---
title: Twitter Engagement? And Where's that Happening?
description: Twitter Engagement? And Where's that Happening?
---

[Blog | Brainzooming ](https://www.brainzooming.com/blog)

# [Twitter Engagement? And Where's that Happening?](https://www.brainzooming.com/blog/twitter-engagement-where-is-that-happening)

 Written by [Mike Brown](https://www.brainzooming.com/blog/author/mike-brown) | Feb 22, 2011 10:50:00 AM

*I've been direct messaging a lot recently with [Theresa Antell ](http://www.twitter.com/tantell)as she makes her initial exploration of Twitter and the peculiarities of trying to create engagement. She was nice enough to provide some advice and a bit of a "pep tweet"** **for me the other day when I was bemoaning a frustrated acquaintance who'd emailed me complaining about a blog post. *

*In the midst of our DM discussion, Theresa mentioned she'd put together some thoughts on what it's like for new Twitter users. As she described her experience, I assured her that even[ experienced users get frustrated by the absence of listening, engagement, and real dialogue on Twitter](https://www.brainzooming.com/?p=4484). Theresa's insights on engagement are a great reminder for all of us...on Twitter, or in real life as well: ***  
**

<https://www.brainzooming.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/110219TheresaAntell-4.jpg>**As a relatively new member of the Twitter family**, I tread lightly with my opinion as so not offend the Twitter Veterans.

But I must say that **I think my Twitter doesn't fit**.

I **don't know what I expected**, really. So **I can't say what part of it doesn't feel like it fits**. I **did all the things I was "supposed" to do **as a new Twitter-*er*.

I searched my interests, I followed, I read, I learned, I helped, I retweeted, I recommended, I replied, I shared...all the standard pleasantries one would, *and should*, expect a new Twitter user to do.

**But the ENGAGEMENT part of Twitter is, for me, less than stellar**. **When someone asks for help** with something - whether it be a simple retweet, an answer to a question, a sample of something they can’t find online, a recommendation of a local hotel, etc. **I help**. **It's just** what I feel is **the right thing to do**.

**But when I asked for help. <Cue the crickets>**

**Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Zero.**

**I experimented a few times** with **asking for help from** some **designers **I follow **about how THEY project manage. *No replies.***

I **asked **some others about **how I can get the "buy in" from the more "seasoned" employees** at work with regard to** using Social Media. *Nothing.***

I asked anyone to **explain what Twitter Chat was. *Nada.***

I **asked some Excel "experts" for help with a spreadsheet **I was working with. ***Crickets**.*

I have since deleted most of my requests for assistance since **it was (in a weird way) embarrassing to have them “out there” as unanswered lonely “tweets to nowhere.”**

**Twitter is great if you like being talked**** TO.** But** if you** *(like I mistakenly did)* **expect to talk WITH someone or have any kind of engagement, then it isn't the right forum perhaps.** *(Of course there are some exceptions – [like you, Mike](http://www.twitter.com/brainzooming). And another user – [Nate](http://www.twitter.com/nateriggs), that I follow.)*

Like I said, I don't know what I really expected from it, or if my expectations were even reasonable, but I guess **I thought of Twitter more as a forum to discuss *and share***: "A Community of Experts" if you will - all willing to discuss ideas and keep the information flowing.

And **while there is some really great information launched at you** (well, me) I find it **impossible to engage in a discussion or Q&A with anyone about it**.

It’s sad for me, because** I really liked that part about Social Media**.

You know... the **SOCIAL** part of it.

So, **while I think my Twitter doesn’t fit** the way I thought it was intended to,** just like my favorite pair of jeans from college** – I guess **I’ll keep it around for the heck of it and try it on for size every now and again**. *- *[*Theresa Antell*](http://www.twitter.com/tantell)

[View full post](https://www.brainzooming.com/blog/twitter-engagement-where-is-that-happening)

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