When asked about what Twitter is, I can only explain that it’s addictive and should be avoided. It lends itself to narcissism and helps contribute to the godawful culture in which people would rather check cell phones constantly than enjoy the company of people who are in the room with them. It’s also useful for spreading information about news events, notifying others about blog and website updates, and keeping in touch with friends during the day.
In mid-September (I’m posting this now so that everyone has something to look forward to once summer ends) the Mark Twain House will be hosting the conversation, “What Would Twain Tweet?” Mark Twain, mostly famous for his novels, had a writing style that easily lends itself to the 140 character format, as one can see by browsing the Twain Quotes website:
It is no use to keep private information which you can’t show off.
We write frankly and fearlessly but then we “modify” before we print.
Barring the natural expression of villainy which we all have, the man looked honest enough.
The Mark Twain House website describes the upcoming event further:
What Would Twain Tweet?
Would Twain Tweet – that is, use the social media Twitter, which only allows 140 characters at a time to make a point? And if so, what would he Tweet?
These questions will be pondered at the Mark Twain House & Museum on Tuesday, September 15, at 7:00 p.m. in the Museum Center’s auditorium by a panel that includes Internet celebrity Michael Buckley (“What the Buck?!” on YouTube, over 170 million views) and other social media specialists.
The conversation, “What Would Twain Tweet?” will go beyond Twain to treat our newfound national obsession with social media – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Loopt, MySpace and all the rest – and how it has changed our lives.
Participants include:
— Michael Buckley, the host/writer of “What the Buck” and “Buck Hollywood” on YouTube , where his rapid-fire commentary on celebrity doings entrances viewers. He has over 520,000 subscribers, and is one of YouTube’s top-ten Most Subscribed of All Time. He records his show (http://www.youtube.com/user/WHATTHEBUCKSHOW) from his home in Connecticut.
Michael has made many appearances to discuss the YouTube Partnership Program, under which the Google-owned company arranges advertising contracts for its most popular shows.
— Brent Robertson of Fathom, a Hartford advertising agency he founded in 1999, has been setting up Tweet-Ups and Tweet-Crawls (real-life gatherings of Tweeters). Brent is the winner of the coveted 40 Under 40 award from the Hartford Business Journal and the University of Hartford’s Anchor Award.
— Caitlin Thayer, Assistant Manager of Visitor Services at the Mark Twain House & Museum. Caitlin, the museum’s social media socialite, initiated and set up the museum’s Facebook page. She established the museum’s blog, YouTube and Twitter accounts and acts as its principal blogger. Caitlin Tweets (@marktwainhouse) regularly.
— Greg Wood, president of Boston’s Woodhouse Agency, which specializes in social media. Before starting Woodhouse, Greg held senior-level positions at agencies working with clients such as Cadillac, Mini Cooper, Sam’s Club, MDVIP and eBay.
Tickets are $15, $10 for members of the Mark Twain House & Museum and holders of the Greater Hartford Arts Council’s Let*s Go Arts! Card. To order tickets call 860-280-3154 or 860-280-3104.
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