So I get that it might be interesting for pro and college sports fans to follow their favorite players and coaches on Twitter, assuming those tweets are legit and actually from the athlete in question. The NBA’s Shaquille O’Neal (@THE_REAL_SHAQ) clearly is having fun with Twitter. And though I hate the Yankees, I do think you can’t ignore how Twitter has helped fans connect to players like Nick Swisher (@NickSwisher).
Those guys are pros. In the public eye. Presumbly people care to know what they have to say.
Even the major college athletes and coaches on Twitter have something to offer, and help promote their schools and teams.
But I noticed a trend here in the Twin Cities this week that has me wondering if it’s a big deal or not. A few players on a top-ranked high school football team here in Minnesota are on Twitter, tweeting their thoughts in the days leading up to their next game and after.
Harmless high school drivel, aimed mostly at their friends I suppose. Makes me wonder if they’re doing the same thing on Facebook. Who has time for homework, right?
I guess I’m leaning toward thinking as long as it stays clean it helps promote their school and community and connects them to their fellow students, fans in the stands and alumni… things I try to do by producing weekly podcasts for football teams like Lakeville North (MN), then it’s fine.
Again, this is just one team that I happened to notice. Are there others in Minnesota, or your city? I suppose. Just seems to be a little early for the self-promotion to set in. Complete with misspellings, profanity… things that probably make their parents real proud. But done right, with an emphasis on building and connecting with the fan base in a readable way, I don’t have a problem with it.
Oh well. A sign of the over-sharing Twitter times that we’re in, I guess. Nothing to get too worked up about.
Speaking of Twitter, just for fun enjoy this video that actor Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) posted in August, featuring his discussion about Twitter with legendary Hollywood icon Mickey Rooney. It’ll give you a good laugh:
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