Random follow #245 - @takebacklocalnz

Getting a bit feisty and sticking up for what you believe in is a really great way to use social media.  So much of what we (used to) own and claim as ours here in New Zealand quite often isn't.  You'll find that the local brand that you've supported for years has in actual fact been bought and sold and all you're left with is a bit of nostalgia for an item or place that once upon a time really meant something to you.

Its for that very reason that @takebacklocalnz exists.  This is account that is heartland based and they have a clear headed and feet on the ground approach to all things New Zealand.  Biasedly based in the Waikato doesn't change the fact they are all about keeping it real and supporting the little guy.

Yes there are a few other 'popular media' sites who are trying to do this type of thing too but I reckon if we can get enough locals on the ground together then change can happen.  Here's a little snippet of what they bring to the twitter game -

"Calling all gluten free locals - be sure to check out Scott's on Ward. I've never seen so many options in one cabinet! #takebacklocal"

Yes I am aware many people may not know where Ward Street is but as I said up there ^^ this is a Waikato based account that is all about supporting the local guy/gal.  And there are the local news tweets that give you great tips on where to shop -

"Pirongia Craft Market has been an annual event since 1978. 200+ local stalls, Saturday 9am-3pm. #takebacklocal #localmarket #crafty"

Yes this particular account is about the Waikato.  But I think that if we can get these sorts of twitter accounts setup and people interacting across different towns then we really can start to TAKE BACK LOCAL!  And could there really be any better way of celebrating than this?  -->

"Looking for a way to keep dry tonight? Head down to @GoodGeorgeBeer for Brewfest! Two new beers to be revealed #takebacklocal"

Random follow #147 - @robtreacher

When I first joined twitter all the rage was to talk about 'branding'.  Making sure that your online picture and persona created an atmosphere of buzz and excitement.  The ultimate goal of this was to try and generate business and employment opportunities.  Thanks goodness those days are (mainly) over now.

If you apply the earlier thinking of branding to @robtreachers twitter page you may come away thinking - what on earth is that guy about?  Initial thoughts are this guy is stuck in a timewarp.  And that is the surface impression that he is trying to make.  But what you need to do is look under the hood and dig a bit deeper into the man.

I think he describes himself best in his profile which tells us - he's a husband, a dad, and a saint.  He has a number of different affiliations, likes and dislikes and has whakapapa to the mighty East Coast.  Now for some reason I had this idea that he is a famous television type person or an influential news maker.  It turns out my hunch wasn't too far wrong.Rob does actually have a long history with the news.  He prints it.  Literally.  That's close enough isn't it?

So whats Rob like as a tweeter?  Lets have a look shall we?

• He is a lover of fine wit.  "The big print giveth, and the fine print taketh away." -Fulton J Sheen"
  
• He has learned the art of tact. "Ball preparations going on in this house. Do not approach - it's like a frikkin war zone"
  
• He does his homework. "I love living exactly 120 paces from the nearest wine store - the exercise is so good for me."
  
• He can be funny with the best of them.  "I took #fluoride tablets until I was 9 (we had an artesian well). Got my first filling at age 21. #Goodteef"

Some other bits and pieces - he only RT's good stuff.  He talks to lots of different people and he will do whatever it takes to get the job done.  So to sum him up as a tweeter - he is a caring, genuine, no bullshit guy who is happy to engage with people and have a good laugh along the way.

And if you're into classic albums, bands and music then dropping by his twitter page will be totally worth your time.  Go on.

Random follow #135 - @TheTimaruvian

Guess what?  I found a BRAND NEW twitter account!  Really!  This account only has 10 tweets to its name!  Pretty cool if you ask me.  Getting on board with a new tweeter early on is always a cool thing to do 'cos then when they get famous you can stake a fame claim of 'I was there at the beginning...'  LOL.

@TheTimaruvian is the twitter account for Timaru's only newspaper.  There aren't that many tweeters that I know of who hail from Timaru so having at least a second account does make quite a difference to the twitter landscape.

I can't tell you too much about @TheTimaruvian as a tweeter (because they do only have 10 tweets) so I will try and uncover a few facts about the town instead.  Note - I said town and not city.

• Fact 1.  Timaru's most famous tweeter is @evilkud
• Timaru's only newspaper is @TheTimaruvian
• Around 30,000 people live there (in the town)
• Timaru is a faming town.  The North Island equivalent is probably Masterton.
• It has 6 high schools and one polytechnic
• And 2 radio stations
• Jack Lovelock came from Timaru
• There is also a song about Timaru (see the bottom of this post)

So there you go.  @TheTimaruvian have a funky website and they aren't afraid to bring you the hard news.  If you need evidence of this I recommend you check out this page - http://timaruvian.co.nz/bookarama-has-locals-frothing-at-the-bit/

So to be honest I am not sure these guys are actually legitimate.  In fact I would go so far as to think they may be a parody account.  But I tell you what - this account is SERIOUSLY funny!  So follow it if you're after a laugh.

Random follow #118 - @DalaiLama_in_NZ

Religion, faith and spirituality.  All areas that you will find on social media with varying and different views and levels of discussion.  In previous times people would counsel that you didn't want to discuss one of three topics - religion, politics or sex.    Well social media certainly breaks all three of those guides and today ot is the turn of religion to get some shine.

@DalaiLama_in_NZ is a twitter account established to spread the word and encourage people to engage with and possible learn more about His Holiness, The Dalai Lama.  He will be here visiting New Zealand for a few days in June 2013.

I for one have a certain fascination with all things spiritual but especially the areas of meditation and mindfulness.  Also the dedication, perspiration and total dedication needed to become a monk.

 His Holiness will be visiting us in June and no doubt he will receive much coverage via the usual media sources.  However branching out to twitter (which is probably a very different communication method than what is usually used) is a very cool risk to take.

As always we need to take a look at what sort of tweets are being published - 

"With money you can't buy wisdom, you can't buy inner peace. Wisdom and inner peace must be created by yourself."

"Had a great day filming yesterday. So encouraging to hear such inspired questions, ranging from the heart to financial state of the world :)"

The @DalaiLama_in_NZ account itself is curated out of New Zealand and tbh a lot of the tweets to date have been in search of getting some media coverage.  But as the visit gets closer and the Dalai Lama graces these shores you can be sure this twitter account will be the one to follow to get up to date and timely information on His Holiness' whereabouts.  So even if you only follow this account for the couple of months that it will be valid for - then it will probably be a follow well spent.

And just a couple of closing thoughts from myself - the Dalai Lama is a progressive, forward thinking and open to ideas kind of guy.  Yes, he does have to work within the framework, boundaries and governing rules of Buddhism yet he still retains his true personality and lets that shine through.

I for one would totally give whatever it would take to meet one of the true great minds of our times.  And who knows - maybe one day it might happen?