It’s not even 8am and I have already had two major computer crashes and been locked out of my house this morning.
I am working from home today and left the house in huff (after all the computer issues) to walk the dog. I was a little late in taking the dog out (again, those dang computer problems) and grabbed her leash, the recycling, and some biodegradable doggie bags and ran out the door.
As soon as the door closed I realized that I had no keys and no phone and no money. During the walk I was trying to figure out how to get back inside given that I have no hidden key, no one else was home at this hour and my only friend with a spare key was a across town. My friend with the key to my place also has an unlisted number and since he’s on speed dial I don’t even know his number. I just press #3 to dial him.
Luckily, I live right next door to San Francisco City College and since I see these neighbors – the security guard, maintenance guy, the parking garage attendant - each day when I’m walking the dog and running around the hood, they were really nice about letting me use a computer. Although they were slightly baffled as to how the computer was going to help my gain entry to my place. They assumed I was going online to look for a local locksmith to help with the situation.
But instead I logged on to Twitter and sent a direct message to the friend with my key. I knew he was on Twitter as I had already seen several tweets from this early bird. Twenty minutes later he arrived with my key, a latte and a bagel. Sweet.
So, the next time Twitter haters tell me that the social network serves no purpose other than random tweets from far-flung people updating me about what they ate for lunch, I’ll be armed with yet another practical reason to use Twitter. The service is already an indispensable way for me to get news, know about blogs updates from those I follow, hook up with people at conferences and shows, and just generally be in the loop.
If it weren’t for Twitter I would have spent this morning standing on the street with my dog waiting for an expensive locksmith to let me break into my own place. I would have also likely missed my deadlines on getting our newsletter completed, flaked on my weekly Affiliate Thing podcast and just been in a generally pissed off mood. Instead, I made my deadlines and got breakfast delivered to me. Thanks Twitter!
Now if I can just figure out what’s wrong with my computer? Hey, maybe I’ll out some tweets asking my Twitter friends for help on that one too.
8 Comments Add your own
1. Sam Harrelson | March 12th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Haha… great story and I’m glad it turned out well. When I tell people that Twitter is replacing email and phone for me to some extent, this is exactly the sort of thing I’m talking about. Thanks for sharing!
Sam
2. Judi | March 12th, 2008 at 7:49 am
I love this! It’s like my favorite brainiac is turning into MacGyver, complete with help from clueless bystanders in uniform. I think it should be a Mastercard “priceless” commercial.
3. Lisa Picarille | March 12th, 2008 at 8:54 am
the only other option i could think of was to take a cab across town, ask my friend for the key and money for the cab fare - and fare for the ride home. or walk there (too lazy and would have taken my about an hour or more). twitter seemed like the only way to save my lazy butt.
4. Amy Rodriguez | March 13th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Awesome story Lisa, thanks for sharing!
5. Stephanie Agresta | March 13th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Well thank goodness for Twitter and that you got into your apartment safe and sound! As you well know, I’m a huge twitter fan. Twitter is featured on the cover of the most recent issue of Inc. Press coverage tends to focus on whether Twitter is a new useful communication tool or a complete waste of time. We all have a myriad of stories that prove the former; but I do think that it is something that one has to experience to believe. And certain personality types will be more likely to enjoy the experience.
The Twitter back channel is one of the best parts of attending SXSW - where so many attendees are on Twitter. @gapingvoid and many others did random twitter ups that turned into amazing parties. During the Sarah Lacy interview of mark zuckerberg, the twitter comments were far more interesting than the stage content. Sarah should have been twittering!
Thanks Lisa for the great story!
6. Fisayo Adeyemi | March 15th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
An awesome news to hear.
oh! Liza I’ll say, you are intelligent, Twitter aside.
7. The Modern Journalist &ra&hellip | March 19th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
[…] Here’s why. Lisa Picarille has written a funny piece about how Twitter saved her morning by connecting her directly with her group of friends. […]
8. Stevie | May 17th, 2008 at 11:04 am
great “save” in using twitter. smart– wish more of my “local” friends were on twitter but I can’t get them to bite.
However it does help me too as I network through my galaxy of topics and people and get some cool stories.
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