Following celebrities isn't a new thing, we have done it for decades via newsprint media, television and radio. Yet, this is third party
stalking following, in that someone else is telling us this is what XXX thinks or does. We can never be sure that it is genuine reporting.
Now with twitter (more so than facebook) we have access to these people and we can interact with them. We are essentially one step closer to that window looking into their lives. Is it anymore real? I guess it depends who you follow and that depends on who you consider a celebrity. My thinking is that the 'bigger' the 'star' the less likely this TWEEP is real and more chance it is some poorly paid assistant churning out the trash to delight and amuse and promote their boss.
To me this is a very "Look at me! Look at me!" attitude (shamelessy stolen from Kath and Kim). Am I interested, nup!
What 'celebs' do I follow? Well, being an older tweep I find my tastes have changed somewhat from when I was younger and dare I say it 'sillier'.
Disclaimer: this excludes Ewan McGregor ( @mcgregor_ewan add me dude!!)
I find myself firstly attracted to those who I 'know' , such as those I grew up with and laughed a shared a joke with or who moved me in some way. If they support a cause that I do then that grabs me.
Corrine Grant and Wendy Harmer are two of these people. I first heard Corrine speak at a 'stop the war' rally in Melbourne almost ten years ago. Who knew she could be so serious and vocal! I instantly fell in love with her for speaking out with such passion!
Wendy, well she has made me laugh for so many years on screen and radio and now I get to read both their words at
The Hoopla.
Others such as Richard Fidler, who does THE BEST
interviews and
Stephen Fry are welcome in my home. Not just via twitter but via podcasts and audiobooks.
These are people who I can relate to not only because we have a long history but because they speak my language. They believe in things I believe in, they have a voice and they are genuine. They are welcome in my home. Others make me laugh heartily and that is so very essential in life!
And that is what it is all about. Twitter has taken us from looking in a window at these people and turned it around. We now have invited them into our homes to sit and chat. It is more personal. If Wendy asks what to cook for dinner we answer her or if Myf asks us to 'like' her dad's art page on facebook we flock there in well, flocks to help her out.
So, what is it that is so titillating about tweeting with the 'famous'. I can't answer this. I am trying to work it out myself. These people have answered my tweets at times and I feel a thrill. I admit it! It is an OMG! moment that I am sure I am not alone in experiencing.
Imagine my thrill then when my phone alert goes off at ungodly o'clock and I roll over and grab it off the bed side table. Half cursing and half worried. Slide the lock and do some squint eye aerobics as I try to adjust focus enough to see what it says.
SAM NEIL has added you on TWITTER
What bought this sudden rise in fame for me you ask? You did ask didn't you?
I commented on a tweet from Tony Martin to Sam Neill who I both follow. That is all.........
Ahhh, the little pleasures in life.
Do you follow any celebs? Do you get excited if they tweet you or are you just hanging out to see your tweet on Q&A one day??
