Too Much Twittering?

Sorry, but the InformationWeek article takes a wrong-headed approach. Social media is not necessarily about talking to customers, suppliers and partners "from the top down" - as is the case when high-profile business executives are the messengers. Social media lets anyone (even a blogger like me) talk about my products, your products, or any range of topics that can boost a business or tarnish its image.

Well of course there's skepticism about "how much real, documentable business benefits accrue from thoese collaborative platforms"! That's typical of most new technologies. At first, everyone talks about how wonderful a new technology is. In my opinion, that's where Twitter is at right now. Then the crowd turns against the new technology because they begin to see its shortcomings. Finally, a group of people (hopefully in your business) discover how to make money from the new technology.

No, I didn't just make this up. It's the Garnter Hype Cycle from the folks at Gartner Resarch. Click here to see a diagram that illustrates it quite well.

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Mostly worthless. High profile executives using twitter should be re-evaluated for their real worth to the company.

I believe the twittering and linkedIning has to do with self marketing and branding. I believe that we engineers should stop locking ourselves in plants and workshops and start showing the world that our professions matters. The arts & business types know that self branding and marketing works to build their own careers.

If we all do this in all forums available e.g. print, media, internet and the works, engineering will get the attention it deserves and therefore the take-home pay, career progression and job satisfaction will definitely improve.

I wish I knew who you are Guest, because this is a good answer and I'd love to give you some prop's.

Self marketing is important, especially in the modern work place, but that should be done on your time not the companies time (unless pumping up yourself brings in business for your employer or you are self-employed).