Twitter is quickly becoming the “must have” social network of this decade. Every radio station, news channel, TV show and celebrity now seems to have a Twitter Account. You can’t go a day without reading or hearing about it. So what’s all the hype?
Twitter is a “micro-blogging” network. Simply put, it’s texting on steroids. Twitter even has it’s own language, with dictionaries now posted everywhere (Twittonary, Twictionary). Founded on a “less is more” concept, Tweeps (twitter for people) tweet (post) information in 140 characters or less. Tweets are anything from daily activities to marketing campaigns. People post quotes for inspiration, jokes, tips, links to other articles and more.
They have successfully found a way to bring all people to an equal level. An everyday Joe can now see exactly what his favorite celebrity is doing. A job seeker can interact with the CEO at a company he would like to work for. Entrepreneurs can instantly market and network with people all over the world. Anybody can find like minded individuals to chat with or help using the simple search feature. It doesn’t get any easier than Twitter!
Unlike other Social Media Sites, Twitter is simplified. It’s easy to update without a lot of frills. It’s also very easy to find, follow and be followed. New apps are making it more and more useful with the ability to form groups, post videos and share music. It’s easy to add to your FaceBook, LinkedIn, or other accounts. While it seems a bit overwhelming at first, once you get started you just can’t stop.
The successful Tweep builds a network by “following” others and by being “followed”. The tweets of those you follow show up in your stream, so you want to make sure that they are interesting to you. Likewise, those who follow you will see your tweets in their stream. Networks are built by using apps such as TwitterGrader and Twellow to find people that share common interests. Most will follow you in return – a sign of respect and a way of saying thank you in the Twitter community. Another great way to grow is by following recommendations and by being recommended on #followfriday (an event where Tweeps recommend others they feel would add value to their followers network).
The entire experience reminds me of a quote by the late J.G. Ballard:
“Twenty years ago, no one could have imagined the effects the Internet would have: entire relationships flourish, friendships prosper. … There’s a vast new intimacy and accidental poetry, not to mention the weirdest porn. The entire human experience seems to unveil itself like the surface of a new planet.”
Twitter is quickly becoming what email once was – new and exciting. with some embracing it while others fear it. If you are one of those who simply cannot understand the hype why not give it a try – it’s fun, interesting and addictive!
About the Author: Kimberly Smith is an independent PR Rep, Social Media Consultant and Blogger. She lives in Newark, CA with her husband and two teenage boys. Follow her on Twitter http://twitter.com/kimberlyrsmith to get inspirational quotes, marketing tips, breaking news and more. More articles can be seen on her blogs: The Daily Brief and TFT’s Insider.
3 Comments
May 6, 2009 at 3:38 am
Hi, interesting post. I have been thinking about this topic,so thanks for posting. I will certainly be coming back to your posts. Keep up the good posts
April 23, 2009 at 4:58 am
Love this blog I’ll be back when I have more time.
April 23, 2009 at 5:31 am
I’m glad you like it