Some are old friends. Some
new. Some I’ve met in person. Others I know only through various social media
channels. All are people who not only have something interesting
and unique to say but say it with a positive attitude.
When I first started on Twitter, I mentioned quite a few people like @umarket, @fogandthistle, @skydiver, @travelojos, @couchsurfingori all of whom I felt then and still find to be at the heart of what the very best of Twitter and social media can be.
Since then, my Twitter following has grown from 50 people to almost 4500. What frustrates me about #followfriday is how impossible it is to mention everyone I feel should be mentioned. Even so, I’d like to take today to bring attention to just a small group of those people I see on Facebook and Twitter, not daily, not even monthly, but people who I feel fortunate to have met.
@2morrowknight aka I don't know?
His Website: http://2morrowknight.blogspot.com
I didn't know 2morrowknight had been reading my blog at all until one day it appeared in his Huffington Post column: 12 Awesome Twitterers Who Rock the Planet. Wow! I simply cannot tell you how touched I was to be included in that list.
Since then, we have connected more on Twitter and Facebook where his streams are always full of poignant pertinent and well written information. One of my favorite articles is his No, Not My America. You Mean Our America, where he addresses the "shameful and criminally irresponsible attacks on President Obama."
@adbert aka Adrian Bertolini
Adrian is a sweetheart. Always with his Holitas! to say hello and a wicked stream on both Twitter and Blip.fm. He always has something worthwhile to offer. I almost had the chance to meet him when we traveled to Cordoba this past July. Unfortunately, it didn't happen, but he is top of my list of many reasons to visit again.
@Journeywoman aka Evelyn Hannon
Even as CEO of the largest online travel resource for women, Evelyn always makes time to say hello and chat. I feel like I've known her for years, and I can't wait to meet her, whenever that may be. When you visit her site, be sure to sign up for her free tip newsletter going to 67,600
women in 100 countries. It's always packed with unique and useful information.
@lisarogak aka Lisa Rogak
I recently connected with Lisa through Help A Reporter. She was working on a story about Miami International Airport. I was happy to supply her with a list of reasons why I hate that airport. She replied with the kindest e-mail.
It impressed me how a woman who has 40 books under her belt, countless articles and an incredibly busy travel schedule took the time to write, not just a quick e-mail, but one really asking questions to get to know me.
@wildjunket aka Nellie Huang
Nellie wrote to me last year when she visited Salta. Soon after meeting, we sat talking about everything from travel and travel blogging to marriage to our families and more. She is an incredibly well traveled woman who writes wonderfully about the places she's been. Nellie was also kind enough to include me in her list of favorite Latin American Blogs.
@nerdseyeview aka Pam Mandel
I don’t know Pam that well, but I do know she always has something insightful and thoughtful to say on her blog, in her Blogher blogs and everywhere else.
Last year’s Passports With Purpose, put together in conjunction with Debbie Dubrow -- @deliciousbaby, Beth Whitman -- @wanderluster -- and Michelle Duffy -- @wandermom -- represents the very best of travel writing and social media. Plus a whole host of other participating bloggers.
How's that for building community?
@Travelinggreen aka Sonya? The Website: http://travelinggreener.com
I first heard of Traveling Green through StumbleUpon when I saw a review of one of my blog posts by her. Then found her on Twitter. There's not a lot of personal identifying information, but clearly this blogger spends a a good amount of time searching and finding the best travel and eco-information on the internet. When I see the little green trembling aspen leaf icon, I make sure to see what's going on.
Explore this list to find some of the most amazing writers, photographers, videographers and travelers on the internet. A group of people who truly think and live positively and freely but with humor. They help others and all have been such inspiration for me in writing and life.
I know there are plenty people I've missed. Such is the nature of lists such as these. So please, help me fill out this list with your favorite Twitters.
Ahhhhh, Leigh. This is so much better than just a list of #FF in Twitter. It's manageable and your explanations really highlight what can be wonderful about Twitter. Makes me feel like by following these guys, I'll finally learn how to use Twitter. I'm pretty lame and often totally forget about it. Thanks!
Posted by: Angela | March 26, 2010 at 03:41 PM
Cool list. Can't wait to add some of these people. I only knew one of them!
Posted by: Nancy Harder | March 29, 2010 at 10:50 AM
Leigh, thanks so kindly for including me in your wonderful Follow Friday list of Twitterers! I'm always looking out for you and your tweets on Twitter!
Actually, the blog address is http://www.TravelingGreener.com with a "greener". The "travelinggreen.com" domain was already taken and "greener" better reflects the blog.
Thanks again! Love your blog - I just tried to sign up for the newsletter!
Posted by: Sonya | April 01, 2010 at 06:14 PM
What a compliment, Angela. Thanks!
If you ever want to know anything else about Twitter. Feel free to ask. I certainly don't know everything, but I can point you in the direction of people who have done some really cool things.
Posted by: Leigh Shulman | April 01, 2010 at 06:34 PM
Which one did you already know? (I'm guessing Pam)
Posted by: Leigh Shulman | April 01, 2010 at 06:34 PM
Thank you so much, Sonya. And I apologize for the mistake. I've corrected it already.
Posted by: Leigh Shulman | April 01, 2010 at 06:35 PM
Great list Leigh! I think I'm becoming addicted to Twitter now that I'm getting the hang of it...
Posted by: Heather Carreiro | April 06, 2010 at 06:25 PM