David Hughes

Notes From Afar

Tag: Twitter (page 1 of 4)

18 November 2022

RIP Twitter?

RIP Twitter Tombstone

I took a break from Twitter when Musk took over and quickly laid off thousands of staff via email.

I didn’t think that even he could do so much damage so quickly.

I was one of the very early users of Twitter as it took off in the web design community.

I’ve made friends through Twitter that have become friends IRL.

Twitter was key to early success of Milton Keynes Geek Night, with our Twitter friends becoming a little black book of fabulous speakers.

I’ve watched as many of those friends have ebbed away from Twitter, some to other platforms and some away from social media completely.

It was a quieter place, but it was a place that still held a special place in my heart.

Which is why seeing it brought to its knees by Elon Musk has been difficult to watch.

Yes it’s just a website, but it’s more than that, it’s more than just the code and the pixels it’s a worldwide community I loved being part of.

I hope that if or when Musk finally breaks Twitter somebody better buys that code and brings back the community.

12 February 2013

Giving Up Twitter For Lent

I’ve never given anything up for Lent before, but this year I’m giving up Twitter. Over the last few months I’ve found Twitter less engaging, and less rewarding, and after the latest round of hoo-hah I’ve decided that a longer break is in order.

Related to this is the realisation that the ‘signal to noise’ ratio of my Twitter feed is out of whack. I’ve decided that before my return I will ‘reset’ my account, and slowly add back followers starting with friends and working outwards from there.

18 December 2012

One Month Off

I usually take a break from Twitter over Christmas, but after reading this fascinating article, and watching Simon’s Creative Morning talk I’ve decided to take a month off; a month away from social media.

In just a day away from Tweeting, Instagramming and Checking In I’ve felt what I can only describe as ‘calmer’.

Why this should be I don’t know, but I expect this break will enable me to better understand my relationship with, and use of social media.

6 October 2011

Remembering Steve Jobs


I was up rather late last night, and thought I’d check Twitter on my iPad one last time before heading to bed. I did so just as the news of Steve Jobs passing away hit Twitter; somehow it felt fitting to be watching people express their sadness and thanks on one of the amazing devices he created. As President Obama said in his tribute:

There may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented.

I am an unabashed fan of Apple, and therefore Steve Jobs as they were for many of us inseperable, but I was surprised how I felt on hearing the news; the best way I can describe it is as a feeling of hollowness.

I didn’t know him, I never met him or even saw him present, but I feel I understand him. Every time I use a piece of Apple hardware or software I can see, and understand, his values and passion.

Two of my favourite Steve Jobs philosophies are that Apple products should be “insanely great” and “it just works”.

I’m reminded of these philosophies when I watch my six year old son creating music in Garage Band, export that music to iTunes and then sync it to his iPod. I like to think that Steve Jobs would be as proud and delighted as I am to see him beaming away as he listen to “his music”.

This is Steve Jobs legacy: insanely great products that are a joy to use and bring delight their users.

14 July 2011

Home Two

My Twitter chum Michael McGarrity has released another great mix entitled Home Two. Slightly longer and darker than the original Home Mix, and it’s another great piece of music for working or reading to. Highly recommended.

As before my iTunes OCD has driven me to design my own cover art; I’ve continued with the style of the first, but made it darker like the mix.

Home Two Cover

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