By now you’ve probably seen one or two examples of “Twibbons,” which are simple graphical-overlays on your current Twitter avatar. They could be almost anything, from people to causes to random brands and images.
I think this idea is brilliant and can easily promote a campaign or initiative for your organization. Heck, if you can get the word out, get your entire congregation to sport a particular image for a set period of time. Others in Twitter will very quickly see these image-overlays and you can virally spread your cause.
I’d love to see some creative uses for it. Do you see value in it? Or is it just a creative-nuisance?
joannamuses says
Its a nice idea, but all the tweets from people telling me they've added something to their avatar/turned their avatar green do get a bit annoying.
human3rror says
the green was kinda wierd.
joannamuses says
I never knew how many people were interested in Iranian politics until that started to happen.
matthuggins says
I think the church's message will not likely be advanced terribly much by bumper stickers, flair or twibbons. In fact, I can think of no good coming from putting it out there alongside such earth-changing messages as NKOTB, veganism, Billie Mays, "I'm a Mac", etc. These gestures tend to reinforce the notion of the Gospel as one of many relatively trivial, trendy lifestyle options from which one may choose.
Need I remind anyone?:
Stan, Chotchkie's Manager: "We need to talk about your flair."
Joanna: "Really? I-I have 15 pieces on. I also–"
Stan: "Well, 15 is the minimum, okay?"
Joanna: "Oh, okay."
Stan: "Now, you know, it's up to you whether or not you wanna just do the bare minimum or, uh– Well, like Brian, for example, has 37 pieces of flair on today. And a terrific smile."
Joanna: "Okay, so you want me to wear more?"
Stan: "Look, Joanna–"
Joanna: "Yeah?"
Stan: "People can get a cheeseburger anywhere, okay? They come to Chotchkie's for the atmosphere and the attitude. Okay? That's what the flair's about. It's about fun."
Joanna: "Yeah. Okay, so more then, yeah?"
Stan: "Look, we want you to express yourself. Okay? Now, if you feel that the bare minumum is enough, then okay. But some people choose to wear more and we encourage that. Okay? You do wanna express yourself, don't you?"
Joanna: "Y-Yeah."
Stan: "Okay, great, great. That's all I ask."
Joanna: "Okay."
stephenbateman says
I agree that that can trivialize the Gospel.
the green worked because all of Twitter knew what it was. but most of the other ones would be pointless because they're cheesy and tiny…
human3rror says
Matt,
I wasn't thinking about promoting the gospel like a bumper sticker, but perhaps very specific event and/or initiatives.
matthuggins says
Apart from deeper concerns as to how the medium might degrade the message, I can say, as one flooded by all manner of media, that these seem cheesy and annoying. It reminds me of bumper stickers (including fish), tattoos and those Easter Seals and Cancer Society stickers some folks used to put on their personal correspondence. They make me feel like a captive being fed propaganda. especially when i am stuck in traffic.
In Facebook, it is tacitly understood that folks are going to parade this stuff about for all to see. (And I have finally gotten to the point where I ignore all offers for my friends' stuff to take up residence on my own profile.)
However, just because I give someone my e-mail address or choose to follow them on Twitter or enter into a forum, why should I have to endure all manner of personal advertising? So, personally, I would be less inclined to heed a message tagged with one of these doo-dads. Maybe that's just me.