I really enjoy Twitter. It’s an ongoing conversation that everyone you are following, or being followed by, can jump in whether it’s their business or not. After all, I consider myself a mature social networker in that I do not put out info that is detrimental to my safety, gives away my location, or… hurts other people.

I mean, think about it, a person I follow pointed out that you can make really rude, offensive comments toward someone and totally mitigate the barb by including an LOL at the end.

Here’s my approach to Twitter*

1. Tweet, re-Tweet only what you feel are GREAT tweets, and don’t get all RT happy on a Tweet that the vast majority of your friends have already seen. The thing I like about Twitter is the absence of a multitude of redundant tweets.
2. If something you want to say exceeds 140 characters… take this time to learn how to be more concise with your speech.
3. Talk to your friends, engage them. It makes those times when you actually hang out pretty meaningful.
4. Be yourself. Create your own Twitter personality. If you like nonsense, Tweet nonsense. Chances are your friends need that nonsense to throw their brain off a bit.
5. Be controversial. Respect your followers and don’t compromise yourself to the people who actually know you in real life, but stir conversation with controversy. Talk about stupid things like the movie Heavyweights, and whether or not liposuction is an option or obsession.
6. Post pictures.

How to tweet, or not tweet, if you are a Christian:

1. Quit tweeting C.S. Lewis quotes. Seriously. Read his books and keep it to yourself.
2. Praising God via tweet is weird… Jesus said “Go to your room, shut the door and pray to your Father.” However, I wouldn’t be surprised if The Message Bible said, “Go to your computer, log on to Twitter, and do a locked/protected tweet to your Father.”
3. Incorporate dcTalk lyrics in your tweets. It brings a smile, but don’t abuse it, or else Jesus won’t be alright with you.
4. Exhort, edify, your followers if you insist on wearing your faith on your Twitter sleeve…
5. Try not to preach. It’s vain.
6. Don’t confuse exhort/edify with preaching.
7. If your church is progressive enough, live-tweet your services!

Cheers!

*My approach to Twitter is not meant to guarantee or imply that any advice or pointers to Twitter usage will result in more or fewer followers. Individual results may vary.