Does Twitter Help Expand Collecting?

Has Twitter helped the hobby expand and grow?

I feel like for myself it has.

Ever since I discovered the social media giant five years ago, I would say 90% of my trading has come from there. Not from Facebook. Not from forums. Not even from the blogoshere. It's all from Twitter.

Here is just a SMALL sampling of what I have added thanks to Twitter trades,

   

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Remember, this is just a few of the cards I have added in trades. I strongly believe I never would have been able to add these if it wasn't for Twitter.

I have also won a few contests that have added to my collection too. I will say though, I ONLY ENTER CONTESTS IF THE CARDS FIT MY COLLECTION. All other contests or the concept of winning a contest just to win, I won't enter.

One of the coolest mailings/winnings I ever got was from THE Deltha O'Neal. The actual player sent me this for guessing a correct score in his NFL Contest. How awesome is that?

I think hobby friendships grow on there daily. I have met a great group of people I never would have met elsewhere and especially where I live without collectors around. These are people I talk to on a daily basis as well. They support you, you support them. They are like family.

Interaction on Twitter is also amazing. Once you get established on there, how fast that happens depends on how much you post and what topics, discussing the hobby with other collectors is fun. Not just the hobby either, sports, life, etc. Just have fun and discuss what you want to. I am however a tad more quiet to myself and don't give up a lot of personal information. A lot of people do including selfies at the hospital, pictures of kids, etc. I just feel that collecting and personal lives are two different things in my eyes but I don't judge those who share more. I just don't.

I definitely share my blog (which is where 3/4ths of my views come from) and hobby thoughts on there. Also the occasional asking of Fantasy Football advice and my ranting of NY Giants and it's great to hear the reaction and the conversations that occur just from this little bit.

For some, Twitter is a place to sell cards and some are really successful and it comes without the fees. How much better does it get? I don't sell any on there because I don't sell any in general so I can't tell you how that experience is. But, others can let you know. I also don't buy from Twitter either, but, that's mainly because I don't have the funds to. There are definitely some trusted sellers on there.

I can't say all of Twitter is good though. I have seen many, many friends of mine lose out on trades or buying items because there is always that sour apple that has to spoil the bunch. For the most part, I would say things are positive. I would strongly suggest before buying off from anyone or trading with anyone especially if you are new to Twitter, go to someone you know and trust and get their thoughts on the person you are trying to trade or buy from. That's what I do and I have yet to have a bad experience.

If I hadn't come across or started using Twitter, I am pretty certain I wouldn't have some of the cards I have, been given the opportunities in the hobby I have or most importantly, made the great friends I have. You would be amazed how much friendships, even long distance ones can mean.

How about you? Do you have a Twitter account? Do you use it for the hobby? Ever had a good experience in trading or buying on there? Sell cards on there? Let's here it in comments!