With every new phenomenon in social networking, researchers are always trying to figure out, or categorize the users and dynamics of why and how it works. The latest internet craze, Twitter is no exception. Friends, who are not users, are always asking me, “What is the point?” or “How does it work?” and I always find it hard to explain. Twitter is something you have to use to understand and see why people like it. This study, done by Professors Naaman and Boase of Rutgers University (RU Rah Rah!!) did a study that revealed their are 2 types of Twitter users: Meformers or Informers.
It’s obvious what an Informer is: They use their tweets to post messages that contain information, like news links. Meformers post what they call “me now” messages. These messages update a users followers about what their thoughts, location, or immediate situation. Sometimes these random thoughts are hilarious. I in fact, love a good random thought!
Meformers typically have less followers than informers. And Informers tend to be active in social awareness streams, and interact more than Meformers. Not all Informers though, sometimes you get news networks or companies that don’t respond (ahem *cough*) But some places are great, l ike @Zappos!
Other info I found interesting in the article:
# Informers have more friends and followers on Twitter than meformers (Informers had a median 131 friends and 112 followers compare to meformers median figures of 61 friends and 43 followers.)
# Females were more likely to post “me now” messages than males. (Forty-five percent of females’ messages were “me now” compared to 37 percent of males’.)
# Posts from mobile devices were more likely to be “me now” messages than posts from non-mobile applications. (Fifty-one percent of mobile-posted messages were “me now” compared to 37 percent of non-mobile messages.)
# Informers mention others in their messages more often.
What am I?
I think I’m a combination of both. I don’t typically share things that I find are already being spread by others, people hate redundancy. I do share info I find new, exciting, or just plain strange! I do go a bit personal sometimes, but I don’t want to seem like a drone while tweeting.
What are you?
1. Want to be a Wine expert? Me too! I happen to LOVE wine, and I’m all for having the right wine for the right occasion. Except, my dilemma is that I hate red wine! But, like the author said, “Every adult should be familiar with wine, even if they do not drink it.”
2. Would you get a piranha pedicure? Part of me finds this midly intriguing but utterly gross!!! What do they do with the fish while they change the water? But I just really want to know how smooth are your feet when its done? Will some people still need that razor later??
3. Need a Plug Rug? So, when I go out and I need to hide things – tampons, cameras, ID and the like, I just stuff it in my cleavage. But I guess not everyone is as fortunate and they need a plug rug. Get them while they’re HOT!
4. It’s a Wheel? It’s a Hampster Wheel? It’s a bed? Yes, that’s right, this is a cool, ROCKING bed! This would be great for getting that perfect angle to watch TV on. And maybe a few other good uses. The site is in some other language, Dutch or German, so I can’t find the price, good luck with that! Consider it your own persona cloud!
Rain Boots (Wellingtons, in case you missed it last year). I was addicted to these things, so obsessed with having a pair. It was mission to find some. Apparently this year, I haven’t outgrown that love for them.
These are cute black &white Pixy boots from Coach. I lusted after a pair of Coach rain boots last year when I had some extra cash, since everyone knows Macy’s almost NEVER has Coach on sale. I tried them on, and of course, my calves were too big. Yes they fit, but there was no room for jeans or anything underneath. And of course, if its raining you want your jeans tucked into your boots. I eventually got a pair of stripped boots from Target (Don’t deny Target is the GREATEST store EVER!!). These would go great in my life. You can find these on www.Coach.com for $108 if you’d like, or you can find your local Coach/Macy’s to purchase.
I came across this wonderful list online yesterday about the most popular books being read on the NY subway. Now, I don’t live in NY, but I do live a hop, skip & a jump away. Whenever I find myself in NY, and on the subway, I absolutely MUST have a book with me. There is nothing more awkward than being on the subway, with nothing to do, and looking around trying not to make eye contact with anyone. Eye contact is definitely a no-go!
The Survey was taken in the Fall of 2009 and does reflect some of whats popular right now. I’ve only read a few books on this list, but some are on my To-Read list. Some are currently movies and some are not. One is written by a fellow Rutgers Graduate. Have you read any of them?
1. Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (I said I would read this when the hype died down. I am not a big fan of reading what’s trendy right now.)
2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
3. The Time Traveler’s Wife ( I heard the book was better than the movie.)
4. Infinite Jest (Never heard of it)
5. Netherland (???)
6. The Onmivore Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals (This actually sounds really interesting– Following 4 meals as they come to fruition.
7. Twilight (guilty, but I refused to buy it! I only read it when it was won free. And it’s for research purposes! I swear!!)
8. My Life in France
9. 2666
10. Anna Karenina (Classic, but I have to admit I never read it. I said I wanted to, but it hasn’t made its way to my house yet.)
For the rest of the list check it out at FlashLightWorthybooks.com. One of those listed I find hard pressed to believe people are actually reading this on the subway, but I guess its true. Weird but true.
I have heard nothing but wonderful things about Top Shop. It’s a bit of a sensation I’d say, and these boots are definitely sensational!I’ll probably only be able to get a pair if I get them specially made since I have HUGE calves. This boot is called the Britany2, and its an over the kneee boot that has a tight fit.
Details? Nubuck (suede like material for those who don’t know)4.5 inch heael (YYEEESSS!!) and approx 1inch platform (even better!!). Absolutely Fabulous for the season!
I guess Anita Tedaldi never thought she’d have her name spewed across the internet news pages. But when she decided to write about giving up her adopted son to a new home after 18 months, she opened that door.
Short Story Short: Anita has 5 kids, a husband in the military, and decided to adopt a child. She said she’d always wanted to adopt, and didn’t go into it blindly. She became the proud mother of “Baby D” when he was just under a year old. After 18 months with D. she found that she could no longer be his mom because they were having “bonding” issues.
After reading her blog about the ordeal, I get the sense that she did really care for him. I don’t think it was about race, as some have claimed.I think her family (read, her biological kids & husband) didn’t bond with him, and that influenced her decision. On D.’s last day, her daughters barely waved goodbye,
My daughters were watching SpongeBob and said goodbye to their brother almost nonchalantly, as if he was just going out for a bit and would soon be back.
And her & husband fought over this issue. I think its sad that this situation happened to that poor child, but he is still much better off than many other children in his situation. He was adopted by a different family and hopefully he will be treated fairly and with love there.
Dope. Crazy. Perfectly Imperfect. I'm not the best writer and probably not the worst either, but I am happy while doing it. Stick with me and you'll never be bored! I mean, maybe you won't and maybe you will....
Details? Nubuck (suede like material for those who don’t know)4.5 inch heael (YYEEESSS!!) and approx 1inch platform (even better!!). Absolutely Fabulous for the season!