@bdevit answers my questions

I like asking people questions so that’s why I decided to interview another one of my Twitter followers. This time it’s Brian DeVito, a fellow BU student and partner in sass. Check out Brian’s site and his Flickr page for some amazing photos from his semester abroad in London.

Emily: What did you think of Twitter when you first heard of it?

Brian: Initially I was a little put off by it just because of its immediate and constantly updating nature. I think even to most social media minds it was a little bit ahead of its time. High school me didn’t really see it as a business tool or way to connect, but rather what many people first said “just a lot of Facebook statuses.”

E: Why did you join Twitter?

B: After it started to pick up I realized there was content out there I wasn’t getting access to [easily]

E: Why are you following me?

B: Besides knowing you IRL, I appreciate your commentary on all things BU and ad/marketing/pr. A good dose of humor as well doesn’t hurt.

E: Do I provide you with interesting/entertaining content?

B: All day, baby.

E: Who is your favorite person/company/brand on Twitter?

B: Wicked hard question. Depends on a whole lot of things. Love the tech/sm accounts (TechCrunch, NextGreatGen, BostonInno) and high-powered people in the industry (@stevequigley, @edwardboches, @DaveKerpen, @EricLeist, @schneidermike)

E: When you wake up in the morning, is Twitter the first thing you check? Why or why not?

B: Not first, but definitely one of. Gmail is the first spot. Then to Twitter messages/dms.

E: Twitter or Facebook – which one could you live without.

B: Facebook to be honest. It’s still the basis of all social media. What is done on Twitter could (conceivably) be carried out on FB with a little delay, however the opposite is not possible. While Twitter is popular, it’s still not widespread, especially in markets outside our immediate industry and sector.

E: Why do you tweet?

B: Why not? Why talk? It’s the same thing.

@bdevit's commentary on British culture

E: Favorite hashtag?

B: Currently its #photography as I’m trying to grow my freelance photo business.

E: Do you find it’s difficult to say everything you want to in 140 characters?

B: Often times, yes. I actually try to keep it below about 110-115, just so as someone can RT with thoughts beforehand without having to modify. Helps keep that social thing going.

E: Do you use Twitter lingo in everyday speech?

B: No. I hate it. Don’t say hashtag + _________. Ever.

E: Do your parents understand Twitter? Have you convinced any member of your family to start tweeting?

B: Unfortunately not. My mother has created an account though, to follow me, and only me. I think that in itself explains it all.

E: If you could give one piece of advice to your Twitter following, what would it be?

B: If it looks like spam, it is. Keep it clean and don’t pass STDs (Socially Transmitted Diseases).

Thanks, Brian!