Twitter Lists: Pros and Cons

Written on November 2, 2009 by in Social Media
twitter-lists
Image by ursonate via Flickr

I’m sure everyone is aware by now that Twitter has implemented the ability to create lists. When they started rolling out this feature I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to make one (I still haven’t). I am forever making lists (i.e. to do lists, grocery lists, topic lists, etc.) because they help me stay organized. Plus, I absolutely love the feeling of triumph I experience in being able to cross a task off of my list (I am well aware that this may also indicate I need to get out more, but let me have my moment okay!). I do feel compelled to make Twitter lists for the following reasons:

1.)    This could help resolve some of the anxiety I experience whenever Friday comes around due to #FollowFriday. It is impossible to remember everyone and I always end up forgetting more people than recommending (sorry in advance to those I have or will miss incorporating into my list).

2.)    I can decrease my time spent on Twitter even further by creating various lists and being able to easily concentrate on topics of interest.

3.)    I can quickly expand my network by heeding the advice of those I trust.

However, ironically I am experiencing apprehension in creating Twitter lists and not just because of the reasons listed here (which are great points), but also because of these reasons:

1.)    I get a headache just thinking about how to filter and categorize everyone. Heck, I’m still trying to figure out if I like the tags I choose to categorize my blog posts, so I can’t imagine how much time it would take for me to decide list names, classification standards, etc.

2.)    If you decide to create Twitter lists keeping them private defeats the purpose. In my opinion, Twitter lists serve a dual purpose in helping you quickly gain access to the topics that interest you, while giving props to those who provide the information. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing your list or for others to see whose list you are following, you should seriously consider using TweetMiner.

3.)    Michelle Mangen, who happens to be one of my favorite people on Twitter (@mmangen), introduced me to TweetMiner (check out her site for the video in how to use it) and this amazing application has the ability to filter through your followers and creates a list for you that that enables you to have the ability to click on a profile and solely view that person’s Twitter stream—therefore, increasing your ability to learn even more about the person.

4.)    The lists on TweetMiner are private and you can save yourself unnecessary drama.

5.)    I don’t want to get stuck in the habit of relying on others to determine who I should follow. Not everyone will make it on a Twitter list, so if you don’t want to miss out on meeting some great folks, you are still going to end up using TweepSearch or Twellow to expand your network.

I know I have listed more cons than pros, but that still doesn’t mean I have made up my mind in whether to create Twitter lists. Unfortunately, regardless of what I decide this is definitely one list(s) that  will never leave me feeling euphoric because it will never be complete.

What is your take on Twitter lists?

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Print Friendly Version of this pagePrint Get a PDF version of this webpagePDF

9 Comments - Leave a comment!
Post comment as
twitter logo facebook logo
Sort: Newest | Oldest

Hi Ed,
Thank you for sharing how you create your lists. I think a lot of people making their lists private and the beauty of the lists is that they are there for your convenience. There is no right way or wrong way to create a list. Thanks for your comment!

share
  • spam
  • offensive
  • disagree
  • off topic
 Like

I just made some lists to categorize types of posts. I know some people send good stuff about marketing or good tech or design info, so I put them in a list for those topics. If I want to see what's going on with the design folks, I just look at the list. I make all my lists private. They're for me not anyone else. That's just how I do it though.

share
  • spam
  • offensive
  • disagree
  • off topic
 Like

Hi Naomi!

It definitely does take time to start and maintain the Twitter lists. I can definitely see some valuable pros in creating them. I haven't made my decision yet, but I have to admit it is extremely interesting to see not only has listed you but the names of these lists are just as entertaining-LOL! Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again my Twitter friend. :)

share
  • spam
  • offensive
  • disagree
  • off topic
 Like

Hi! My list feature was activated right on Halloween so I was super busy with parties and a packed weekend. I've started with some of my lists but it definitely takes TIME! I still have a few posts brewing on how I want to utilize them. I love them and find myself spending too much time viewing other lists rather than creating my own! LOL I'm sure we will see more and more great discussions in the future as we have seen already around the web. Thanks for being my twitter friend! :)

share
  • spam
  • offensive
  • disagree
  • off topic
 Like

@Michelle I checked out his list and that is a great way to use it. I can definitely see the lists having great potential, however, I have to admit at the moment TweetMiner is doing the trick for me—lol! Who knows maybe further down the line I might hop on the bandwagon too. Thanks for your comment! :)

@Tahneesha I’m glad there is someone out there that also enjoys lists—lol! I agree that it is very interesting to see who has added you to their list. Thanks for your comment!

share
  • spam
  • offensive
  • disagree
  • off topic
 Like

Good information LaTosha. I think TweetMiner is the next app I am going to check out.
I also share in your love of lists. I like the feeling of accomplishment when tasks are completed. I am not yet sold on the Twitter lists concept. Although, it is interesting to see who has added you to their list.

share
  • spam
  • offensive
  • disagree
  • off topic
 Like

LaTosha:
I haven't really gotten into playing with the lists feature myself as I just "received" it late last week when it went public to the masses.

One thing that has me thinking is the public nature vs the private nature.

One good use I've seen for lists is what @Kalalea is doing for the Fox Valley, WI area. He has started a list on his account with all of our local people and businesses so it can be used as a type of networking tool.

Also, thank you so much for the link to my post on TweetMiner - this app is amazing and I know the developer has a lot of good things in the works to make it even better than it is now.

share
  • spam
  • offensive
  • disagree
  • off topic
 Like

Trackbacks

  1. Tweets that mention Twitter Lists: Pros and Cons | TargetStars -- Topsy.com says:
    November 2, 2009 at 2:45 pm

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Sophie Zollmann and TargetStars, Tahneesha. Tahneesha said: RT @TargetStars: Twitter Lists: Pros and Cons http://bit.ly/36ASXw [...]

  2. uberVU - social comments says:
    November 2, 2009 at 4:36 pm

    Social comments and analytics for this post…

    This post was mentioned on Twitter by TargetStars: Twitter Lists: Pros and Cons http://bit.ly/36ASXw…

This site is protected by WP-CopyRightPro