***Check out the BONUS OFFER for PROJECT M-31 after the article***
FOREVER may be a strong way to put it, but it’s not every day that you run into someone or something that changes the world as we knew it yesterday. In my short lifespan, events like the fall of the Berlin Wall, 9-11, the Iraq War, the launch of YouTube and Facebook, and iPod’s coming out have become staples to my generations history. These events had a major cause and effect on people worldwide in a short time. Today, I want to discuss one that has changed the way we speak and write FOREVER and it all has to do with a simple 140 character rule. I am not saying more than 140 characters or words is unnecessary all the time, but many times it is. That is why Twitter has become instrumental to simplifying writing.
Being that I follow minimalist principles and strive to live a simplistic life full of adventure, the launch and success of Twitter has changed the way I talk and, more importantly, the way I write. I have become more adept to simplifying what I am trying to communicate. The 140 characters rule has forced me to change my ways. I usually do not enjoy being forced to do anything, but this was an effective habit change.
The following are just 4 ways that Twitter has simplified writing for years to come.
- Choose your words carefully – Damn right you better choose your words carefully or you won’t 1) get your point across and 2) comply with the strict 140 characters rule.
- Focus placed on word/meaning strength and not number of words – I could not tell you how many times I wrote 5,000+ required words papers in college filled with 3,000 words that were meaningless to the paper.
- Can’t hide in a fluff piece – Similar to #2, we writers can not hide behind big, popular, or the number of words. Message must be relayed immediately.
- Limits adjectives & adverbs – Though I still slip outside of twitter time from time, I have all but eliminated words like very, much, really and extremely from my writing.
Cultures are closely tied to the writings produced within them. By way of Twitter, we have and are learning to write content filled pieces in all areas of writing. Through Twitter simplification of communication, I feel, our culture will be able to focus more on the meaning of the message.
—-Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter… @DavidDamron
***BONUS OFFER - Receive 25% off PROJECT M-31: Simplify Your Life in 31 Days by using promo code TWITTER at checkout. (First 10 people only)
David Damron
The Minimalist Path
Click here to get a copy of PROJECT M-31: Simply Your Life in 31 Days
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