Claude Bouchard Books

I’ve been on Twitter for a couple of years now during which time I’ve ended up with a rather impressive number of followers at currently close to 211,000. I’ve often been commended for this achievment, people have mentioned how impressed they were and some have expressed envy, however friendly, stating they wished they could have as many followers.

There are obviously advantages to having such a following. For one, I’ll admit it is flattering to know so many people stick around, willing to endure a lot of the crap I spew. They could unfollow or block me as some do, but most don’t. Another benefit is reach, such that if I wish to convey my own or someone else’s important message, many will see it.

However, most people don’t think about the disadvantages associated with such a large following and, trust me, it isn’t always pretty. To illustrate, consider the more serious drawbacks which I’ve listed below:

• Saying Good Morning: When I first started on Twitter with a handful of followers, saying good morning was a quick and efficient task. Now, with over 210,000 followers, saying good morning takes me 17 hours 12 minutes per day.
• Having my Followers Over: When I decide to have my followers over, my neighbours bitch and moan about the traffic jams, cars parked everywhere and the noise pollution created by close to 210,000 people chatting in the yard (because the house isn’t big enough to get everyone inside). By the way, the bathroom situation is a problem on such occasions as well.
• Going out for dinner: Have you ever tried to find a restaurant which will seat over 210,000 people, even if it’s at more than one table?
• My car: I drive a Mitsubishi Eclipse. You do the math.
• Vacation: The vacation to Samoa I was planning with my followers fell through because we’d have more than doubled the country’s population during our visit and the government feared a coup.

So, the next time anyone of you wishes you had more followers, do take a moment to consider the downsides.