Ok, so I'm into Twitter. Actually, I love Twitter. I think it
sometimes gets a bad rap because people don't understand how it can be
used and where it's headed. Admittedly a lot of Twitter is pointless babble, but you don't need to subject yourself to it if you follow the right people, organizations and businesses.
What is Twitter? Isn't Twitter really a simplified version of Facebook?
- Well kinda, but then not really at all. They're both types of social media. Twitter is an easy way to send a "tweet" (140 character message) to a bunch of people (your "followers") at the same time. It was originally designed as a way for individuals to communicate with each other, answering the question, "What are you doing?" However, it has progressed far beyond that, with reputable businesses, media outlets and organizations now using Twitter to communicate valuable information to their "followers." Examples of who I "follow": national news - CNN | MSBNC, Bay Area news - SF Chronicle | SF Weekly | East Bay Express, art - SFMoma | MoAD, local business - SF Business Times, etc. These sources give great real time information on what's happening in the Bay Area and beyond. They're far more than just idle chatter. There's even a Twitter 101 Guide for Businesses.
- In fact most individuals with Twitter accounts don't "tweet" (send messages), they "follow" (receive tweets) from others. Dig a little deeper and you'll discover that the vast majority of the tweets are produced by a relative minority of the tweeters (I know, sounds ridiculous, but stay with me). For individuals that do want to chatter among friends, Twitter provides a never-ending "cocktail party" conversation where users can stay in the mix or leave without having to make polite excuses. So you're in total control.
What does Twitter cost?
- Zippo. Nada. Like Facebook and the internet, Twitter is free. The messages you receive via text message cost you whatever your cell phone company charges for text messaging service, if you choose to receive tweets via text message. These days, like long distance calls, a lot of people have unlimited text messaging.
How does Twitter work?
- After you sign up, you can "follow" people (or businesses,
organizations, media, etc.) and they can "follow" you. If you follow
them, you receive their tweets, and if they follow you, they receive
your tweets. For
each person, organization or business that you "follow," you can choose
to receive your tweets a few ways: 1) as text messages, 2) by viewing them
online on your Twitter page, 3) through a mobile application, or 4) through a desktop
application. Twitter won't blow up your cell phone with text messages if you
don't want it to! You can also control (block) who can follow you when
you tweet, if you tweet; but you don't have to tweet, and that won't make you a twit. A twit?
How do I send and receive tweets?
- This is what I think people misunderstand the most. After you sign up, you can choose how to send tweets to people that "follow" you, or receive tweets from people that you "follow": (1) on your cell phone via text messages, (2) on your cell phone through simple downloadable free applications like tweetie, twitterific and tweetdeck for the iphone, other blackberry apps, and apps from other cell phone providers. If your cell phone doesn’t have a Twitter app, you can try the mobile version from your cell phone's Web browser at "m.twitter.com," (3) on your twitter account page (like michaeldef or viplineup) online, or (4) thru some neat free desktop applications ("clients" as they're known) like seesmic or tweetdeck, which give you all kinds of flexibility in receiving, sending, grouping and organizing your tweets.
- If you choose to receive tweets via text message, you can even control what time of day Twitter sends you the tweets so that you don't get disturbed at 3:00am with a message telling you that there's a sale at Macy's today.
What's the best way to use Twitter? Who should I follow?
- Use Twitter to receive information from
sources you value. For you that could mean your circle of friends, or it could mean news agencies, organizations, businesses and scholars.
How do I find people, businesses, or organizations on Twitter?
- Twitter provides a "Find People" link on all Twitter pages, and there's also a Twitter search engine, but I've found that using Google search is better. Individuals are harder to find than other categories because their names are less unique. Simply google "(name) on twitter," like "VIPLineup on Twitter," or "CNN on Twitter."
Can't I just get a Twitter account later?
- Yes and no. If you, your business or organization don't have a Twitter account, get one now. Even if you don't use it, just get it! Eventually, you will realize that you want one, and like website domain names and email addresses, you'll be upset if your name is already taken. Then you'll end up with something like @joesmith7834619. Same goes for organizations and businesses. Don't say I didn't tell you so.
Can I turn Twitter off?
- Absolutely. You have full control. You can "unfollow" people at any time, so that you stop receiving their tweets. You can "block" people so that they can't follow you (receive your tweets), You can turn off the text messaging feature for all or some of the people you follow and then view your tweets online, or through a mobile or desktop application whenever you want to if you want to. All in all, you can pay as much or as little attention to them as you see fit. Be sure to read, Too many tweets on your cell phone? Silence them.
How do I sign up?
- Go here, or wait for my next article with step by step instructions. Twitter doesn't do the best job of walking you through the process. It's simple, but could be explained better.
Twitter Resources
- Too many tweets on your cell phone? Silence them.
- The Twitter Guide Book
- Twitter 101 Guide for Businesses
- Mashable, ultimate social media guide
- What makes a quality tweet?
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