1. The many modes of
Twitter: developing and
maintaining a professional
identity on Twitter
(and other social networks)
Chris Rowan
(http://all-geo.org/highlyallochthonous, @Allochthonous)

2. What is Twitter for?

3. A Tweeting Taxonomy
- Lifecasters
The stereotypical ‘tweeter’:
“here’s what I had for breakfast...”
+ keeps friends and family posted on what you're up to.
- very few are likely to be interested in what you're up to.
- wastes potential.

4. A Tweeting Taxonomy
- Grazers Not looking for audience; consuming
information from trusted sources.
+ Personalised news feed.
+ Other people do the work of finding interesting stuff.
+ Totally anonymous.
- Ignores the "social" bit.

5. A Tweeting Taxonomy
- Community builders Largely known audience,
organising around a common
interest.
+ Fosters links with like-minded people.
+ Good resource for solving problems, finding references, etc.
+ Limits potential for controversy.
- Potentially limiting exposure/outreach - ‘cliquishness’.

6. A Tweeting Taxonomy
- Promoters Advertising something that you're
doing (book, course you're teaching,
departmental research).
+ Low cost, high potential impact.
+ Network effects can broaden reach (if relevant).
- Only effective if your audience is on the network.
- Authenticity issues.

7. A Tweeting Taxonomy
- Curators Actively seeking out interesting
information to share with others.
+ Adding real value to community.
+ Can build wide audience as a trusted source.
- Pressure to regularly find and share content.

8. A Tweeting Taxonomy
- Commentators Aim to drive discussions, change
opinions.
+ High engagement and growth of audience.
+ People (media) may start seeking your opinion.
- More likely to draw critical attention.

9. Reality - you can mix styles
Grazing Curation
Commentary

10. Common pitfalls
-Network Effects

11. Common pitfalls
-Network Effects

12. Common pitfalls
- Twitter = Timesink
- “Mission Creep”

13. Summary
- There's more than one way to do it.
- Define your audience and boundaries, but be open to
evolution.
- If you'd be uncomfortable defending it, don't say it!
- "You get out what you put in."