Yesterday morning I was doing something manly (read as sitting in the warm sun playing Plants vs. Zombies and waiting for Sur La Table to open so I could grab a pepper mill - incidentally, I ended up with a brand new Shun too), and I noticed that my local outdoor shopping experience had posted "follow us on Twitter" signage around the central seating area. At first I went straight into analysis mode and started wondering what I would want from a mall Twitter feed, but then I took a moment to silently approve of their choice to participate in the new channel. 

Now two things are true here: (1) Twitter simply isn't new anymore and (2) I'm still not sure how valuable this channel will really be for them. However, all good reason aside, what does it really cost them to participate in Twitter? Okay, so they only have 398 followers and a 2:1 friend/follower ratio in the wrong direction, but I say forget about that junk and keep moving forward. Seriously. They're giving this channel a chance to work for them and all they have to do is spend 10-20 minutes a week publishing tidbits that they want people to know anyway. They're also doing some interesting things in regards to cross-communication with the Twitter feeds of other local groups which helps make Twitter relevant to people who are interested in things like the mountain play or who have a strong affinity for Teacake Bake Shop. They've even promoted a Tweetup, which is great because offline events are a great tactic for selling the locals on new media communication channels. (Why is Twitter relevant? Because you're at a party right now, that's why)

So props to you @shoptowncenter. Thanks for trying to find more ways to reach me as a shopper and a community member and letting me know what's going on in my area.