Legal Tweets

Why do people follow and unfollow others on Twitter?

Image via CrunchBase

nikiblack: Question: Why do you follow people onTwitter? Is it for info? Entertainment? Bec. they follow you? A combination all 3? Some other reason?

nikiblack: 2d Question: Why do you unfollow people on Twitter?

AndrewMcRoberts: @nikiblack All 3. Plus est'g expertise, and reaching and engaging potential referral and client sources.

dmourey: RT @nikiblack Question: Why do you follow people onTwitter? I say twitter isn't stupid if u follow smart ppl. i follow ppl who help & r fun

Kennerknecht: @nikiblack Mostly for info and to network. Sometimes b/c they follow me. Rarely for entertainment.

karen_from_ohio: @nikiblack Mostly for unique information; then for updates on friends and causes

Kennerknecht: @nikiblack Usually unfollow b/c of info overload or no value/engagement

jmckeever: @nikiblack unfollow those who tweet a bunch of links in a row w no context- obvious spambots. if one is particularly vitriolic all the time

johnnybluenote: @nikiblack http://bit.ly/b6mKBS (expand) Here are my reasons 4 following and unfollowing :-)

another_pd: @nikiblack I unfollow those that, on a regular basis, fill my stream with things I'm not interested in.

CherylMcKinnon: @nikiblack 3 top reasons for me: 4square abuse, ipad obsessive, boring

bsajdak: @nikiblack Primarily entertainment/friendship; info is bonus

bsajdak: @nikiblack When they get annoying.

another_pd: @nikiblack Might as well ask why I talk to people at a cocktail party, or invite them to a party. Interesting, friendly, entertaining.

nickpurifoy: @nikiblack Frequent useless posts. Too many useless posts creates too much "noise" and can drown out useful or interesting content.

erwiest: @nikiblack My take: no probability of useful/original/engaging info, no follow. Rarely drop otherwise active follows.

rbcarter: @nikiblack #1 reason why I unfollow someone is they tweet excessively & purposelessly (www.UndeniableRuth.com)

roundtrip: @nikiblack I follow for info & entertainment. Unfollowing to limit noise and "tune for signal" See Three Places for People http://j.mp/2rdVR

lawscribe: @nikiblack unfollow (paticular orde): 1. My tastes change. 2. Their tastes change 3. They tweet too often and clog my timeline

lawscribe: @nikiblack oh, and 4. Exclusionary - look how cool our little group is and 5. Consisten denigration of others.

roundtrip: /@nikiblack My model for #Twitter is "tuning the dials" to select and participate in global conversations I find interesting and rewarding.

nooption: @nikiblack unfollow reasons: people who unfollow me, prefer it as a conversation tool rather than a listen only

keavneylaw: @nikiblack I follow people on Twitter because they have something interesting to say. I unfollow if it turns out i was wrong about that.

sarahnregan: @nikiblack I follow about 150 people per @evbogue's suggestion http://bit.ly/9NtjtW (expand). I like a mixture of entertaining tweets and good links.

Beatepdx: @nikiblack I follow for Info,Entertainment & for "likability" reason. I unfollow if neither is there :) Happy Sunday!

Fclatty: @nikiblack All ads + no info + no entertainment + no personal relationship = unfollow. http://bit.ly/b5mdL2 (expand)

drakowski: @nikiblack Why I follow? Folks with interesting things to say. Why I unfollow? Porn stars, folks who use "OMG", those who market too much ;)

TomGallagherLaw: Most common: no follow-back; next tweet overload; next 2 much promo RT @nikiblack 2d Question: Why do you unfollow people on Twitter?

TomGallagherLaw: Combo: interest, fun, mutual support; follow-back is last but a must RT @nikiblack Question: Why do you follow people onTwitter?

dgulbran: Too much marketing, not enough conversation. Or too boring. :) // 2d Question: Why do you unfollow people on Twitter? /via @nikiblack

econwriter5: @nikiblack I follow ppl for news/info, engaging convo and views different from my own.

econwriter5: @nikiblack Block more than unfollow; mostly spam or protected tweets. Don't know what they tweet, no interest in following.

dishonblock: @nikiblack - Our account is still pretty new, but sometimes unfollow people who don't reply to dm's or @ 's consistently.

mchangesq: @nikiblack To discover, follow and build trends. The answer to the 2nd question is when something or someone no longer serves that purpose.

kristahiner: @nikiblack Unfollow -- people who repeatedly RT info/links w/o giving credit; & people w/ pointless tweets who don't participate in convos.

kristahiner: @nikiblack Follow -- mostly only when they write about things i'm particularly interested in. i.e.: law, music, observational humor, etc.

mikedunham: @nikiblack the unfollow question is easier - b/c signal:noise ratio is too low

Are tweets incomprehensible? If so, does this decrease their value?

Image via CrunchBase

advocatesstudio: Scanning my Twitter flow and it occurs to me that most tweets would be completely unfathomable to someone outside of Twitter. Is this good?

WarLordwrites: @advocatesstudio Twitter has entered that very special place, the jargon is so thick that you need a spirit guide to navigate ;)

richards1000: @advocatesstudio Most of your tweets, or most of the tweets you receive?

advocatesstudio: @richards1000 Precisely! Seriously, I was reading the tweets of those I follow at the time, but it probably applies to mine as well.

KevinChern: @advocatesstudio Unfathomable? How so? I could see all of the bit.ly links and @'s to be a little confusing to non-tweeters, maybe.

advocatesstudio: @WarLordwrites True, which makes me wonder about its ultimate life expectancy as a mainstream means of communication.

advocatesstudio: @KevinChern Try to read yr Twitter stream from POV of someone outside of Twitter. Hard to divorce yr exp. but it seems more than little odd.

labfly: @advocatesstudio that is why we have twitter ;) it is the only place for "tweets"

advocatesstudio: @labfly "Tweets" being definitely their own animal. ;)

KevinChern: @advocatesstudio Haha...Definitely! Kind of like one long stream of conscious from all over the globe!

uMCLE: Surprisingly difficult to step back/view objectively @advocatesstudio @KevinChern read yr stream from POV of someone outside of Twitter.

advocatesstudio: @KevinChern Which is actually what makes it kind of cool, albeit it a little conceptually and practically challenging

CathyGellis: @advocatesstudio If tweet is a reply, I think it's ok if it doesn't make sense to others. But for those that stand alone, should stand alone

advocatesstudio: @CathyGellis True - because a reply entails using the language of the person to whom you are replying, as a matter of proper convention

KevinChern: @advocatesstudio Have you checked out Buzz yet? Sim to Twitter but you can comment on updates. A little more intuitive but some prvcy issues

advocatesstudio: @KevinChern Yes, I have. I like it - more "natural language" like Friendfeed. Not bothered by the privacy issues.

richards1000: @advocatesstudio Thanks. I ask bc there's much talk about "contextless" info in cyberspace; see e.g., Gasser's comment http://bit.ly/cn7GjM

advocatesstudio: Thanks everyone for the first actual discussion I have had on Twitter in a long time. And it was all fairly understandable! ;)

Is social media use worthwhile if you don't have a blog?

nikiblack: ->@GrantGriffiths -in wave convo u said soc med is tool 2 promote blog & blogs are not SM tool. Not sure I agree-that's 1 way to use SM & blogs

nikiblack: ->@GrantGriffiths Thought that was interesting issue & wanted 2 throw it out there 4 discussion. That's not how I discuss blogs in SM book.

GrantGriffiths: @nikiblack A blog should be at the center of your web presence. Social networking tools are just that, tools to grow your blog

nikiblack: @GrantGriffiths Blogs don't work for everyone. Some don't like to write. SOcial media can still work for them & be their online presence.

GrantGriffiths: @nikiblack Blogging doesn't mean you have to write a law review article every time you touch the keyboard. Blogging is as simple...

GrantGriffiths: @nikiblack You can not totally engage nor build trust with your target audience on social networking tools alone like twitter or facebook

nikiblack: @GrantGriffiths I'm all 4blogging, but don't think it works for everyone. Preferably, it's anchor of web presence, but not necessary

JayFleischman: @nikiblack @GrantGriffiths Not necessary? In a world of self-identified prospects seeking relevant, timely and reliable unique information?

JayFleischman: @nikiblack @GrantGriffiths An online presence without a content generation mentality is doomed to failure. Period.

GrantGriffiths: @nikiblack You can not get the amount of information needed with social networking tools alone. They guide and direct them to blog

DisabilityGuy: @GrantGriffiths @nikiblack Social Networking was gateway drug 2 a blog 4 me. Found I needed additional ways to expand conversation

DisabilityGuy: @nikiblack @GrantGriffiths I'm on Social Media 2 learn & interact, blog 2 educate. Social Media helps blog, but not only reason 2 use SM

DisabilityGuy: @GrantGriffiths @JayFleischman @nikiblack Facebook has more eyes than most blogs will ever C. Filled w/ calls 2 action (causes fan pages etc

uMCLE: Agree w/ @GrantGriffiths that blog as base for social networking optimal but like @DisabilityGuy can be effect & not cause of SN @nikiblack

nikiblack: @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths @DisabilityGuy I agree blogs shld be base, but don't have to be. Can get a lot out of SM w/out a blog as well.

DisabilityGuy: @GrantGriffiths @JayFleischman @nikiblack @uMCLE Every Facebook LinkedIn & Twitter friend doesn't read blog, but I can still influence on SM

JayFleischman: @DisabilityGuy @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths @nikiblack Only if they see you, Steven. Blog gets them in, SM keeps them in your sphere.

nikiblack: @GrantGriffiths @JayFleischman Not everyone enjoys writing-it's a chore for some. Can be detrimental if not good at it.

nikiblack: @DisabilityGuy @GrantGriffiths @JayFleischman SM serves many purposes--one of those goals is to get clients.

nikiblack: @DisabilityGuy @JayFleischman @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths I disagree that blog has to be center. Don't think center of my SM presence is my blogs

JayFleischman: @nikiblack @DisabilityGuy @GrantGriffiths Only tangentially. Goal of SM is to establish relationships IMO.

DisabilityGuy: @JayFleischman @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths @nikiblack Actually opposite 4 me, SM has driven 2 my blog. Still more eyes from SM than blog 4 me

DisabilityGuy: @JayFleischman @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths @nikiblack Most I interact w/ daily on SM, not interested in my specialty blog

JayFleischman: @DisabilityGuy @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths @nikiblack And how did they get to you on FB?

nikiblack: @DisabilityGuy @uMCLE @JayFleischman @GrantGriffiths The find u on FB via ur email contacts, not ur blog.

nikiblack: @DisabilityGuy @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths @JayFleischman Also, IMO, blogs= form of SM--interaction platform, user generated content via comments

GrantGriffiths: @nikiblack I have to say you are most likely in the minority with that position.

nikiblack: @GrantGriffiths Not so Grant--Wikipedia agrees with me--blogs are a form of social media: http://bit.ly/1xAtG4

uMCLE: @nikiblack Absolutely. Blogs def SM. More relevant as base for professionals, not personal @DisabilityGuy @GrantGriffiths @JayFleischman

uMCLE: Some of my most meaningful relationships on Facebook don't blog and don't have to @nikiblack @DisabilityGuy @GrantGriffiths @JayFleischman

JayFleischman: @uMCLE @nikiblack @DisabilityGuy @GrantGriffiths But aren't we speaking about professional development, not personal?

DisabilityGuy: @JayFleischman @uMCLE @nikiblack @GrantGriffiths Hard 4 me 2 separate prof. development from personal. As attorney, personal leads to prof

uMCLE: If prof vs pers established earlier, apologize for missing when rudely jumped in :) @JayFleischman @nikiblack @DisabilityGuy @GrantGriffiths

nikiblack: @JayFleischman @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths Totally agree w/ @DisabilityGuy- prof-al & personal overlap greatly

JayFleischman: @nikiblack @uMCLE @DisabilityGuy @GrantGriffiths (E)very single SM expert I've ever seen says blog is the hub, SM is a spoke.

nikiblack: @JayFleischman @GrantGriffiths @uMCLE @DisabilityGuy SM is about connections, old & new--and maintaining them. Not just abt new ones

DisabilityGuy: @JayFleischman @nikiblack @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths Facebook Personal relationships have brought new people 2 my sphere by sharing about prof

nikiblack: @JayFleischman @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths @DisabilityGuy IMO, hub/spoke formula is most effective one, but not the only one, by any means

JayFleischman: @DisabilityGuy @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths @nikiblack OK, so how do you bring in new people who have zero prior exposure to you? Blog or SM?

nikiblack: @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths @JayFleischman @DisabilityGuy Either blog, Twitter, FB, LinkedIn, online forums, listserv or all of the above;)

DisabilityGuy: @JayFleischman @GrantGriffiths @uMCLE Ideally agree w/ @nikiblack should use SM & Blog, but not sure 1 more important than other. Both work

JayFleischman: @nikiblack @uMCLE @DisabilityGuy @GrantGriffiths True, but why engage in activities that are less effective? Tangentially, maybe.

nikiblack: @DisabilityGuy @GrantGriffiths @JayFleischman @uMCLE Bec different personalities are more suited 2 diff. SM mediums-No reason to force it

DisabilityGuy: @JayFleischman @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths @nikiblack All 4 of U R interacting w/ me solely from SM. U may've read blog, but discovered from SM

DisabilityGuy: @JayFleischman w/ ur reasoning, blog is least effective 4 me presently, so I should just use SM @nikiblack @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths

Tidbits from NYC Avvo Seminar

This legal tweets series brought to you via Andrea Cannavina aka @legaltypist, who did a great job covering this event and provided a ton of useful information:

legaltypist: Word of mouth referrals is going on line. #AVVO

legaltypist: Blogging is a micro site where you put your opinions and thoughts. More dynamic it is the more Search Engines will find you. #AVVO

legaltypist: Some sites now help attorneys share documents. JDSupra. #AVVO

legaltypist: Money and morning test. Where do you spend your money and what do you think about each morning? Should be your core web presence. #AVVO

legaltypist: In order to have an effective web presence, it doesn't need to be expensive. Once you have core, go out and network pointing back. #AVVO

legaltypist: Think strategically. Don't just hang out with lawyers. LinkedIn create site, but do consumers/target market congregate there? #AVVO

legaltypist: Reputation management. Everyone has an on line profile - whether you like it or not. #AVVO

legaltypist: Google Alerts helps you learn/monitor any one's name. #AVVO You should be monitoring your own. (My two cents: SocialMention's alerts are even better--allow you to track sentiment in the mentions as well)

legaltypist: AVVO republishes information from State Bar. All NY attorneys have a profile. #AVVO

legaltypist: To be an effective blogger you need personality. #AVVO

legaltypist: Effective blogs are written by real attrorneys with real voices. #AVVO

legaltypist: From groups and forums - point back to your blog, website or profile - your core web presence. Tells Google and search engines too. #AVVO

JeenaBelil: @MarkBritton doing a phenom job breaking down SM for lawyers in room #AVVO

legaltypist: If they are not talking about you - you don't exist. per @ThatLaywerDude #AVVO

legaltypist: You can't contribute to the conversation if you're not listening per @AriKaplan #AVVO

legaltypist: Per @JeenaBelil - its two jobs. One practicing law; the other marketing a practice. It's hard, but doable. per @JeenaBelil #AVVO

legaltypist: You should be spending at least 10% of your time marketing your practice. #AVVO

legaltypist: The things that you do on a daily basis, will come back to you on the yearly basis. per @ThatLawyerDude #AVVO

The utility of social media for lawyers

nikiblack: Thinking about today's Daily Record article re: lawyers engaging in social media. Social media is different for lawyers...

• nikiblack: Gen'ly, successful SM campaigns create a fan base--ppl passionate about ur product. Ppl are not passionate about law firms. So then what?

• nikiblack: Bec. ppl are not "passionate" about their law firm, Facebook fan pages make no sense to me as a SM tool for law firms

• VBalasubramani: @nikiblack everyone's passionate about criticizing lawyers :-) ..I would take this route..(seriously, poke fun at self/profession)

• nikiblack: SM for lawyers is a different focus than most businesses. It's about creating effective online presence, networking & establishing expertise

• SCartierLiebel: @nikiblack SM is about people, so not passionate about law firms...but can be very engaged with their lawyer. 1 lawyer is a 'firm', too.

• JohnFMoore: RT @nikiblack: It's about creating effective online presence, networking & establishing expertise | All biz should use this way, right?

• nikiblack: -->@JohnFMoore I agree. But other biz can create viral campaigns, create a tribe of followers that evangelize their product. Not law...

• nikiblack: Sm goals are different for lawyers. With specific goals in mind, you then choose appropriate SM platforms & levels of participation.

• amyderby: Me neither, unless it's just for other lawyers. RT @nikiblack: Facebook fan pages make no sense to me as a SM tool for law firms.

• jeffrey_brandt: @nikiblack Different then what? A widget/product company? yes.. but other service industries use social media, how r lawyers dif there?

• nikiblack: Closed legal platforms are useful for networking, getting info., but do very little to contribute to effective online presence

• mikemac29: @jeffrey_brandt @nikiblack Law isn't a service industry ppl rush to interact with, or feel passionate about, it's more like a utility co.

• nikiblack: -->@mikemac29 Exactly--I totally agree. Ppl reluctantly use/pay for lawyers. Hard to create a passionate following when starting w/ that!

• nikiblack: -->@jeffrey_brandt Lawyers' services aren't "sexy"--there's no hook. Can't create sweepstakes/contest 4 reduced services 2 increase interest

• nikiblack: Twitter=effective SM platform 2 increase business 4 some lawyers. Depends on potential clients are--individuals, companies, local, nat'l?

• nikiblack: Effective SM use for lawyers is a tough balance--is time participating ultimately worthwhile or wld local networking make more sense?

• SCartierLiebel: @nikiblack It's what you do with the platforms to push out compelling info about lawyer to create evangelists and interest. It's called PR

• nikiblack: SM *is* useful to lawyers. No doubt. Lawyers need to understand it & participate. It can help launch practices. It can showcase expertise.

• SCartierLiebel: @nikiblack don't want 2 limit creativity w/ SM ie:what 'can't' be done. It's 2new, untried. There R definite don'ts but undiscovered 'dos'.

• SCartierLiebel: @nikiblack They may just evangelize you differently based upon non-legal interests. This may be the key. I have numerous examples...

• jeffrey_brandt: @mikemac29 Tru a service whr many turn 2 in times of trouble, but is that fault of law or failure 2 properly partner w/clients?
  

• mypractice: @nikiblack To me, the intensity of effort to convince lawyers SM is useful is reflective that it really isn't that useful

• jeffrey_brandt: RT I know sex sells, but thats the cheap way out - not the only way 2 sell @nikiblack:Lawyers services arent 'sexy'--there's no hook.

• mikemac29: @jeffrey_brandt @nikiblack Partnering w/ clients would help, esp if firm keeps them out of litigation, but will client tell story on SM?

• FlemingMF: Hype of SM for lawyer is overblown; but to suggest it's all just smoke is also overstating @nikiblack @mypractice

• jeffrey_brandt: RT w/GenY I wouldnt B so sure @mikemac29 @nikiblack if firm got me out of trouble, gr8, but I wnt B going 2 firm FB page 2 share details

• lancegodard: @nikiblack @jeffrey_brandt If FB fan pages could be personalized, say with specific Firm RSS feeds, then they might be useful to clients

• Lemonlawyerinfo: @nikiblack one lawyer firm tweeting nationwide and having a statewide practice? hmm...Seem to be meeting people but that might be it

• LeighMonette: @nikiblack @jeffrey_brandt @mikemac29 Re: evangelizing attys. Vast maj. of online comments negative; few so happy they have to shout it (1)

• LeighMonette: @nikiblack @jeffrey_brandt @mikemac29 Re: evangalizing attys. I'm thinking of typical products/svces. Attys are a little different (2)

• JulianRCrump: @nikiblack No doubt online soc netwrkng has it's place; but where to find the time for it? I'm amazed how many tweets some post per day.

• DisabilityGuy: @nikiblack 1potential advantage of FaceBook fan pages R that clients R already there. I C them as means 4 communicating to current clien

• DisabilityGuy: @nikiblack I think of FaceBook Fan pages 4 attorneys as Newsletter of 2009. Less invasive than email & can B provided 2 others interested

• thetrialwarrior: @JulianRCrump @nikiblack Time management + scheduled tweets x creativity = 30+ tweets per day.
  

Can Twitter be useful to lawyers?

DisabilityGuy: Great post, I agree w/ everything except following 2000 RT @Scobleizer What I'm learning from Twitter: http://bit.ly/DK4G6

• nikiblack: @uMCLE @DisabilityGuy I agree w/ @Scobeleizer 100%--Twitter is the most important SM platform right now--for now;)

• nikiblack: -->@DisabilityGuy @uMCLE Not sure that Twitter is best format for many lawyers, but in general--best & most important SM platform

• DisabilityGuy: -> @nikiblack & @uMCLE: Twitter is important 2 lawyers 4 learning new things. May not directly drive business, but helps U practice better

• nikiblack: -->@uMCLE @DisabilityGuy That's a great point-for lawyers--Twitter's better as an RSS reader, info. gatherer & for networking, too, I think.

• DisabilityGuy: Twitter disc. w/ @nikiblack - Today I reviewed multiple tips 4 improving my website 2 better serve clients & tips 4 productivity. Invaluable

• uMCLE: @DisabilityGuy @nikiblack When attys need to become "experts" overnight, use SM:Twitter for current issues/language then LinkedIn for depth

• DisabilityGuy: @gerkmana @nikiblack @uMCLE - I wouldn't have come in contact w/ many experts in my practice area w/out Twitter. I'm a better lawyer 4 that

• gerkmana: nikiblack @uMCLE @DisabilityGuy Presenter I saw yesterday said maybe... not. But I think yes, at very least because of search.

• DisabilityGuy: @LeighMonette @nikiblack @uMCLE: True value is indirect marketing opportunities. Twitter presence provides visibility, may lead 2 new client

• LeighMonette: @nikiblack @uMCLE @DisabilityGuy - I met with 2 clients a few days ago who found me through my tweets. I use primarily for networking though

• LeighMonette: @DisabilityGuy @nikiblack @uMCLE - I agree re: indirect mktg. Engaging in meaningful exchanges with peers helps me connect and show ability.

• gerkmana: @nikiblack @uMCLE @DisabilityGuy And b/c of networking/relationships, of course. But as with everything, it's not for everyone.

• DisabilityGuy: @LeighMonette @nikiblack @uMCLE: Twitter provides better visibility than Website, LinkedIn, Blog & approaches Facebook. Captive Audience

• gerkmana: @DisabilityGuy Love that. Sometimes we forget networking is more about learning than anything else. @nikiblack @uMCLE

• uMCLE: @DisabilityGuy @LeighMonette @nikiblack of all platforms, real-time exchange that Twitter offers mimic traditional relationship building >>

• uMCLE: @DisabilityGuy @LeighMonette @nikiblack >> but what's truly unique is the unprecedented access from and to potential clients

• uMCLE: @nikiblack Impt element that gets lost - patience re social media networking. @kevinokeefe evangelizes bldg relationships. Agree!

• LeighMonette: @uMCLE @DisabilityGuy @nikiblack - Real-time is a definite plus, but can cut both ways if you're not always in the stream...

• DisabilityGuy: Another viewpoint 2 add 2 @nikiblack conv. from earlier RT @LegalBlogWatch Are Lawyers Getting Clients From Twitter? http://twurl.nl/fud4le

Because compromise is the root of all evils?

ScottGreenfield: New Post: Compromise, And Other Bad Ideas http://tinyurl.com/nldhum

• vpynchon: @scottgreenfield mediators by the way do not seek "compromise" but the fulfillment of mutual unexplored party interests

• ScottGreenfield: @Charonqc Very busy today. Surprised and disappointed to learn about @vpynchon being such a little girl. Oh well.

• btannebaum: @scottgreenfield I saw you were called an "asshole" on your blog. Are you ok? Can I get you something?

• ScottGreenfield: @btannebaum It's those nasty girls. They are so mean.

• charonQC: @vpynchon I read post. I agree with @Scottgreenfield view on work - You 2 can't fall out on this...that is my view. Glass of wine, anyone?

• adriandayton: New post: Stop Thinking of the Internet as a Place! http://bit.ly/qlV18

• justinianlane: New blog post: http://tinyurl.com/l2ft5p (expand) - A Response to @ScottGreenfield About Excellence and Work Life Balance

Web for Lawyers - (Matt Homann-style)

matthomann: LinkedIn is: "Where are you working?" Facebook is: "What are you doing?" Twitter is: "What are you thinking?"

• pauljacobson: @matthomann and FriendFeed is "what are we talking about?"... ?

• JenSawday: RT @matthomann: The only thing you’ll get from your online "friends" are their updates… unless you ask them for more. [What do you ask?]

• matthomann: @JenSawday First thing to ask: How about a telephone call. I'd like to get to know you better.

• matthomann: Don’t get carried away with the number of “followers” you have. Many couldn’t recognize you in a crowd of three people.

• matthomann: Tighten up your privacy settings on Facebook if you connect with customers, or "what happens in Vegas ...." might impact your biz.

• matthomann: Why the web? Clients have always wanted to know you before they'd hire you, but now they want to know you before they'll call you.

• matthomann: Unless you measure your real friends by biz received from them, it is unfair to hold your online friends to a higher standard.

• JeffreyJDavis: @matthomann I measure all my friends (on/ offline) by what I learn from them/how often they make me smile, not by biz

• matthomann: @JeffreyJDavis Exactly! So many want to measure ROI of online participation directly by biz received.

• Doug_Bayer: @matthomann you implied difference b/w online and real friends. Can Twitter really create meaningful relationships w/o live interaction?

• matthomann: Social Media isn’t rocket science. It's just sharing who you are, what you do, and what you think with friends and colleagues online

What should lawyers tweet about?

barrettdavid: Twitter for Law Firm Business Development - http://twurl.nl/zxg53t

• nikiblack: Ur wrong re: dinner tweets=bad @barrettdavid. In fact, u miss the point. "Twitter for Law Firm Bus Dvlpmt" ( http://bit.ly/iu2mM )

• btannebaum: @nikiblack just because *someone* likes dinner tweets doesn't mean they are good...

• jedsalawyer: @nikiblack @btannebaum The great thing about twitter is that if you find something annoying, don't read it...

• nikiblack: @btannebaum Re: dinner tweets, I've had many foodies contact me re: legal issues & connected w/ many locals & attys who follow those as well

• mmgjury: @nikiblack re: dinner twt- Gotta admit kinda agree wi @barrettdavid. I like other pers stuff (kids, funny events), but don't get meal thing.

• nikiblack: @mmgjury food is a hobby, just like any other;)

• JPSESQ: @mmgjury Honestly, I find the dinner & wine choices of @nikiblack WAY more interesteing than people's kids.

• blawgreview: "My twitter name is @nikiblack and I'm passionate about three things: criminal defense, writing and technology...and what's for dinner." OK4

• CarlJacobsen: I like down-to-earthness. That means that both @RecruiterEsq 's photo and @nikiblack 's dinner tweets are great. Twitter is better for them

• ldclower: @nikiblack If followers don't like ur dinner tweets they should stop following...

• Popehat: @nikiblack Dinner tweets only acceptable when accompanied by a photo. Reading about food is like smelling a book.

• Michael_Fleming: @nikiblack: Dinner tweets are what @timOReilly & @sarahm call 'ambient intimacy' #TwitterBook

• ProfJonathan: @nikiblack Lawyers should tweet cogently on whatever adds value to community: business, law, tech, etc. Building bonds and trust are key.

• nikiblack: My dinner tweets-like 'em or not? I'll still keep posting them but am curious as to the response;) Vote: http://twtpoll.com/n3q89y #twtpoll

Kevin O'Keefe on social media for lawyers at the "Get a Life" conference

TotalAttorneys: @KevinOKeefe starts in 5 minutes at #GAL09 Watch live here http://twurl.nl/a2bm8i

• nikiblack: #GAL09 @kevinokeefe: 5% of people influence the other 95%

• retheauditors: #GAL09 @kevinokeefe "Go where the people are. Don't build a shrine to yourself. " Well, I like my blog, but that's why I'm on Twitter.

• adriandayton: You are living at the best time ever to do whatever you want to do. ~@kevinokeefe #gal09

• InsideLegal: Kevinokeefe: Blogging is your homebase-it's not going out of style-we're still using telephones #GAL09

• edscanlan: Quote from @kevinokeefe presentation "Lawyers were split 50/50 when telephone came out on whether or not it was o.k. to use" #GAL09 : )

• InsideLegal: KevinoKeefe: Twitter is single biggest branding tool since telephone. #GAL09

• retheauditors: #GAL09 @kevinokeefe "Twitter is strange. How to get started? Follow others in your geo: media, other lawyers. Use Lextweet to find."

• TwitToWho: Oh the irony... Twitter access goes down just as @KevinOKeefe starts to talk the virtues of Twitter at #GAL09

• nikiblack #GAL09 @kevinokeefe The 3 sites he recommends LinkedIn, blogging & Twitter Nikki adds facebook - I push twitter to facebook.

• MusaLaw: @kevinokeefe says rather than just throwing your marketing message out there, listen first, then join the conversation. #GAL09

• nikiblack: #GAL09 @kevinokeefe: get a gmail account if you don't have one--it's going to be the same as a social security # soon.

• nikiblack: #GAL09 @kevinokeefe Studies show that 1 out of 5 lawyers won't be practicing law in 5 years.

• adriandayton: Okeefe: If you don't believe the internet can help your law firm- then leave. #gal09 (love it)

• moeeds: #Gal09 @kevinokeefe - Your take on social media really changed my perspective. Thanks for the insight!