Ctrl-Alt-Delete column in the People section of The Greene County Daily World published Tuesday, September 15, 2009 titled What Is All The Chatter About Twitter?
Question:
What is all the chatter about Twitter?
Answer:
Many people do not really get or understand what Twitter is. I was one of those people until recently.
The creators of Twitter describe it as “microblogging.” While on your Twitter page the text box asks “What are you doing?” and you are supposed to enter a short answer called a “Tweet.” Your friends or anyone interested in knowing what you are doing can “follow” you. If people follow you, they will see whatever you write. It is that simple.
Twitter is is similar to an instant messaging program with one exception. Instead of messages going to one person, it goes to lots of people.
Why does Twitter seem like a waste of time to many people? Twitter seems useless because no one cares if I am eating a sandwich while writing this column. About the only people who care are my family and even they would be bored with an “I’m eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich right now!” message.
So, what makes Twitter exciting?
Twitter is exciting because some people have been creative and are using Twitter in other ways than designed.
Human rights groups use Twitter to post up-to-date information about conditions in regions where normal news channels are not available or restricted. You can transmit current events and news quicker than traditional news channels. An example is the recent plane crash in the Hudson River, reported first on Twitter, with eyewitnesses posting updates much faster than the media. Other examples are the last inauguration and the elections in Iraq. Experts in their field post tidbits of useful information to anyone interested. For instance, I might Twitter with web development tips and interesting links I come across, or I could Twitter with timely information about new viruses. Businesses are posting their latest specials and offerings. The restaurant on the corner might Twitter that day’s lunch special. No matter the subject, someone is Twittering about it, and if you are interested, you can follow.
I think the key to Twitter, and the power of Twitter, is in whom you follow.
Follow people who have something to say. If you have nothing to say then do not post. If you do post, feel free to insert your personality. If your posts are interesting or useful, over time you will gather followers. Your followers will tell others or “retweet” your post building your reputation and credibility in your field.
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