1. Avatars Change Fast! Who are these People?

There are arguments all over the web about the evils of changing your avatar, about how it is part of your brand, and why it should stay the same until the end of time. There are also arguments on the other side. If I’ve changed my look, how will people recognize me if I never update my avatar? I don’t have strong feelings either way — and I guess I’ve avoided the problem entirely by choosing an avatar without my own face on it (another no-no according to experts) — but it is a little shocking to see a stream of new faces in TweetDeck. It’s like I left the party to go to the restroom, and came back to a room full of different people. Of course, they’re the same people — but it took a little getting used to.

2. Is this Spam, or am I on Facebook?

I think I’ve made it pretty clear to anyone who will listen that I’m not a big fan of Facebook. Finding old friends from highschool and college? That part I love. Mafia wars and hugs and drinks and quizzes and quizzes and quizzes? Not so much. Last I checked, I had over 70 invites for various crap from Facebook friends. I love these people, but not enough to participate in “What zoo animal are you?”

Twitter, it seemed, was finally something I could get on board with. People like me — designers working from home, frustrated with IE6 — people I could relate to! Tons of great links, endless resources, funny videos — good stuff! I leave for a month, and what do I come back to? “Hey Manda, I just voted ‘Windows’ on ‘Which operating system do you use,’” and “Free products to lose the most weight in just a few weeks!” And, will the mafia wars ever end?

I’m ignoring it for now. I’m hoping it’s temporary. But, if someone on Twitter sends me a “drink” I may just have to shut it down.

3. It’s Easy to be a Celebrity on Twitter

I’m sure Alyssa Milano is a lovely person. Maybe the best person. Ever. But, come on! Is there a prize being given out for the person who can suck up to her the best? Apparently, any celebrity who will respond to an @ or will RT something becomes everyone’s best friend instantly. Note to anyone famous: pay just a little bit of attention to your followers. It is — apparently — greatly appreciated.

4. FollowFridays seem to have Died

I was so excited this last Friday — to recommend my favorite designers, bloggers, and friends during FollowFriday. I sent out tweets throughout the day explaining why each person should be followed. But I was alone. I only saw a few FollowFridays sent out the entire day. A couple of people sent out links to their blogs with their recommendations — but mostly, it was business as usual. Did everyone get tired of FollowFriday? I know there have been quite a few blog posts on the right and wrong ways to participate in FollowFriday, but I have to admit, I didn’t see this coming. I’m surprised to see that it has all but disappeared. So, in lieu of FollowFriday, I too will be creating a blog post with a list of my favorites on Twitter. Farewell, FollowFriday.

5. I have a lot of Catching Up to do

Twitter has been my main source of news — especially design-related news — for the past six months. After one month away, I feel like I’ve been left in a time warp. I’ve missed out on blog launches, new app and software releases, conference updates, and regular news (government, business, entertainment, etc.) too. People have new jobs, new babies, and are living in new places. What was I thinking — relying on TV and online news? I feel so left behind.

6. People Noticed I was Away!

How lovely to return to Twitter to “Welcome Back” messages. Thank you to all of you — that really made my week!

7. My Design Mojo is Back

I shut down Twitter for one reason: to get stuff done. Actually, I shut down a lot of things. I only concentrated on work. And, I got a lot done. But, I’ll tell you, toward the end, I was starting to get sour. My drive was weakening, and my excitement for my work was deteriorating. Now that I’m back on Twitter, I feel refreshed and inspired again. There is great power in Twitter for me. I work alone in my office as a freelancer — without the interaction and conversation of an office. Twitter gives me a group of colleagues, a constant source of news and information, and a lot of laughs. It makes me a better designer.

Even though I was able to get through a large amount of work last week, I realize now how important it is to stay connected to Twitter. Even if I don’t take the time to participate as much on busy days, those few minutes lost tweeting are easily made up for in inspiration, motivation, and the camaraderie of  my fellow designers.

I’ll see you all on Twitter!