A Swoosh in a Twoosh - Twitter guidelines for England team
After Wednesday’s Twitter fiasco by England spinner Graeme Swann which saw some 78,814 followers frantically praying that he finds his passport, the England team’s management will be issuing a set
of instructions about the use of Twitter. England’s captain Andrew Strauss revealed Thursday evening that the players would be given some “guidelines” about the use of the micro-blogging site during the upcoming Ashes.
Captain Strauss along with team director Andy Flower have decided against an outright ban on the squad’s posting
tweets on the social networking website during the most anticipated tour of Australia.
The England Cricket Board (ECB) was likely to resist the calls to ban the players from using Twitter during the Ashes as “a lot of people (in the squad) like using it.” Strauss conceded that everyone
on the team is an adult and they “like to treat people like adults.”
Strauss further said in a pre - conference before leaving for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 that the set of guidance would be based on “what to post and what not to post.” He stressed that the players need to be “responsible
enough to make sure that certain things should remain in the dressing room.”
The England stars have a history of getting into trouble while ranting on Twitter. English batsman Kevin Pietersen was fined for disciplinary action after his expletive Tweet about being axed from
the England squad this summer. All – rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas was also caught up in a tweeting blaze of expletive – filled glory. He launched a personal attack on national selector Geoff Miller after being left out of the squad. During the same time, former
Under – 19 Captain Azeem Rafiq also launched a foul – mouthed attack on the England coach after he was omitted from the England Test squad. Earlier, Tim Bresnan was also warned regarding the language he used while commenting on an exaggerated and distorted
picture of him posted by an unknown messenger.
The England players are not the only ones facing the Twitter
controversies – just last week former Australian Test leg – spinner Shane Warne vented his resentment against Australia’s captain Ricky Ponting’s tactics during the Indian tour. However,
he later insisted that the comments were a mere “observation” rather than an attack.
Twitter is a phenomenon that has a level of power one cannot ignore. It has become a kind of niche for people sitting at home, as they can have a direct look into their role models and favourite
stars’ lives. Tweets (messages on Twitter) come in the form of 140 character messeges that can include anything ranging from what one had for breakfast, to what they are doing, recommendations for books or movies or music and promoting their ventures endlessly.
People at home are interested in hearing about how
normal “celebrities” are in real life. They are amused by light–hearted exchange between different celebrities. The paparazzi don’t need to chase after them endlessly but to enter the world of twitter to gain direct entry into their lives. But many
celebrities have found themselves in hot water, be it movie stars or as seen, sports stars and even politicians. While there is a discrepancy about potentially getting your career ruined, it is a perfect place for self–promotion.
As for the cricketers, they have ample opportunities for interacting with younger audiences. They can use this opportunity to promote the sport and encourage the younger lot to polish their skills
and provide them with guidance on how to utilize their talents. Youngsters look up to their sports stars and when a role model is using such language and showing such irresponsibility, then their followers have a tendency to “follow” them as well. Instead
of dishing out the gossip going around the squad, the players must generate meaningful interest among their fans and supporters.
As England Captain Strauss aptly sums up that it is all about “self-policing.” This is true as everyone is liable for their own actions and reactions. However, it is yet to been seen whether the
guidelines would be able to “guide” the Englishman to swoosh up the Ashes title.
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