Media Microscope: Goal USA's Twitter Revolution

Right now, the Goal.com USA Twitter account (@GoalUSA) automatically tweets any new
articles that are posted on the website, so cheap nfl jerseys
our 10,917 (and counting) followers are up to speed on the soccer news of the moment. Trouble is, it’s all one way traffic.
@GoalUSA follows exactly zero people. @GoalUSA has no thoughts, no emotions, no beliefs.
It just dutifully regurgitates the news, like some robotic mother bird, feeding her news hungry
young (followers). @GoalUSA is basically a lifeless, monotone soccer information droid.
This is all right, but certainly leaves room for improvement. To me, Twitter is all about
interactivity: retweets, @ replies, hashtags, following trending items, and wantonly making fun
of as many people as possible in 140 characters or less. @GoalUSA would know nothing about
any of that, because as a robot, it has no personality.
Fear not though, because change is on its way! It will be gradual at Chargers jersey
first but eventually, I’m
hoping for a major overhaul of our Twitter account. Allow me to explain.
Starting next week, we will have an actual human being live-tweeting during our MLS game of
the week, plus during an EPL slate of games on a Saturday and/or Sunday. We will also have
@GoalUSA manned during all MLS playoff matches.
This human being will be tweeting occasional live updates of the match (or matches), asking
followers questions and retweeting the best responses, using appropriate hashtags, and linking to Goal.com articles of their choosing. Sarcasm and unprovoked mocking of players and teams will be encouraged.
During most of the week, we will still have the @GoalUSA Twitterbot functioning as normal,
because I do think it still has a part to play for Goal.com.
However, in my opinion, the human element will create a more dynamic, entertaining and
informative Twitter account for @GoalUSA’s considerable base of Bears jersey
followers. With apologies to
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, I feel like we’re sitting on a winning lottery ticket here. Time to
cash in.
If you aren’t on Twitter, what are you waiting for? Seriously, just do it. Trust me, you won’t
regret it. And while you’re at it, follow @GoalUSA. Viva la revolución!
Seth Vertelney is an assistant editor of Goal.com. Follow him on twitter, you know you want to.