The term "tipping point" has certainly entered our modern-day discourse with great gusto, and it can refer to anything from climate tipping points to the seemingly sudden widespread coolness of things like PBR and Hush Puppy shoes, as Malcolm Gladwell noted in his book The Tipping Point, which deconstructs the breaking point for social epidemics.
Add my Twitter account to the latest tipping point phenomena. About a week ago, I had 50, 60, maybe 70 or so followers, people who for some reason have decided they want to hear what I have to say, perhaps multiple times a day, in 140-character snippets. I've at least doubled that number in the last few days after adding my name to a sort of list serv of Society of Environmental Journalists. Now every green, eco-conscious writer, PR professional and spamming love goddess wants to join my virtual cult.
I feel empowered. I feel ... overwhelmed.
Part of this game, as I understand it, is to at least consider following a follower, in some sort of all-inclusive game of leap frog. Yet my inbox is quickly filling in with new acolytes. Who do I follow? How many different "green" headlines do I really need to see? How many can I, in reality, ever see, as the hits come faster and faster. Look away and 30 or 40 souls have cried out into the virtual void, seeking to make their voice count in the most disjointed, ephemeral conversation ever undertaken.
On the other hand, I am getting more RTs and #FFs ... what more can one ask in virtual life?
