder of smashcommunications.com and is NOT a narcissistic pig. You can find him on Twitter @smashadv
e_edition
Jun 18, 2009
It’s a lot easier to make up imaginary voices for people when they write in first person. I appreciate everyone’s voice. It adds a depth of emotion that the omniscient narrator can’t.
I wrote a bit about genuine participation (“adding value”) a few weeks ago, and your thoughts provided a much appreciated affirmation. Thanks.
I thought about taking the best parts of the post and leaving them here, but it was getting lengthy. This way, you can avoid it by simply not clicking on the link. http://bit.ly/lIV1j Thanks again.
Tracy
Jun 18, 2009
I really love the way you tweet, it’s got personality and yes, it often does make me feel something.
Sam Harrison
Jun 18, 2009
Well-said. You’re in my Alpha Group of Tweeters (on TweekDeck) and hit the mark much more than most. You have a really ability to balance personal, business and cultural/political messages — and do it all with brevity!
Jim Mitchem
Jun 18, 2009
Thanks Tracy. Wow. Thanks.
Jim Mitchem
Jun 18, 2009
Thanks Sam. I look at Twitter like a breath of fresh air. As a copywriter, I’ve always loved writing headlines, billboards and taglines. The power stuff. Twitter’s 140 characters is like War and Peace to me. 😉
I'm Darren
Jun 18, 2009
Jim,
I truly enjoy reading your tweets and learning a new perspective on life.
For this, I thank you 😉
Jim Mitchem
Jun 18, 2009
No Darren – thank YOU.
Jim Mitchem
Jun 18, 2009
When I read anything, I attach a voice to it. Not my voice, but the voice of what I think the person writing it might have. It’s a fun little game I play – but is less of a game and more like an obsession if you want to know the truth. I also ‘see’ words in my head when I speak. If it weren’t for advertising, I’d be committed. I’m sure of it.
Mel
Jun 18, 2009
I’m not sure what I like more: knowing that someone else attaches voices to the written word, stumbling on a little Walt Whitman to brighten my day, or your sweet doggie with whom I’d like to snuggle. Enjoyed the post!
Lisa Hickey
Jun 20, 2009
I have to say Jim, there are times when I have nothing interesting to say so I go to your Twitter page and look for your random musings. And yes, I attach an imaginary voice as well. In fact, I’m going to Retweet that. Thanks again. 🙂
My novel – Minor King
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