360DigitalInfluence

One of the best sessions at the #140 Conference yesterday was by David Carr @carr2n, a brilliant writer and blogger for The New York Times.  In 10 minutes he gave one of the funniest, most spot on presentations I’ve seen on “why Twitter will endure.”  I do it barely any justice…

• Momentum – Despite some slowing growth of the user base there are more than 50MM tweets posted per day.  Besides, the metrics aren’t the most important thing to focus on “look at MySpace.”
• Twitter is Joyful – Nothing gives the deep joy of Twitter, and the ability to see into the skulls of some of the best writers in the country.
• Utility – If forced to pick between listening on Twitter and broadcasting, he’d pick listening on Twitter every time.  Twitter is human enabled RSS – you can scoop in a cup and find out what’s happening right now.
• Simple/Easy UI – Simple is hard, and Twitter does it well.
• Starbucks – Twitter makes waiting in line at Starbucks tolerable, and calms you the baristas appear to be moving underwater.
• Hook Ups – We never give up hope that we’ll somehow meet and have serendipitous interaction with other humans, and  Twitter - or mindcasting - is one of the best indications of who you are.
• Pipes – Twitter is infrastructure. 
• Serendipity – David’s “thanks to Twitter” story involved getting an offer for a new seat on an airplane after tweeting that the passenger next to him seemed to be involved  in an Axe Body Spray cult.  Everyone has a story like this.
• Zietgiest – Twitter helps you see over the hill and expose you to trends that might open your eyes (like Glee!)
• Hivemind – Need help with Final Cut Pro?  Recommendations for a NetFlix rental?  Interviews for a story?  The hivemind is always active and always helpful.
• Decency – Your avatar is you and people mind their manners unlike other places.
• Fame – You have the opportunity to curate your followers to maximize value
• Inertia – Chances are that you wont leave your followers behind, even for something like Google Buzz.