This is big.  I mean this is really really BIG!  This weekend the unofficial #TwitterStake, who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  Mormon, will once again gather to tweet and share  General Conference  -- using the hash tag #LDSConf.  And for those of you who don't already know this, these Mormons are very good at what they do!  And if you don't believe me, check out what Deseret News had to say about the efforts of this amazing group of digital missionaries, just a few years ago when we began our early efforts, HERE!


I really enjoy tweeting #LDSConf, and as we've done this for a few years now, I've given some thought about how we can do it more effectively. We continually want to create the most positive experience we can, for those not of our faith, who follow our online conversations when we share the gospel.  Because frankly, that's why most of us do it.

One of the fun things about tweeting General Conference on Twitter, is getting noticed by the larger online community, referred to as trending. This is accomplished by sending out a huge number of 140 character tweets, accompanied by the hash tag #LDSConf.   As the number of Mormons tweeting the conference increases, we need to make sure that the tweets that go out with the hash tag #ldsconf attached, are quality.  With that in mind, here are some tips and suggestion for tweeting #LDSConf on Twitter...

10 Tips for Tweeting #LDSConf on Twitter
(try saying that 10 times - dare ya!)

1.  For those following the hash tag #LDSConf let's try to keep the stream loaded with quality content specific to the conference. 

2.  Avoid excessive idle chatter using the #LDSConf hash tag. 

3.  If you must chat, drop the #LDSConf hash tag. That way, for those who decide to check out what #LDSConf is all about, they will find an amazing stream of inspired content that makes sense!

4.  DO use the hash tag #TwitterStake to chat with other Mormons on Twitter!   

5.  Tweet #LDSConf with a purpose -- to share the gospel with those outside of our faith.

6.  If you tweet over 120 characters it makes retweeting difficult.

7.  Resist urge to tweet every six seconds...  ; )

8.  Share personal feelings about #LDSConf alongside tweeting the conference message.

9.  Consider sharing LDS resources throughout the conference, i.e. LDS.org, Mormon.org, Mormon Messages, etc...  

10.  NEW: Don't apologize to your followers for tweeting General Conference. If you've followed these guidelines you shouldn't feel it necessary. (think about it) Let your followers know what you're doing by educating them, via this link: "What is General Conference" and then assume they have benefited from what you have shared.  Remember: You are doing a great work! So, take it seriously -- and do it well. : )


Have fun! And when I say have fun, I mean it.  I'll be the first to admit that I'm just as guilty as the next tweep for adding to the chatter on Twitter, but I also see the need to try and better focus on the overall purpose that we tweet #LDSConf.   I also love the connection that we as members develop as we go about this work, and in particular, the humor that we toss back and forth.  It's a balance really.  We want to accomplish our purpose, while at the same time connect and have fun with each other.  I think we can do both, if we just keep the BIG picture in mind as we tweet...

Update: This General Conference those of us who enjoy sharing the gospel online, are trying something new. We've decided, that in between sessions of conference we will add the hashtag #Christian onto our discussions. You can read more about this effort at Jeff Swift's blog, Digital Missionaries.



FYI: Jesse Stay shared this with me:"In addition to #ldsconf, which typically has mostly English Tweets than other languages, the website okespanol.com, owned by Deseret Digital Media (a Church-owned entity), will be live-tweeting General Conference in Spanish to a Spanish-speaking audience. They will tweet from the Twitter account, @okespanol, and will encourage Spanish-speaking members to use the hashtag #soysud."

tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs
a.k.a. @LDSNana





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