Comments on: This Indie Author Pledges to Leave Twitter Hashtags Alone

By: Jenny Hansen

Jenny Hansen — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 07:01:35 +0000

To this day, I find my very best conversations on Twitter, but I hear I’m a minority on that. My eyes pass right over all the “buy my books” chatter and I’m sure I’m not alone in that. With the use of Lists and various tools, I still see the tweets I want to see and leave the rest alone.

As far as you changing your strategy, good for you. You’ll have tons more fun on Twitter now, I’m sure. All the pressure will be OFF and you can just enjoy yourself. 🙂

By: beverlydiehl

beverlydiehl — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 14:17:12 +0000

The Twitter and I have a love/hate relationship. Found and interacted with some fabulous people there; but quickly tired of the endless self-promo. Feels like a 30 page magazine with 2 great articles and 28 pages of ads, sometimes.

My sister started a non-profit org, and from her seminars and studying, they say it averages nine “touches” before a person will want to donate. I think the point of Twitter or any social media is to “touch” people, and interact, not blast ads.

By: Valentine Logar

Valentine Logar — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 13:37:17 +0000

I blog because I enjoy the community. I read because I love to read, both books and blogs. I tweet now and then but mostly society and politics. The world is broad and interesting. I think you are right.

By: Stacy Green

Stacy Green — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 03:00:26 +0000

In reply to Julie Farrar.

Hi there,
I’m so glad you’re trying to prioritize your writing. I’ve been doing the same, and it’s a great feeling. You are right – it really is about producing the best writing you can. I think one thing many of us crave is instant gratification when it comes to anything marketing, and it doesn’t work that way. The connection takes time, and like you, I’m willing to chat here and there, but the writing comes first.
Thanks!

By: Stacy Green

Stacy Green — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 02:58:45 +0000

In reply to Lauralynn Elliott. You're right, Lauralynn, it really is a tricky balance. I do know some sell books on Twitter, but I think using it as a tool to sell books is a mistake. Does that make sense? I don't think there is a magic formula, unfortunately. We just have to find what works and not overrun our followers. Thanks!

By: Lauralynn Elliott

Lauralynn Elliott — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 23:50:01 +0000

I’m not sure how I feel about this. Because I’ve actually found books to read because of mentions on Twitter and Facebook. It’s a tricky balance. There are groups on Facebook who are there strictly for promotion, but I don’t know if readers actually go there looking for those promoted books. I just wish I knew the magic formula….

By: Julie Farrar

Julie Farrar — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 22:49:53 +0000

Hi Stacy. I myself have been spotty on social media all summer because I’m trying to prioritize my writing. If I don’t produce good writing, then nobody will ever read me. It’s as simple as that. I was getting tired of so many tweets being about self-promotion rather than social engagement. There’s nothing wrong with once or twice a day doing some self-promotion with a couple of hashtags, but it always needs to be balanced out with personal connections sans hashtags. As for blogging, I’d like to get back on track at least twice a week because I think the routine of it is a discipline I need. But I’m writing my posts shorter and faster so I can get back to larger projects.

By: Stacy Green

Stacy Green — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 17:40:28 +0000

In reply to Jonetta (Ejaygirl).

Hi there! I think many readers treat the self-promotion exactly as you do, and that’s a big part of why I am scaling back. I just don’t think it sends the right message.

I know what you mean about Goodreads, and I do need to get in there and chat more about books in general. But by the time I actually have time to chat, I’m usually spent, lol. I do think it’s very cool when an author gets into discussions, though. It’s nice to just be able to talk books.

Thanks!

By: Stacy Green

Stacy Green — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 17:39:05 +0000

In reply to Veronica Sicoe.

Good for you on putting writing first! You won’t regret it.

I feel the same way about Twitter. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried a hashtag or scrolled through my timeline in hopes of finding someone to talk to and came up with nothing but links. I

I think your strategy sounds like one we should all follow. And you have a good point on why readers DO click through on Twitter. It’s not because of book links, but because the author herself (or himself) intrigued them. Great comment, and thanks!

By: Stacy Green

Stacy Green — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 17:37:04 +0000

In reply to Kassandra Lamb. I am trying to back down from too many links in general. Even with Triberr, I've stretched my intervals to two hours and only do a few a day. I just don't see that it's effective. Thanks!