So all the hype on Twitter right now is the debut of Twitter Lists. Basically, Lists is exactly what it says – a grouping of Twitter users created by other Twitter users. Robert Scoble thinks it’s a game changer – I disagree. It’s a neat addition, but it doesn’t add any true value to Twitter.
Like anything with social media, you need to take Lists with a grain of a salt. Despite being made available a short while ago, there is already hundreds, if not thousands, of Lists already created. We’re already seeing the labels of “best lists” and “lists you need to follow”. Like I mentioned, be skeptical of these lists. A lot are ego boosts, people trying to be chummy, cliques, etc. If your goal is to be on a “Top Communicators” list with the likes of Chris Brogan and Brian Solis – nothing against these folks – then Lists will be perfect for you. If you find pleasure by association, then Lists is for you.
Now don’t get me wrong, Lists does have some value – just not as much as the current hype makes it seem. I created a list, mostly to see what the hype is all about, and I will probably use this feature. However, the only value I see in Lists is found in the lists created by those I’ve created a relationship with. Lists created by Lauren Fernandez or David Erickson provide more value for me because I’ve interacted with these people. While being on a list created by Brian Solis would be a great honor, I personally wouldn’t get as much value out of it because I’ve never met or interacted with him.
Here’s the clincher though, at least for me. Lists are suppose to be great for finding valuable people to follow. However, I can already do that by clicking on “following” of anyone I choose. While the Lists feature groups all those people together and allows me to monitor how these users are interacting and using Twitter, it’s not a new or improved feature. It’s more convenience than anything. Not really a “game changer” in my eyes.
Again, this is just my personal opinion. You’ll find people that think Twitter Lists provides great value. And it may for some. However, my personal use of Twitter isn’t to gain popularity, it isn’t to be included on specific people’s lists. I appreciate the fact that people would find my usage valuable enough to include on a list. In the end though, it doesn’t do anything for me. I’ll probably follow a handful of lists and continue to find valuable people to follow through the same vehicles as I’m using now.
