So — in the name of my yet-to-exist writing career — I’ve decided to set up a Twitter account: CatherineClaire (finally my middle name finds purpose). Apparently it’s like blogging but easier. You type in a quick blurb, let it sit a while, and then — BAM — conversation erupts and jobs roll in.

But, well…I hate to be the one swimming against the tide, but so far I feel completely lost in the "potential." It’s like staring at a large blank wall.

After the interaction I’ve had on Facebook, Twitter feels like a downgrade.

Facebook I get.

Facebook — with its streaming updates, links to school and work friends, tagged photos, comments, messages, games and targeted advertising — that I get.

Twitter offers its own type of immediacy. Britney Spears speaks to her fans, Oprah shares her favorite things. Intimacy is turned up a level by this open-access concept.

But celebrity stalking aside, Twitter makes me feel pressured. There’s an expectation to network, promote, and engage with intention. According to the many online articles floating through the Internet, Twitter’s about attracting people to your name and product.

Is Twitter more hype than substance? If not, I’d be happy to hear why because so far I’m not impressed. But for now I’m sticking it out. Besides, my mom suggests it’s a path to worldwide success, and while that sounds like a pipe dream, it also sounds cool.

Looking for enlightenment, I logged onto Twitter and clicked a link called #whyitweet. Here’s a slice of what I found Tweeters sharing, but there’s more if you want to go read for yourself:

“At first I was like, “this is dumb.” Then I was like, “Oh! People can know what I’m doing…ALL THE TIME! I like this.”

“I want to be hip, avant-garde and be able to laugh at people who are not.”

“My friends and family need to know when something cool happens, immediately.”

“I don’t know anymore, I used to have a goal.”

In The Fray Contributor