Would Shakespeare Twitter? Probably not. But I do. Do you?
Earlier today I got an email from one of my favorite bloggers, Gobala Krishnan. wherein
he somewhat skeptically asked, “Do You Really Use Twitter?”. He has gotten some
interesting responses. Mine may not get published (it was a bit long). However, since
I took the time to respond, I want to get my somewhat creative response published.
So here tis (and it is best read aloud with tongue in cheek).
Having taken the time to read this little ditty, you may be in the mood to be a little
witty.So take out your notebook and put your witticisms in there for future use.
Then, putting your inner critic aside let’s talk, not about Twitter, but about the use
of this little cartoon or image device to repurpose your content and extend the “reach”
of your writing.
Once you learn how (if you don’t already know how) to use the software SnagIt, you
will be able to put your wit and creativity to use multiple times with the same basic
message. However, that message will be in the graphic or cartoon balloon safe from
Google’s critical duplicate content bots. Thus, you are able to just modify the textual
content surrounding the graphic or cartoon to fit the keywords and context of the
new location. Basically, as they say in the repurposing world, “create once, use many”.
By doing this you make more efficient use of your time and creative resources. A
good example of this is the creator of the For Better or Worse comic strip. She no
longer draws the comics. She reuses her old drawings with new dialogue to fit a
new generation.
My cartoon/comic strategy is basically the same only for blogs and not the comics
section.
I use templates (or create new ones) that I then fill in the textual content for the
balloons. The content in the balloons may be reused and modified by the surrounding
content. Or, you can change the content in the balloons as well. For this process
I rely primarily on the Techsmith software, SnagIt. Although I do have my own
cartoon creations and templates to use, one can use the image capture capability
of SnagIt to “snag” any image for use. Remember, copyright laws may apply -
so know your limits (legal and risk-wise.)
So, back to the image - - the use of the bird image is in keeping with the nature
and “tweet” aspects of Twitter. The poetic text is, if not a defense of Twitter and
twittering, it is, at least, a fan’s supportive showing of his reasons for using Twitter.
However, … as poor William turns in his grave, about this play on his words, I
remind you, that it twas meant to be in fun for the edification as well as enjoyment
of the reader. Twas just a poor poor minor minor poet’s possible explanation of why
people Twitter. It’s the human thing to do - a digital rendition - of everyday
conversation in an abbreviated format. (One blessing in disguise … at least it
reduces the obnoxious repetition of that ghastly habit of people prefacing every
other sentence with, “Ya know …”. Thank goodness for small blessings!
Perhaps that is the best way to view Twitter: Thank goodness for small blessings!
- VS
PS: I am working on a tutorial report/video on how to use SnagIt (or other capture
software) for these purposes - stay tuned for its release.
Posted February 18, 2009 
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