Tweepin’ at 20k

As of this moment, I have 19,910 people following me on Twitter. I expect that’ll top 20,000 today or tomorrow.

First, Holy Haleakala! Wow.

Second, as you may know I am the President of the James Randi Educational Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading the word about skepticism and critical thinking. You can follow the JREF on Twitter, too.

As it happens, JREF has almost 2000 followers, so the synchronicity is too much to resist. So, when my BadAstronomer account reaches 20,000 tweeps, I will donate $200 to the JREF. It just seems like the right thing to do, since the JREF gets most of its operating costs through donations. When I donate the money I’ll do it through the JREF donation page. I also set up Twitpay for the JREF, so anyone on Twitter can follow suit quickly and easily if you’re signed up for it.

I’m just sayin’.

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August 31st, 2009 12:18 PM by Phil Plait in Cool stuff, JREF | 15 comments | RSS feed | Trackback >

15 Responses to “Tweepin’ at 20k”

1. 1.   Roy Says:
   August 31st, 2009 at 12:29 pm

   I’m in for $100!

2. 2.   Alex Says:
   August 31st, 2009 at 1:04 pm

   You should really aim for 20 people to match your donation. Or 200000. Whichever.

3. 3.   Space Boy Says:
   August 31st, 2009 at 1:26 pm

   Nice gesture ! Way to go !

4. 4.   Sean Says:
   August 31st, 2009 at 3:08 pm

   My goal for next summer is to attend TAM 8, so I’ll be registering for a student membership and now’s a good reason.

5. 5.   Veritas Says:
   August 31st, 2009 at 3:45 pm

   This was the incentive I needed to sign up for Twitter. Thanks Phil. I love the JREF, and I have been watching lots of Penn and Teller, including mediums with Randi, and astrology with you.

6. 6.   Melinda Says:
   August 31st, 2009 at 3:58 pm

   First off, congratulations! I am an avid reader of your blog and I cannot express enough gratitude for your growing presence in the media.
   Your blog serves as one of my main sources of entertainment!
   I just wanted to know what additional benefits would following your Twitter account have for an individual like myself? I suppose I am resistant to joining an additional network when I already subscribe to RSS feeds, listen to podcasts, and maintain a presence on Facebook.

7. 7.   Amanda Says:
   August 31st, 2009 at 4:08 pm

   And I fought becoming a Twit for so long You got me to sign up.

8. 8.   Phil Plait Says:
   August 31st, 2009 at 4:28 pm

   Melinda (#6): I’m funnier on Twitter.

   I also link to other astronomers and astronomy news, as well as get more personal sometimes.

9. 9.   Harald Says:
   September 1st, 2009 at 4:10 am

   Current follower count at 19993. How many people now waiting for some other six to join so they can become #20000? I guess, your count will slowly creep up to 19999 and then it will rapidly jump into higher regions.

10. 10.   MKR Says:
    September 1st, 2009 at 6:13 am

    I was your 20,001st follower.

11. 11.   MKR Says:
    September 1st, 2009 at 6:14 am

    Wait, never mind. It’s not letting me add to my stalk list.

12. 12.   Silent Demosthenes Says:
    September 1st, 2009 at 6:20 am

    Grumble, I held out on not being on twitter for so long, damn you PP. I will donate as well. Twitter may not last though, but I helped get you to your mark

13. 13.   Anon Says:
    September 1st, 2009 at 7:11 am

    Off topic but just found out that Neil DeGrasse Tyson has a radio show! Awesome.

    Website’s at : http://startalkradio.net/

14. 14.   20,000 Tweeps achieved! | Bad Astronomy | Discover Magazine Says:
    September 1st, 2009 at 10:34 am

    [...] of course — as promised — I have donated $200 to the James Randi Educational Foundation. If you want to join me and [...]

15. 15.   khan Says:
    September 1st, 2009 at 12:56 pm

    Can you please tell me exactly how? I am on twitter & paypal.

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