What Writer’s Block Taught Me About the Power of a Twitter Avatar
I’m an editor, so it’s no surprise that I’m all about words. When it came time to write my wedding vows, I let my heart pour out from my fingertips. During my first pregnancy, I documented the changes in my body and the development of my firstborn on what became a Mommy blog. Just recently, I wrote a letter to my second daughter that I’ll give her when she’s older about how it felt to have my heart suddenly expand on the day she was born.Every day, I use words to convey what’s on my mind, both personally and professionally. So you can see how someone who so clearly needs a keyboard to express herself, not to mention who makes a living treating commas and contractions like a doctor doing brain surgery, would be convinced that writing about a cause is the best way to share that passion with others.
Until writer’s block hit (an occupational hazard, yes).
I had sat down to express my support of 12for12k, which combines social media and fundraising to change the lives of millions – just me and my WordPress “Write” screen. I already knew the “Content Pimp” route I’d take to deploy and broadcast it – how I’d write a few clever Tweets, ask others to “Please RT” it, post the link to my Facebook account, maybe call in a Stumble or two. But the words wouldn’t come.
As I wrestled with jumbled thoughts, I remembered something that had caught my eye in the past. That little One Day for Human Rights guy over so many of my Twitter friends’ faces and the pastel-pink wave of avatars during Pink for October were etched in my brain, so much so that I decided to put the words away for once.
Thanks to Danny Brown (@DannyBrown), the man behind 12for12k, I was hooked up with graphic designer Darin Berntson (@iGoByDoc), who helped create a Twitter avatar and background that put my 12for12k support front 
and center with my identity. A few quick clicks and an upload later, I sat and waited, hoping people would not only notice my new look, but that it would inspire some of them to explore how 12for12k empowers us to use our social networking powers for good. The 12for12k message is simple: With as little as $10 per month, we can make a world of difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Doing that, and then using our social networks to spread that message, is key to affecting change.
A Pebble in the Twitterstream
Though it may not seem like much at first, we all know that the picture we choose to accompany anything online, be it our Twitter pages, Facebook profiles, or blog/site “About Us” areas, can define so much, so quickly. I liken all of my Twitter friends’ avatars in my TweetDeck to friendly faces at one big party. There’s @CarynRN’s dog, @Jamesbedell’s dark eyes, @Carissa_MomIF’s profile, @MSchechter’s “Hey!” look, @BrianCarter’s sly smile, @SugarJones’ green-hatted grin, @BlogWellDone’s jalapeno pepper-rockin’ dude rag, @DanLopez2012’s shades, and so many others with images just as memorable. When there’s a diversion to that space – a blip in my visually indexing of friends – I take notice.
John Sheridan (@JohnSheridan), my Twitter friend and president of blindSpot Business Consulting Inc., which specializes in creating best practice solutions, and a long-time architect of social media environments, explains it best: “It’s the picture in a thousand words of who you are for others to mentally store away. Since all we have online is a little picture, it becomes even more powerful as a communication tool. And since web 2.0 is all about micro, the real estate on a tiny avatar is highly valuable, and therefore, important.”
When I put out my new 12for12k avatar, it was like throwing a pebble in the stream: Though it certainly didn’t make a big splash, I immediately noticed some ripples. What John said about that ID real estate being so important started to sink in.
Because my Twitter friend Anthony Curtis (@Anthony Curtis) focuses on Internet marketing in his business (he’s a seasoned Web Marketing veteran with a decade of Fortune 500 online business experience), I asked him to elaborate on his Tweet. “Your avatar caught my eye because you successfully blended the tried-and-true headshot with a written statement that was short and to the point. I wasn’t quite sure what 12for12K was all about, but your delivery piqued my interest enough to click.”
How amazing it felt to have affirmation that something to which I am fully dedicated was now on the minds of others! I had made an impact with not a noun, verb, metaphor, or alliteration anywhere — it was a new feeling for me, for sure. When I connected with Anca Foster (@Anca_Foster) creator of One Day for Human Rights, about it, she wasn’t surprised.
“The avatars of the One Day for Human Rights supporters had probably the most impact out of all the promotional elements of this campaign. People kept seeing more and more avatars with the little human rights guy logo, and kept asking what it stood for,” she explained. The action affected by the visual impact helped further the organization’s goals. “[Many followed] by signing the petition to print the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in passports, and a lot of them added it to their own avatars.”
Though I definitely wasn’t the first with a 12for12k pimp-out avatar, a few of my Twitter friends followed suit shortly after me. Brown, who recently had his own “Power of the Avatar” epiphany as well, notes that the ripple affect has been amazing. “There are more appearing every day, it’s humbling to see the support. People are asking what this 12for12k thing is, and that opens up a whole new level of discussion and awareness.”
“Every non-profit that intends to use social media to raise awareness should have a strong visual element that their supporters can use in their avatars, and make it very accessible to anyone who might want to use it,” Foster urges.
Sheridan conveyed that exact notion in a seminar just this past weekend at Podcamp Toronto. “It’s extremely simple to have people raise your awareness with very little effort, and virtually no financial cost,” he explains. “[With a branded avatar], it’s natural for human curiosity to take over and others to start asking what that “statement” is all about. Abracadabra and shazam – your message is spread for you by your new volunteer army.”
In this instance, even though my immediate “cure” initiated a non-written response, the end result was effective. I learned a fascinating lesson, and was inspired to share that with others through my writing. With this blog post as proof, I’d say my writer’s block has yet again triumphed. Who I hope also emerges victorious? The children of war-torn countries, sexually abused boys and girls, and others who stand to benefit from 12for12K.
I hope you’ll check it out, and – for whatever cause you feel convicted by — please let your smile speak for you, too! Happy Tweeting, and happy writing!
Hi, I'm Gina, the girl behind 
February 23rd, 2009 at 5:10 am
Well, it TOTALLY worked for me! I think it’s a great cause! Good luck to you guys!
February 23rd, 2009 at 5:29 am
Gina, when a door closes (writer’s block being the door in this case), another one opens. Brilliant post! I too am passionate about doing as much good as I can, and I fell in love with Danny’s concept from the first day I saw it. Your avatar quickly caught my attention, and I’m proud to be wearing 12for12K as part of my avatar. Thanks for your continuous inspiration and witty tweets. I look forward to them every day. I hope that others realize the importance of this charity and being a mom myself, how I won’t stand in the background and do nothing while children suffer.
I hope everyone reading your post or seeing our avatars is inspired to reach out and help such an excellent cause!
See ya on the T-side twin avatar
February 23rd, 2009 at 6:06 am
I don’t think I believe you m’dear? Writer’s Block for the Great Gina L? I think I’m most impressed that I recognize nearly everyone you mention in this post.. and um… HELLO.. which one does not fit? Yup. ME??!
I am beyond happy and amazed to have ‘met’ you… in case everyone doesn’t know, Gina here was the one who raised the most $$ for our Mom it Forward ‘virtual food drive’ last November…. and ever since I’ve been more and more impressed!
Tweet ya later,
@carissa_momif
February 23rd, 2009 at 10:51 am
Mom Blogs – Blogs for Moms…
…
February 23rd, 2009 at 12:42 pm
You are so right about the power of an avatar, Gina! The questions and interest my 12 for 12K avatar is generating really surprise me. I am thrilled that we’ve found such an amazing way to call attention to such a great cause.
And you’ve gotten me to thinking about the relationship I have with other people’s avatars. When someone changes theirs, it take me a bit of time to “recognize” them – know what I mean?! I’ve overlooked tweets from people I love because that is what I scan for – avatar first, name second.
Fascinating indeed!
Sarah
February 24th, 2009 at 3:42 am
What a great post—and you found an awesome way to show your passion. Because of it, you are already making an impact! I love that I can still see your picture!
Best Wishes on Your cause. So glad to know you!
@DuongSheahan
February 24th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Amen to your post! I stumbled upon 12fo12K not because of my strong desire to connect with an unbelievable cause…but because many of those that I have begun to admire on Twitter supported & promoted this cause via their avatar. As a result, I started looking into 12for12K and discovered that this is something that was meant for me…for these reasons: (1) there are clear measurable goals for this program, (2) there is an opportunity to leave an impact on many different organizations, & (3) I believe in the power of social media.
Earlier today I posted the following about why 12for12K is right for me – http://bit.ly/Q5OWs. Gina, I’m honored to be along side for this long ride…I hope others reading this blog join in the effort!
Thanks for the great post!
February 24th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Gina,
Damn – no writer’s block here! Thanks for supporting 12for12k
John
February 25th, 2009 at 12:43 am
I was going to write something really profound here (or at least try) but you guys are doing the profound thing every single day! It’s an honor to know you all.
February 25th, 2009 at 4:44 am
Thank you all for your kind words and support. It’s amazing how we have all found a common thread in our lives — a passion to help others and share that in whatever way possible. It encourages me to know that people are listening, are eager to make a difference, and are diligent in their commitment to help. No wonder I’m smiling….
February 25th, 2009 at 6:24 am
First, I am shocked the dude rag made it on the list, but I must have done something right to be mentioned in such an amazing post.
I’m going to echo what Matt Beck said. Don’t doubt you’re a trend setter. I’ve only got so much I can give, but I want to be involved with 12 for 12k because someone I respect (you) is… so there’s power in the idea and power in the people who care enough to spread the message.
So in other words, keep being awesome.
March 3rd, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Hi Gina,
I just posted a quick story on our blog inspired from this story:
http://slicemedia.blogspot.com/2009/03/power-of-avatar.html
(I have included a linkback to this story in mine)
I hope you don’t mind that I included your avatars as examples in my post – they just illustrate your point so nicely.
Thanks for sharing your story!
Cheers, Kylie