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Since January 16th of this year, Fridays have become a big day for Twitter users. The reason for the hype is a result of the hot trend called #FollowFriday. Micah Baldwin, the Creator of #FollowFriday and the VP of Business Development at Lijit, talks with WebProNews in the above video and tells how he had no idea his one tweet would reach the level it has.
When he sent out that initial tweet, Micah simply wanted to recommend a couple of his friends. As he recalled the experience in a blog post, Micah wrote: “I started thinking about how proud I was to be friends with Danny and Jeffrey, and more people should follow them on Twitter.”
Shortly after his tweet went out, Mykl Roventine suggested he add a hashtag to his Follow Friday and from there #FollowFriday began. By the end of that first day, tweets were going out with the hashtag of #FollowFriday nearly every half second.
Many people have found #FollowFriday to be very useful, but recently the trend has received a lot of criticism. We went out and asked few people first-hand how they feel about #FollowFriday. While some were fans of the trend early on, they believe #FollowFriday has turned into name recommendations with no reasons. In response to the negativity, Micah believes #FollowFriday has gotten away from his original intention. He says a #FollowFriday should consist of a name(s) followed by a short reason for the recommendation.
What do you think about #FollowFriday? Do you find it useful? Could it be improved? What do you think is in store for the future of #FollowFriday?
(4 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5)
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[...] began as a trend in January of this year, but unlike most trends, it stuck. WebProNews spoke with Micah Baldwin, the creator of #FollowFriday, about the trend’s humble [...]
[...] on who you ask) of #followfriday, I field a lot of email, tweets and (even an interview or two) about Twitter [...]
I simple, unintentional thing sometimes explodes to greater goodness
I think it is fabulous idea to offer some sincere and heartfelt praise, appreciation and “bigging up” of someone especially on a Friday, when they might have had a tough week.
Of course, the key here is to be sincere and altruistic.
I wish everyone a wonderful and safe weekend.
Yvonne
I agree with those who don’t want Twitter Police. However, I have to say that I tend to recommend the same people over and over because they’re the ones who interact with me. I don’t mind anyone following me. But people who are only out to promote themselves and what they’re doing, and never take the time to relate on a personal level will not get a #FF from me. Simple! Mel
Cool!
I submitted an answer 5 days ago, answering all of the posed questions and offering my suggested alternatives.
What do you think about #FollowFriday? Do you find it useful? Could it be improved? What do you think is in store for the future of #FollowFriday?
My response hasn’t been posted. Is it still being review or won’t it be used? If not, can you please advise why not?
Many thanks,
John in Australia
Another great post.
[...] WebProNews has investigated the origins of the popular #FollowFriday trend on Twitter. It began over 4 months ago with a man named Micah Baldwin, and snowballed from there. Do you use #FollowFriday on Twitter? Let us know. [...]
It’s an interesting concept that I will definitely check out. But just as was stated in the video, it can be subject to abuse. I really hope that its success will not be cut short by such people so that we can all see the true potential of Follow Friday.
[...] WebProNews has investigated the origins of the popular #FollowFriday trend on Twitter. It began over 4 months ago with a man named Micah Baldwin, and snowballed from there. Do you use #FollowFriday on Twitter? Let us know. [...]
I find it really refreshing to read about the things that are of the same interest as mine making money or even getting good deals on home loans or auto deals. However to think that so many adults need to treated like children or even criminals is real unfortunate. Grow up people and act responsibly. Oh yeah, I also can get you a home loan (620 score or higher)rates starting at 4.5% for well qualified buyers or great deals on auto of any type here in so cal. now that’s real info… so just try me out.
Have a great day in Yahweh.
Great video. I’ve seen #Followfriday being used for a while, but never used it myself. I got my first recommendation from one of my followers Friday, so I will begin using as well. I agree w/ @Michael, so I gave it a tweet.
[...] WebProNews has investigated the origins of the popular #FollowFriday trend on Twitter. It began over 4 months ago with a man named Micah Baldwin, and snowballed from there. Do you use #FollowFriday on Twitter? Let us know. [...]
will start testing today…i agree…having too many people to following is hard to keep up with…will have a look and see what the value is for my clients.
thanks
sandy
Thanks, Micah, for getting the ball rolling with #FollowFriday. I religiously put together campaigns every Friday because I definitely see the value in doing so. However …
Each week I recommend only a SELECT, handful of followers who I feel are genuine, transparent, and authentic professionals - individuals that have, most assuredly, added value to my life. I have less than a dozen peeps on my #FollowFriday list and I intend to keep it that way.
As was highlighted in the video, I always state my “WHY” - the “INCENTIVE” for clicking on someone’s Twitter username. It drives me nuts when people just say “Follow so-and-so and so-and-so and so-and-so,” etc. Why in the world would I??! Give me a reason, and maybe I will!
MELANIE
I’m mainly on Twitter to socially market my safety and security web site as well as raise awareness for its products, so I like finding great people to follow but why just on Friday. Why not #TofollowTuesday, #MyfollowMonday, #WefollowWednesday or #TheyfollowThursday?
Great information. I appreciate the approach of WebProNews to topics of interest such as this. Gave it a Tweet.
Thank you .
Mike
#FollowFriday is something i just started to do, we’ll see how it works
I look at the follow Friday,not needing rules its a choice,if you see a interesting post to follow then follow,I also agree the posts should give some clue to a reason to follow.We all have enough rules to follow already,lets just have fun and socialize.
I just began using Twitter and find interesting people on #followfriday so far. Today I decided to follow four new people as a result of seeing the Tweet, going to the person and reading about them in their profile, then following or not.
If any of you want to provide me with some good exposure, I am xicorx on Twitter and I am a Lifestyle Therapist who is interested in Wellness, Health and Business, Networking, and Well-Being.
I personally find a responsible application of #followfriday to be relevant, purposeful, and inspiring; because it can actually accomplish the very foundation for which Social Networks are being developed…to introduce people to one another who share common interests or a diverse worldview that connects us in ingenious ways!
I couldn’t agree with Micah more– I see people tweeting “here’s a bunch of people to follow!” with 20 @ names after that. How awful! Context is SO much more useful than splattering people with a shopping list and zero info about who they are or why you should follow them.
best
Eric Mueller
p.s. I’m speaking at O’Reilly Twitter Boot Camp! If you’re not up to speed on Twitter, this is where to do it: http://training.oreilly.com/twitterbootcamp
I don’t think we need rules on following. Sounds like people want Twitter Police.
Susan
Where did you get Twitter police out of that video?
Are you wearing a tin foil hat as well?
[...] WebProNews has investigated the origins of the popular #FollowFriday trend on Twitter. It began over 4 months ago with a man named Micah Baldwin, and snowballed from there. Do you use #FollowFriday on Twitter? Let us know. [...]