It’s difficult for me to imagine what it’s like in Zimbabwe now. I read in the New York Times how Zimbabwe’s Rulers Unleash Police on Anglicans or In Zimbabwe Jail: A Reporter’s Ordeal. And my thoughts return to a once beautiful country.

When I lived there as a girl (1963-1965), it was impoverished, but reasonably safe. More than anything, I remember what you never read of in the news.  I remember the countryside — the most beautiful flora and fauna I’ve ever seen, the spectacular sunsets, the dusty air and near perfect temperatures.

In retrospect, the seeds of what was to come were evident. The racism was palpable even to a child — much worse than anything I’ve witnessed in the United States. For example, I, a young white (”European” in their lingo) girl, was expected to call a grown African man “Boy.” I don’t think I ever did. You find ways to dodge things like that. But it was all around.

And look what it’s become.   I grieve.

The big surprise from yesterday’s PodCamp was the presentation by Dave Delaney. He sold me on Twitter and, believe me, I was a hard sell. I’ve been watching Twitter on the sidelines since it launched in 2006.

Why I Resisted Twitter

1. It seemed narcissistic. Do you really need to know what I’m doing most of the time? Of course not.
2. It sounded intrusive. If you don’t like IM (and I don’t, nor am I crazy about the telephone), why would you like a web version of IM?
3. It’s one too many things.

What changed my mind?

1. Dave’s enthusiasm — which wasn’t spin or a sales pitch. While I don’t know Dave, he finds Twittering worth his time and he’s clearly a very busy guy. He focused on how to do it more than why, but listening to him I figured out some good reasons to try it…..
2. It’s not only easy to start, it’s easy to stop. If you don’t like it, it’s as simple as clicking on the “Delete my account” link.
3. Brevity is an art form — and one I can use practice at. I relish this 140 character limit.
4. It integrates seamlessly with blogging. It feels a bit like pull-quotes or side-bars or even blowing kisses. Needless to say, it’s not called blowing kisses at your blog. But there is an apt description: “micro-blogging.”

I haven’t totally relinquished my reservations, but Dave tipped the pro / con balance sheet way in its favor. For now I’m planning on ignoring the narcissism on Twitter. If it’s just too rampant, I can always blow my account to smithereens.