I have a large number of Twitter friends, and today I wondered if I would want to meet them in real time.
There are many that I don't need to meet in real time. These are people who stretch my thinking, consider my thoughts, and challenge me. Our lives are very different and we're all very busy. I don't think we'd enjoy each other's company in real time as we're very busy with our individual paths and our exchange online is perfect--we help each other via Twitter to move ahead in ways that matter. We are the outside voices for each other that help us to make wise choices and good considerations, but to be together in real time is not necessary.
There are others who I have sought out in real time. These are people who share the same deep work I do in several areas of life. To deepen my work in these areas I have wanted to see and meet these people in real time to ask questions and engage in conversation that is not possible on Twitter.
There are some who I have learned more about via their publications. These are often popular people in prominent positions that I learn from on Twitter, but I've desired to learn about in a more comprehensive way so I've turned to their books and/or videos for more information.
Twitter friends play a unique role. Mainly I use Twitter as a place to inspire, challenge, and exchange ideas. My friends on Twitter are my idea friends, and they are valuable to me, but it's not necessary to meet all of them in real time. Onward.