Imagine That! Studios

A Tale of Two Twitters

I have been asked several times by new followers why I have two Twitter accounts. Something I thought was completely harmless has come under question not just in my TeeMonster feed but even in two job interviews. Believe me — there is a method behind my madness…

No, this is not a sign of Twitter addiction. I can stop Twitter. Anytime. Just…not… today. Look, we’re getting off the point…

I joined to Twitter in July 2007 under the moniker “TeeMonster” more out of curiosity than peer pressure. Within a month I was well into my addic—investment into the community making an impression in 140 characters or less. It wasn’t until I noted other bloggers and podcasters using Twitter as a notification device that I took a more serious look at this unassuming Social Media site. The ability to “touch base” with a network that actively follows you? Promotional ideas started springing to mind. Networking possibilities came to light. Twitter as a cost-effective marketing tool made perfect sense to me.

Then I paused and considered how people knew me in this network. I watched the reactions to community members turning their feeds into 24-7 promotional opportunities, and the reaction was usually negative. Twitter’s line between promotion and participation was deceptively (if not dangerously) thin. Could I walk it without alienating my established audience? It was during the redesign and refocus of this website I thought “Why not a second Twitter account? It’s free and can focus entirely on what I’m doing here.” That solution sounded simple enough until new and established followers started asking, “Why do I want to follow ITStudios? Why not stick with TeeMonster? I mean, they’re both you, right?”

Well, yeah, they’re both me; but each account represents two very different personas.

TeeMonster: This is the Tee Morris that’s kicking back in cargo pants, an All Blacks jumper, and a Dogfish 90. My network is comprised of a variety of Twitters ranging from fellow authors, to podcast listeners, to old friends, to other Social Media enthusiasts. (Thanks, Chris Brogan!) My avatar fits my mood, but lately it’s floating between a J.R. Blackwell original of Rafe Rafton, and an image of me wearing bunny ears. My tweets in this feed are seasoned with snark, LOLCat speak, and (in some cases) utter inappropriateness. I still tend to promote blogposts and podcasts, answer questions concerning audio gear, and even cross-promote the ITStudios account via re-tweets; but that is becoming less and less as I build, refine, and encourage followers to join the ITStudios community.

ITStudios: Here, I am wearing khakis and an upscale shirt. The Dogfish is traded in for a glass of ice tea or a cup of coffee. My avatar always remains the Double Koru, my Imagine That! Studios branding on Twitter. This is the professional side of Tee Morris. All business. (Okay, 90% business. 10% of humor can go a long way!) My tweets focus on the status of my projects (MOREVI: Remastered, Podcasting for Dummies: The Companion Podcast, writing deadlines, etc.), give updates on where I will be, offer TwitReviews and TwitTips on software and hardware, and share technology and Social Media links. Under the Double Koru, the ITStudios feed is more about quality than quantity, and remains free of sarcasm. (Sometimes, yes, LOLCat speak does creep in. Call it the mischievous streak in me.)

Maybe it does appear on the outside as a split personality, and it could be argued that by managing multiple accounts I’m diluting my potential network impact. I am finding it is just the opposite. When I am in the Social Media zone, I believe in implementing solutions, getting the job done, and always providing results with a positive attitude. Off the clock, I’m unwinding with a scotch and stogie, inviting a good rant if the passion grabs me, and allowing myself a pat on the back for my time in the pool. It all depends on what you are looking for. Behind the scenes on a podcast? A quick review of audio hardware? Or a link to the latest Gizmodo toy? If that is what you crave, take a look at ITStudios. If you want something more relaxed, a little goofy, and slightly irreverent, then give TeeMonster a shot. Either way, you’ll know what to expect after a few tweets.

If you’re following both, all I can say is this: Thank you for being a fan.