This is something I’ve been grappling with too.
I understand the time constraints…yet I also understand the idea of reciprocity….that we all can help one another succeed. And frankly I try to follow those that have decided to follow me.
Perhaps I’ll start another twitter…for friends and family….as I do with email and my phone number.

Twitter is a a free social networking site…you are enjoying massive success and many, many have helped you with your wonderful projects…that may not have happened/or perhaps not so easily with out this technology and the kindness of “strangers”

Twitter really isn’t an small coffee room….if you want a small office feel this really isn’t the place to be and at the heart of it…you’re using it in a different way….example your successful twit-a-thon.

And perhaps the largest single factor for me…I’m constantly delighted and surprised …by the new people that come into my life in unexpected ways…I like that about twitter….if I didn’t follow them…I wouldn’t have that.

There is also an air of “I have more followers…or I only follow certain people”….that’s human nature….and it’s something I’ve been observing from the “biggies of internet marketing”
Who is open to the ordinary smaller seeker….who is culling lists and who is not.

Haven’t made up my mind…….but I don’t think I share your view.

I still think there’s an understood courtesy between people on web2.0 sites…of reciprocation.

Thanks for starting the conversation.

Blessings…….In Peace,

Jeri

Shri

@Chris Shallow – Actually, I did intend to try using it as an email substitute, especially given the poor delivery rates that plague most services for mass distributing email, and considering how many people dislike ‘push’ marketing messages delivered via email (but would welcome ‘pull’ messages they can easily opt-in to and equally easily disable with a single click).

@Mike Doe – Thanks for your comment. I could probably take advantage of some Twitter tools too, but am not sure how the ‘casual’ contacts will evolve into more meaningful relationships. I also have a definite upper limit to time I can afford to spend on Twitter, which will limit the number of meaningful interactions/exchanges I can fit into that time and space.

@Warren Whitlock – Not sure if I came across wrong. I sure wasn’t making it out that I am “too important” to waste time on Twitter. It’s just a reality of my overall online presence that I can’t spend more than a fixed time on this, and am trying to maximize it by fostering meaningful relationships with (maybe) a smaller group than tweeting at a larger audience without really ‘connecting’ on any level except very superficially.

The “fine line between handling and Luddite” is precisely what I’m defining – for myself – and I detailed the criteria I’ll be employing to make that distinction. I’m also not advocating my approach as ‘best for all’ – in fact, I’m not even sure it’s best for me, though I am certain what I’m currently doing didn’t work as far as reaching my own unique goals is concerned.

I haven’t (nor will I) “drop out”. I do allow posts here, and read them all, and try to respond to as many as practical. And incidentally, you are among the few who are still on my Twitter-following list

All success
Dr.Mani

I get your analogy, and respect your decision… but wonder.. “What’s the point?”

I’ve seen others apply these same rules to email (”I never allow myself to be on lists.. I don’t want that crap in my email, it’s just for business”)

I’ve seen the same applied to blog comments (”you can post if you want, but I don’t have time to read comments” or worse “My blog is about me and my special thoughts.. no comments allowed”)

Then there’s the guy who won’t use a cell phone or email because he’s too important.

Give me a break!

Technology allow more and more communications and it’s obvious that we all have to put up filters or limitations and learn to deal with the avalanche of messages.

But there is a fine line between “handling” and “Luddite”

Twitter is a great vehicle for networking, but not irreplaceable. Personally, I’m adding people to follow, including every person that follows me. I find that most of them have some value.

I can’t read all the posts.. and wish I could filter, search or better catalog twits for future reference. Right now it’s a new technology and we’re all learning.

Sorry to see you drop out before it’s reached maturity.

Glad o see you still allow posts here. Hope you have time to read them

Part of dealing with a lot of followers is figuring how to quickly scan your timeline. It also helps to regularly search your own name on tweetscan.

It definitely gets tougher with more followers. My own m/o is also to respond to everyone’s @-messages if at all possible.

Mike Doe
aka, @mikedoe