Random follow #278 - @manucaddie

World famous in Gisborne" is one of the best ways to describe @manucaddie.  This gentleman, scholar and elected Councillor is someone who exudes passion and a love of everything he puts his hand towards.  While it might sound like being famous in Gisborne would be a relatively easy thing to achieve Manu is so much more than that.

Every day and in every project he is growing his sphere of influence.  Be it both nationally and abroad as well.  He is a nationally active greeny and is totally committed to the cause of protecting the environment.  Twitter - we need more people of this ilk.

Being on twitter and interacting with people is one tool that he uses to stay connected with the community and those people in it.

Here's a couple of things you do need to mindful of -

1. He tweets regularly.  Yes his twitter account is connected to his Facebook page but the posts are relevant and engaging.
2. He shares lots of pictures.  A picture tells a thousand words and Manu is pretty good with a camera.
3. He really cares.  There are so many different causes and charity events that pop up in his timeline that it totally demonstrates his aroha for people and the environment.
4. #GigatownGis.  Everybody in New Zealand deserves high speed internet.  Of that I am sure.  Especially the more remote and geographically places such as Gisborne.  To say Manu is a loud and proud supporter of #GigatownGis would be stating it well.

Here's what I like about @manucaddie.  You always know where he stands on an issue.  Such as - 

"Chur ka pai Kōka Hinetū -calling on everyone working with children and youth in Ngāti Porou to be regularly drug tested."

Also, he embodies the spirit of whanau and kiwi can-do-itness - 

"Anyone know anyone able to bring our car back from Ruatoria before Monday? It's not essential, just if it works out. :)"

Random facts that may not mean much to you but they do for the local economy - 

"The Gisborne district has half a million sheep less than we had 20 years ago, and a whole lot more pine trees."

@manucaddie is a tweeter who gives you the good oil, retweets value and is one of the polite nice guys who uses this social media platform.  Give him a follow, I am sure he would appreciate it.

(Thank you to +Winston Moreton for the heads up and help on this post)

Random follow #277 - @JulieCorker

A twitter bio can tell you so much about a person.  Be it a serious one, a funny one or one that says just about nothing at all.  Todays random tweeter @JulieCorker has a seriously funny twitter bio.  Here's what it is at the moment -

"cork·er (kôrkr) 1. One that corks bottles, for example. 2. A remarkable or astounding person or thing."

From the few tweets that Julie has posted so far corker is ab absolutely brilliant description of what she does online.  With just a handful of tweets and slightly fewer followers this lady is actually doing it right.  Its nice to find a completely fresh face online who is just beginning to find their way.  They have no preconceived ideas and they bring themselves to the twitter party.  (Fresh meat maybe? LOL).

So what do we know about Julie?  Well to be honest - not much.  not much at all and I don't mind that at all.  Twitter is about jumping in and out of conversations and making friends with people if/when you see them online.  So not knowing someone's life history or their issues can be of real benefit.  Seriously.

@JulieCorker is not only a great tweeter but she is full of helpful advice and hints as well.  

Watch this -->

"With peanut butter. All animals love peanut butter!"  <-- who knew?

"My grandfather just informed me when yachting he would cut out the crotch of women's stockings and wear them to keep warm! #kinkysailing"  <-- just in case you're ever caught out in the cold and have a spare pair of ladies stockings lying around.....

"Time for some Lou Reed to get this day going. #RIPLouReed"  <-- fabulous taste.

For Julie twitter has been a bit stop/start with irregular posting going on.  But is appears that she is now starting to get into her groove and the amount of tweets has increased.  There's a healthy mix of original thoughts, conversation tweets and retweets of good content from others.

If you want to follow someone who will pop up every now and then with something brilliant to say then I can recommend @JulieCorker as being that person.  Using her own description of herself - she's corker!

Random follow #276 - @MrSan

Every so often someone comes along on twitter and sets the social media world on fire.  They just appear out of nowhere and BLAM they have you tweeting and conversing like you've been friends forever.  One tweeter who accomplished this in 2013 has been @MrSan.

One of the greatest accounts on twitter is @peopleofnz.  It is that account that has led many of us to discover new tweeters who we didn't know before hand.  @MrSan set the bar so high when it comes to tweeting from that account that many have not been able to achieve the standard he set.

What and how does he tweet thats so good?  Well its all about conversational ability and a fresh perspective.  A slightly bent sense of humour and an ability to make you laugh out loud when you least expect it.  The best part is that its nor forced.  His tweets are genuinely original and there are very few RT's in this timeline.

"Key thoughts for today. A cloudy brain is a suspicious mind. Elvis was wise to know this. Bananas are too curved. Bantam hens are cute."  <-- Like seriously.  Did @MrSan really spend all night conjuring up such a masterpiece of a tweet?  Probably not.  And that is the beauty of it all.  Off the cuff, random thoughts that rock.

"I'm pretty much the 21st Century Lord Byron. These tweets are romantic gold."  <-- not one to overestimate his skills he proudly tweets about his abilities as a wordsmith.

"Would anyone like to share some spoilers with me tonight? I don't feel like watching, reading or playing anything. Ever."  <-- its all a bit Monty Pythonesque really.  Sort of like the Spanish Inquisition.  No body expects the Spanish Inquisition!

So this tweeter is nice, genuine, funny, conversational and an all round great tweeter.  The world could do with more tweeters who have those traits.

Be aware though that @MrSan tweets lots.  Like lots and lots.  Like enough to fill your timeline in for hours at an end.  But like I said back up there ^^ the tweets are often fresh and not boring.  So it's not like adding your mother in law to your follows list.  If anything - quite the opposite.

And the final thought of the day goes, of course, to the tweeter himself - 

"I think you are all a bunch of       "

Random follow #275 - @CafeCrave

In a funky little suburb, in a funky little shop you will find a funky little cafe that is totally funky.  @CafeCrave serve some of the best coffees, teas and cafe food in all of Auckland.  Without a doubt.  I was recently introduced to this brilliant place by @vivster81.  @CafeCrave is a really nice cafe that is parked up away from the hustle and bustle of Great North Road and combines the old with the new in a creative and tasteful way.

This cafe is perfect for pretty much everyone.  From the older amongst us looking for a nice cup of tea, the more trendy looking for a macchiato that is second to none and the business people wanting to tie up a deal in an atmosphere that is relaxed and laid back.

So what does this cafe do thats so different to everyone else?  Well for a start they are a charitable cause.  Which means the profits and monies that come in flow out again into the community and to the people who need that little bit extra help - be it both locally and abroad.  So as you sip on your latte or consume your cheesecake you can do so knowing that you've helped someone out.

As far as tweets go they look a little something like this -

"Crave and Mad for Change will be at Christmas at Rocket Park this Sunday. We're fundraising for a new equipment for Freeset in India..."

"#jamming we'll have blueberry jam, lemon curd and fresh bread to tempt you with. http://ow.ly/pRdHe "

and

"We farewell the #madforchange crew today as the leave for India. Looking forward to hearing their stories and seeing lives changed."

What's even better is that the cafe is one function of the collective.  Another part of the collective is their commitment to creative people and their outputs.  So you from time to time find the walls lined with art that inspires you and should you purchase some know that like the collective you've purchased from - the piece is made with love.

The single underpinning ideal or philosophy that flows through with @CafeCrave is integrity.  They know who they are, why they exist and proudly stand by their ideals.  So if you're hanging out in the Kingsland area and are looking for a cafe that means what it says and is proud of who they are then your choice is simple.

Random follow #274 - @cupoteacoast

I have said it once and I will say it again - the Kapiti Coast is one of the most beautiful places in the entire world.  And todays tweeter @cupoteacoast has the absolute privilege of being able to live alongside such a beautiful piece of real estate and open untouched coastal land.

Chris is an avid photographer who is more than handy at capturing a fantastic photo.  Yes it does help having such a great region to shoot but when you combine that with an ability to take an amazing photo then you're onto a winner.  If you go have a look at her timeline you will no doubt find some absolutely spectacular photo's of the environment and the world we live in.

One thing that I really enjoy is that she tells stories through her photo's.  Be is sun, surf, rain or thunderstorm - there are photo's of them all.  Take a peek at @cupoteacoast timeline and you will be blown away by the quality of her work.

Even more than just a great photographer Chris also has a number of hobbies that keep the brain turning over and make for a really great tweeter person.  News reading and sharing is just one of those.  Chris will keep your timeline up to date with the news that really matters.  The news that affects you and I and those who will come after us.  So there are a few RT's from the major news sources for you to have a look at just in case your news-phobic.

Chris is a really nice tweeter who shares with the world her perspective on things.  This account is as friendly as they come.  There aren't too many nicer twitter accounts anywhere (that I have managed to find yet anyway).  A picture tells a thousand words.  If you can tweet a picture of your own ike @cupoteacoast does then you don't really need the 140 characters that twitter gives you.  Do you need any more reason to follow this account?   Have a look for yourself and I really hope you agree with me.

Random follow #273 - @LeighboNZ

A good and happy life is all about balance.  For @LeighboNZ that balance is sought between being a father and also a leader in the world of finance.  Trading off time in the office with time spent with the kids and the enjoyment of sports and having a chance to sit back and barrack for his sports teams takes some effort.

Leigh is a gentleman and a scholar.  An enjoyer of fine beer and good times on the cricket pitch he is constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities in life.  He isn't a person who sits around waiting for things to happen but rather he seeks that which he wants in life.  Again though - with balance.

Here's another thing.  Its all about the pitch.  Be it a sales pitch, a motivational pitch, a cricket pitch or a football pitch - the skills needed to bring success are very similar.  Communication, optimism and an ability to inspire others while also being a team player.  Thats the kind of tweeter that @LeighboNZ is.

Here's what you'll find online for him -

"Just saw a piece of writing with a politician called a 'cockwomble'. Good insult. Can we get it trending? #cockwomble" <-- brilliant.

"Wow. I'm SICK of staying up to watch CrapCaps performances. #HessonOut #BanvNZ" <-- agreed.

"Had a wonderful endorsement direct to my Outlook Inbox from my current boss late on Friday. Really made my weekend. #newjobjoy" <-- nice guy, see.

So with Leigh you're going to get lots of sports type tweets.  More often than not football or cricket.  And usually the tweets are quite interesting.  Not the standard score updates which you can get from any run of the mill account or website but rather his point of view and opinion on things.

When I first followed @LeighboNZ he tweeted me with a disclaimer that he might be boring.  Well it hasn't happened yet and I have been following for a wee while now.  So there you go - its all about balance.

Random follow #272 - @LOUDinPublic

The only constant in life is change.  We can be changed or we can change ourselves.  One way I have found that works really well is have an understanding of the signs of the times, learn how to flow with them and reinvent yourself every now and then.

@LOUDinPublic has accomplished those very things both in real life as well as within social media.  Lou is one of the stayers in social media who has been applying her skills in communications and public representation for some time.  She has a very sharp mind and doesn't put up with too much in the of badly conceived tweets.

Lou is the proud convener behind another twitter account which I have followed since joining twitter a number of years ago.  The @LOUDinPublic is her more professional personality hard at work.  If you're looking to find a few more of the relaxed and more day to day conversation type tweets then I can fully recommend following @LouDxx.

Lou is an inspiration of a person.  She is a full time mum and a pretty much full time PR gun for hire as well.  If you have a launch or a story that needs to get to market with both precision and energy then Lou is the lady for you.  Why have I followed @LouDxx for so long?  Because she is a real person with real tweets.

Hows this for a fact - I was following Lou all the years ago when she was still newly pregnant!  Little Niamh is no longer a baby but Lou is most definitely a very proud mum.  And its really neat when you see someone's tweets and you can honestly say you've really enjoyed seeing snippets of their journey from afar.

Whats the best way to describe her as a tweeter?  Its probably easiest to show you some examples - 

"Just had a FANTASTIC meeting with can't say who but.. FANTASTIC! Wellington people are so nice!"

"Kinda laughing at everyone so upset at the Mission 2014 line up. I'm stoked! Being old rocks!"

And 

"What a day! On the go with #fiftycoffees and a bunch of new business! It's exciting times!"

So as you can see Lou is a very personable, extremely professional and really positive.  Having followed (but not yet met) her after so many years the true test of time has proven that she is a tweeter worth her weight in gold - and that's no lie!

Random follow #271 - @Tayroar

There are so many talented kids in New Zealand thats there is no way of keeping up with them.  They are young, smart, sassy and not afraid to break the rules or let barriers stand in their way as they pursue success.  And those are just your standard kids.  Add into that mix someone who is intensely creative and you get someone who is on track to achieve his dreams.

@Tayroar is not afraid to share his mind with you.  Whatever that opinion is that is top of mind - he is ready to let it roll out at you.  Be it on film, in a photograph or spoken word - Tayroar is not afraid to speak his mind.  And to be fair there just aren't enough people left in the world who can do so with wit, sharp sarcasm or enough bite to keep you honest.

Often times the people I have recommended on this blog have been really engaging and hardly ever just tweet.  Tayroar totally breaks that mould.  His standalone tweets are really funny, sometimes nonsensical but always amusing.  Even the one's when he tells you about what his day has been like quite often leave a smile on my face because I can quite often relate entirely.

For example - 

"Dear Otago Uni, please please please accept me. Ill be good, and do work, and things, please. Ill give you hugs!" <-- the aspiring student....

"Someone should go out with me and kiss my face and stuff."  <-- Yes! Yes they should.

  

"Tomorrow's headlines: a group of heavily lethargic people went on a rampage last night."   <-- context would probably help but as a stand alone tweet it is still very funny.

Tayroar is still really light as far as followers go.  You may or may not want to help him out by hitting the go button but I leave that choice over to you entirely.  If you like your tweets - out of the box, a bit creative and slightly leftfield then please take a look.  And to end this post I will give @Tayroar the final word - 

"BED TIME TAYROAR! YOU NEED SLEEP! OKAY GOODNIGHT YOU FANTASTICAL PEOPLE THAT ARE AMAZING!"

Random follow #270 - @roxyleopold

Kiwi's live all the world over.  New Zealanders are a nomadic bunch who enjoy exploring foreign countries and putting our roots down in far flung places.  @roxyleopold is a very delightful young lady who a few months ago took to the skies and made her way over to North America.  She is now based in Toronto and is using twitter both as a way to keep in touch with home but also to make new friends locally to where she now lives.

Rochelle is a very lovely young lady whose tweets are quite often very funny as she lets the world know about her every day wants and adventures.  She often is asking people for hints or ideas or for pointers in the right direction if there is something she can't quite figure out.  Her tweets are also a lot of fun and draw you in as she asks your opinion on different things.  No two tweets are alike (except maybe the occasional #rpt) so you won't get bored with her in your timeline.

I expect this happens a lot in North America -

"Mistaken for an Australian by an Australian. GASP. *notreallythatshocking*"

She has a very definite way of expressing herself - 

"Shout out to all those who articulate things way better than I ever could."

And she even lets slip occasionally the real reason she enjoys social media - 

"Forever following people because babes/dreamboats/potential crushes #onlyreasonreally"

@roxyleopold is not your typical foreigner overseas account with holiday pics and stuff.  Rather this account is just like any other twitter account.  Its about a young lady connecting with friends via twitter and sharing some fun times along the way.  Its all about being real and doing every day stuff.

This is one lady who has her feet solidly on the ground.  This is a no nonsense, lots of fun and light hearted twitter account that just keeps on giving.  Peace.

Random follow #269 - @K_Razamataz

Want some spice in your timeline?  Are you looking for someone who isn't afraid and be irreverent?  How about a good wind up every now and then to keep you on your toes?  If those are the key qualities that you are looking for in a tweeter then I have discovered just the person for you - @K_Razamataz.

Master K-Raz is not one for holding back.  And when I say holding back I mean his opinion.  And with those opinions comes some choice language every now and then but hey - we're adults and twitter is an adult platform.  If a wee bit of foul language is not for you then go elsewhere.

If sarcasm, wit and scathing yet intellectual insights and opinions are more your cup of tea then you are going to LOVE this account.  K-Raz will challenge your thinking while at the very same time tickling your funny bone as well.  Here is a quick selection of tweets to wet your appetite (or not) -

"Can't remember what DARE stands for. Apart from Drugs Are Really Excellent. I can't remember anything but Drugs Are Really Excellent."  <-- its sarcasm people! Laugh!

"I like twitter. It's like talking to yourself with an open invitation for anyone to join in."  <-- pretty much.

"On the phone, realise that I'm randomly waving my hands at things that I've got open on the computer screen in front of me. Why? Not sure."  <--   ???

Like I said earlier  @K_Razamataz isn't afraid to fire off tweets that will keep you on your toes.  Make sure your brain (and sense of humour) are plugged in and you'll really enjoy this account.  Don't take him too seriously.  He doesn't and everything is going along just fine.

One word of warning - don't underestimate his abilities with a tweet.  The pen truly is mightier than the sword and this tweeter can do the same with a keyboard.  What really drives him is passion.  A passion for people, for fairness and the right for everyone to live a good life.  Yes there are tweets that are political and that will challenge you.  But it is that method and use of language that K-Raz has/is developing.

At this point in time the world of social media has yet to discover what a brilliant mind this young man has.  If you were to follow today then in a few years time, after his tweets have all gone viral, you too can say - I followed him before he became famous.  Go on.

Random follow #268 - @DrSJNZ

Smart people exist on social media.  Really smart people.  One of those really smart people is @DrSJNZ.  She comes at you on twitter out of Christchurch and totally rocks along with her love of for writing and science.

If there is one thing I have learned about doctors and people with PhD's this year it is that they have brilliant personalities and can share a really good anecdote with pure ease.  Sarah-Jane (SJ) is a woman whose determination to succeed is matched by her love of beer, motorbikes and the internet.  (Lets be honest - she isn't the only one of us who enjoys those things....)

As far as twitter goes SJ is pretty much a lot of fun.  Here is an example tweet to make you smile -

"Moved house two weeks ago, new neighbours have been pinching my newspaper. I'm getting pretty tweaky without my daily dose of newsprint."

What's really neat is that she tweets a whole variety of people!  For those of who have been around the social media scene for a while it is easy to follow the same peeps as our friends.  SJ though has a completely different set of friends from many of the usual suspects who I usually see people interacting with.

Tweeting is all about what you bring to the table to share.  Like a pot luck dinner what you bring is what others get to feast on and can interact with.  One way to describe SJ is that she brings the dessert.  Like the marshmallows on a skewer or the mousse that everyone smiles after they consume it -

"Probably shouldn't have allowed so many "on the mouth" kisses with my nephews on the weekend. #sick #kindygerms", and this one

"Trying to convince the cat to make the most of being outside, since she's about to go into "new home detention" for two weeks. Unsuccessful."

Sarah-Jane has a healthy relationship with her twitter account and puts only the good stuff out there.  She isn't one to sit around and let the grass grow under her feet or let an opportunity pass her by.  So you'll need to be a bit nimbe if you are going to keep up with this amazing and intelligent random kiwi tweeter.

And as if getting a PhD wasn't enough @DrSJNZ is now back at University studying towards another degree.  If you want to know more about her story have a look at her website http://drsjnz.wordpress.com/.  You will discover even more fascinating and new people over there too.  So go ahead - follow, follow follow.

Random follow #267 - @WaiBOPUnited

Football is a game that brings people together.  People in all four corners of the world, and everywhere in between, grab a ball, make a couple of goals and then get to playing.  There are no requirements for how many players you need, no limits as to the size of a pitch or field and you can play absolutely anywhere you like at anytime.

In New Zealand one of the major competitions is the ASB Premiership.  Our top domestic players get to go head to head week in and week out for a season of football.  Today's tweeter is the latest team to join the premiership.  They represent the beautiful towns and districts that make up the central North Island.

@WaiBOPUnited represent all that is good in Football for the area spanning north of Hamilton, across to Tauranga and back to the central plateau area including Taupo and Rotorua.  Today was the first day of play in Rotorua and I can happily and proudly say I was there.  The ladies team looked great but unfortunately lost to a very classy Mainland Pride team.  The mens team however went on to beat Canterbury which was a fantastic result.

And like the teams entry to the ASB Premiership the twitter account is nice and new as well.  You wouldn't think so too much though 'cos there are already a few hundred tweets under the belt and most of those tweets are pretty darn good to be honest.  

So what do you get from a twitter account dedicated to a foot ball team?  You get - news stories, updates during the game, interviews with players and coaches as well as the odd bit of hilarity along the way too.  Especially when you see tweets like these - 

"Coach @Peters95535988 was pleased with today's victory. Here's what he had to say after our opening win in the @ASBPremiership #wbpvcan", followed closely by

"Actually... here's what @Peters95535988 had to say: http://www.waibopunited.co.nz/waibop-utd-2-1-canterbury-utd-asb-premiership/ …"

So while they take their soccer seriously its still okay to have fun and laugh at yourself if you don't quite get it right.  What I love most about @WaiBOPUnited is that the purpose of the account is to grow a community of soccer lovers and to share good and positive stories.  Such as - 

"Soccer: Scots winners with Otonga kids - Sport - Rotorua Daily Post News http://nzh.tw/11154130 via @nzherald @asbpremiership"

If you would like to follow them on twitter that would be great.  There are also a number of other teams on twitter and I am sure they would all like your support.  As far as the WaiBop United team go you can learn more about them by visiting their website - http://www.waibopunited.co.nz/.

If you're looking for me you'll find me in Cambridge once a fortnight to support the guys and gals as they demonstrate that our team can foot it with any other in the land.

Random follow #266 - @di_naturo

People who care deeply about what goes into their body are people worth noticing.  You only get one body and you only (as far as I am aware) get to live once.  So its all about being wise.  @di_naturo is a kiwi tweeter whose passion it is to pursue health in every facet and form.

Health both in a physical body sense as well as a keen understanding and care for the environment and the world we live in.  Having been an owner of a health store she knows what she is talking about.  I have also found she is an advocate and keen supporter of those who are demonstrating a passion for environmental sustainability and protection.

Don't worry - you're not going to be bombarded with fad diets or anything.  What you will discover is a lady with a warm personality, an open mind and an easygoing twitter style that is follow and engage with.

Here are the things I enjoy about having Di in my timeline -

• she has a realistic understanding of life and a balanced view of things
  "Thank you #wildbeancafe I needed that free flat white going to be a long day."
  
• she is an enthusiastic supporter of nourishing events and happenings
  "Anniversary today. Off to see #MichaelJackson #cirque_du_soleil tonight and feeling spoilt."
  
• she isn't afraid to admit that her day may not have been so great
  "Could today start again please? :("
  
• she has an amazing sense of humour
  "Just tried to fastfwd mysky using the portable phone. If I dribble the offspring have said I'm off to the home for the bewildered."

Di is a mum, partner and all round good sort when it comes to having a social media presence.  Often times her tweets are conversations with others that are uplifting and nourishing to read.  Be it little snippets of encouragement, retweets of interesting stories, checking up that others are okay or sharing funny moments in life that we can all relate to and laugh along with.

There isn't too much more to say except that having @di_naturo is really nice.  She is like a good friend who you can easily spend time with every day and you always enjoy each others company.  And if you happen to spend some time apart when you come back together again - everything is easy.

Random follow #265 - @john_holley

There are some people who give so much of themselves in this lifetime that they really deserve to have a least two because one life is not enough.  They might be completing tasks for the government, volunteering their time to assist others who have needs greater than theirs or just being a really good parent.

Todays tweeter is just one of those people.  @john_holley lives a life that is bigger than just him.  Reading his twitter bio is quite astounding (in a really good way).  The only way to really honour him is to show you his bio here -

"NZ Army officer currently with UNMISS, CIO on sabbatical, ChildFund NZ Board Member, Geek, Husband, Dad, All Blacks/Blues/Auckland Supporter. Loves Kingsland!

Auckland · childfund.org.nz"

Whatever I write from here on will focus just on his twitter presence.  There are no words I can muster that could explain or capture the sense of humility I feel being able to honour a man such as John.  So from here on we will discuss what he does on twitter and his approach to social media.

To describe him in 10 words or less - patriotic, eyes wide open , global view, opinionated, balanced, caring and aware.  And here are a few tweets to give a feel for how he tweets - 

"Today was one of those days that made me real proud to be a Kiwi and part of Ngāti Tumatauenga #justsaying #fb"

"Task for night done. I think I am following all the @BluesRugbyTeam players with twitter handles - at least I can live vicariously from afar"

He also has a knack for finding quality content online and shares great articles and news items that cover a multitude of topics and areas of life.  In conclusion @john_holley is a bloody good guy who has chosen to share some of his time, passion and expertise with the wider world through the twitter platform.

I can't recommend him highly enough and totally give him my full support in a social media setting.

Random follow #264 - @AnitaLHarvey

Meeting one great person usually always leads to meeting other great people.  Because great people attract other great people unto themselves.  The first great person I met this year was @vivster81 and from her the twitter connection was made through to the just as great @AnitaLHarvey.

This very lovely young lady is another lass who works for Amnesty International.  She looks after their media presence and does quite a bit of work in social media and communications.  So in other words - she gets to tell the world about the great work Amnesty do for people at both home and abroad.

Whats neat is if you have a look through her timeline you will quickly find that she has a brilliant sense of humour and can turn around what could be taken by others as an insult or something negative and in her own way she spins it into something very, very funny.  Such as -

"OHMYGOD, are you STILL going on about those war crimes?! Srs #Amnesty, you have like no life, do you even have a boyfriend? #DoubtIt! #Burn!"

As a stand alone tweet it comes across as a bit rough.  But when read as a RT by Anita it takes on a whole different bent.  But what else does she do and tweet about?

"People around the globe are taking a stand to #FreeTheArctic30. Show your support! Head to Queens Wharf before 9pm and join @GreenpeaceNZ"  <-- supporting the protection of the environment

":) if only.. @ndbrennan we always wish we could fill the news with #humanrights ! Here's to hoping others run it too! @AmnestyNZ"  <-- passionate about the burning issues

Anita is by no means a prolific tweeter.  She tweets when she wants and has something good to say.  There are very few wasted words on this account.  The tweets are of value and often link through to high powered stories and other goings on in current affairs.

I like Anita from a view that she is passionate and committed to a cause that is bigger than herself.  She channels and directs that passion into her tweets and her work and the results speak for themselves.

Peace.

Random follow #263 - @alanhsmith

Patience, commitment and focus are the three essential ingredients to success both in business as well as in sports.  @alanhsmith is both a sports fan and a sports man.  Not only does he sit on the couch and cheer on those teams that he barracks for you will also find him out on course giving it all he has got.

Living in Christchurch isn't easy.  Not only from a post earthquake perspective but also by way of finding both the time and the ability to train. If you're a triathlete training in the snow isn't much fun.  Especially the swim.  Running is okay because your body is in a constant state of movement and its easier to generate warmth.  Swimming in ice cold conditions while good for your circulation isn't so good for your mental faculties.

Alan is somewhat of a contrarian but that is brought about by his sheer passion and enthusiasm for life.  he knows what he like, he knows clearly who he supports and he certainly knows a classy rugby team when he sees one.

This husband of one and father of four is someone who supports his family and his family support him.  His tweets are just like his relationships.  Encouraging, supporting and more focused on others than himself.  They are also lighthearted, good fun and easy to get along with.  Such as -

"Why did the chicken cross the road? Probably to get away from the gang of ducks!! #oldjoke"

Whats really neat is that almost none of his tweets are stand alone broadcasts.  And that is why I have only put one in my examples.  (Note - for #RKT I don't show tweets that are part of a conversation).  Rather Alan is constantly jumping into conversations, engaging with others and letting the world know that Christchurch is such a beautiful city to live in.

If you're looking for a tweeter who is a bit light hearted, a whole lot of fun and an all round good person then I recommend @alanhsmith as someone definitely worth following.

Even the kea run in New Zealand!

Random follow #262 - @Toni_Knowles

"Inspiration - An agency, such as a person or work of art, 

that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention."

@Toni_Knowles is a young lady who inspires.  In her own quiet way her energy, drive and commitment to achieving her personal goals is right up there with the very best.  Marathon runner, Ironman and all round cool chick Toni is someone who I really enjoy following on twitter.

Just as an aside I have been following Toni for a lot longer than this blog has been going but I didn't properly make the shift to following her on this account until recently.  Why did I wait so long?  I have no idea.  I really should have moved earlier and hit the follo button sooner.

So what is there to know about this fine lady?  Well for a start she is a whizz at both marketing and social media.  She is also super friendly, highly engaging and brings a bit of fun to the twitter world.  Her tweets (much like her) are unassuming, friendly and what you see is what you get.  Straight forward, easy to engage with but doesn't suffer fools gladly.

So what does a good @Toni_Knowles look like?  Well here are a couple of examples - 

"Might have to declare tomorrow Jandal Day. Who's with me? #AucklandMarathon"

"Weather update: Rangitoto has disappeared. Watch out all you trick or treaters and pumpkins!"

"Husband: What did you google on? Me: I just googled on google #intelligentconversations"

As always it taked the support of others to help us achieve our goals.  And for Toni it is her husband.  The people behind the people who inspire are the ones who deserve the thanks and appreciation which is usually on lauded upon those actually on the course.

She is a twitter stayer and manages year in year out to both inspire others while also offering encouragement to those who need it.  One all round cool tweeter - thats Toni.  And on the other side of the coin when she is competing in Taupo in March next year I am sure all the tweets of encouragement that will flow back to her in abundance.  Because you reap what you sow!

So todays person @Toni_Knowles comes highly recommended.  

Random follow #261 - @thatmarkhagan

Yes @thatmarkhagan.  Not to be confused with any other Mark Hagans there is only one @thatmarkhagan.  This gentleman of twitter is a good sort who resorts to tweeting when all else fails (that was a joke).

Mark is one of the good guys in social media.  He is a dad, he is passionate and when required he can be a fierce protector of those who he loves.  And he is Scottish.  Well he has spent great lengths of time in Scotland so therefore he must be a Scot - right?

Mark has a really great straight up tweeting style that leaves you knowing exactly where he stands on whatever issue it is that is on his mind at the time.  I especially like the tweets like these that warm the cockles of my heart -

"A fair amount of Guinness drank today, despite the cold!!"  <-- why wouldn't you?

"Again, no justice. #nzjudiciary" <-- knows exactly where he stands on the issues

"Having a smashing time in Rotorua. Weather has been amazing, always lots to do; Luge!!!!"  <-- the weather is ALWAYS amazing in Rotorua......  (biased)

I don't know a whole lot about Mark but I have been able to figure out a few things about him.  He is a man of passion, loyalty, genuineness and he has a great sense of humour.  He doesn't let too much get to him or put him into a flap and he has more common sense than the average punter.

The RKT project exists because tweeters like @thatmarkhagan exist in the twittersphere and deserve some lime light and appreciation for their contribution to the social media world.  I appreciate Marks tweets and look forward to reading many more.