Twitter: Don’t believe the anti-hype!

Recent studies have decried the value of Twitter, pointing out stalled growth and millions of inactive users.  Who cares when you still have millions of active users creating content that can be filtered to your interests?

My addiction to Twitter took hold when I realized that it delivered an engrossing, virtual cocktail party experience.  It allows me to track the conversations of icons, artists, athletes, reporters, colleagues and friends, then selectively contribute to the discussion.

I was explaining this dynamic to some LPs that joined me for a Red Sox-Yankees game at Fenway last week.  Jack Welch tweeted that he was at the game as well.  I sent Jack a note, and he replied seven minutes later from the luxury box of Red Sox owner John Henry (see below).

The business geek in me was thrilled to have a direct exchange with the management icon.  A public figure like Jack is not going to respond to every follower, but the potential for that interaction helps drive Twitter’s appeal.

Beyond tracking celebrities, I’m able to follow the daily ruminations of key stakeholders in my industry.  Mixed in with many inane comments are valuable insights from investors, entrepreneurs, and other operators.

I don’t care that Twitter has millions of inactive users when it has icons like Jack Welch that are active participants.  Don’t believe the anti-hype!