While the general overall advice is very sound (I checked with those who speak on such things) and I agree with the points, I am imagining my [insert family member] hopping on Twitter much like they did Facebook and leaving out certain crucial steps.
Such as forgetting the entire purpose is to build relationships and communities with other people, not to constantly push your job search without interaction. Besides, if you are not interesting and interactive, no one will follow you. If no one is following you, no one knows you are looking for a job.
Moreover, just because you know someone in real life, does not mean you need to comment on every little thing they tweet. I was never so happy as when Facebook invented the like button so certain relatives could just click like instead of typing an irrelevant message on my wall.
My favorite point in the article is: “If all you can offer is a retweet of other people’s messages, then you probably don’t need to be on Twitter.” That to me, means have a viewpoint. Have opinions. Have ideas. Find things that interest you and share them. Engage in conversations with others about those subjects.
To me, Twitter is about sharing. It gives me a place to share and learn about topics I might not explore otherwise and gain greater knowledge on topics I am already knowledgeable about it.
I have met people I never would have without Twitter. Many of whom I view as mentors and friends. Just like I wouldn’t have a one-sided conversation with a friend over dinner, I don’t want to have a one-sided conversation with someone on Twitter.
As for the Twitter haters, I’m over them. There will always be people unwilling to embrace a new technological tool. I didn’t see the value until I started using Twitter personally. I try to share why I find Twitter valuable, but there are some people who just refuse to understand or accept that it works for me. I’ve decided that’s ok.