I’ve been using Twitter for quite a while (@badgergravling if you’re inclined), and I’ve found it an invaluable place for communication, debate, and refining ideas.

And I’ve also got used to both the concept of following 1000s of people, and combining real conversation, and the growing number of automated blog/website feeds using services like Twitterfeed. But whether you’re Disposable Media or The Guardian, if you’re not responding to direct messages and @ replies, then you’re really missing the point, and not getting the best benefit. Having set up the Disposable Media feed, I’ve been guilty of leaving it too much already, as I’ve concentrated more on my personal endeavours…but even with limited time, everyone is guaranteed a reply eventually – better than The Guardian manages.

Some services – The BBC, The Guardian, etc can offer enough interesting content in specific enough areas to get away with it. Just. But if you’re not a leading news agency etc, you’re better off using Twitter for personal discussion rather than relying on an automated feed to do all the work…