Writing? Not so Darwinian Experience for ME

I read a piece written by Julian Baggini in ‘Literal’ yesterday (I recommend the Julian Baggini’s Twitter (microphilosophy)). I am not a regular Twitter user. I've had a personal Twitter account for over a year but only posted one message, never returning since then, as I could not see any benefit for myself even though I could see, it has clear benefits and advantages of its use for public figures and PR companies etc. who have a clear interest in publicity, promotion etc. However, since I have started blogging, I created another Twitter account to be ‘visible’. I wasn’t interested and still not interested in twitting about what I do and importantly, I cannot see why anyone would be interested in my mundane activities. I havn't considered it as a tool for writers even though I do agree with the value of encapsulating ideas or themes in fewer than 140 characters as Gideon Rachman discussed in FT. I remember a professor telling us that we should be able to describe our own PhD thesis as a simple after dinner speech. Meaning that, regardless of the subject matter, we should all be able to succinctly summarize it for anyone and anywhere. I believe that without that core thinking, the focus of the writing could easily be lost. Thus, for me, I consider Twitter to be a thinking tool that helps people to crystalize their thoughts succinctly (for some!).

Then I read the Julian Baggini’s article which says,

“However, paradoxically, microblogging might actually
help longer, more thoughtful writing. The ever-shortening
nature of social networking communications could
help revive ‘proper writing’ by re-opening the gap between
off-the-cuff jottings and thoughtful prose which
blogging temporarily blurred.”

I do not intent to disagree with such an argument except the fact that my personal experience is rather different. Moreover, I also do not speculate that microblogging harms ‘proper writing’ as some would argue. I talk only about my own experiences. Since the PhD thesis, I found it increasingly difficult to write long scripts as I was getting used to writing shorter scripts. For that reason, I feel that I have to put a lot of effort to write longer pieces. Consequently, without that intention and determination, it is difficult to imagine how a tool which limits a number of character can help ‘longer, more thoughtful writing’.