Twitter- Just How Social Can Social Networking Get?
53Twitter- Social Networking's "Bug" In Your Ear
O.K., the question of the hour is, "Is Twitter a twik or a tweet?" I guess at this point, I could exhaust my repertoire of Elmer Fudd impressions. But I won't. I simply want to review social networking's new "super nova" site! Twitter arrived in Febuary of 2007, and by the end of the year the site had at least 1/2 million users! Conservative estimates are that the site will attract at least 1 million users by late 2009. Wow, that is mucho "tweeting."
You Thought That Only Birds Tweet?
Twitter features a unique messaging system. The messages are called "tweets", and all "tweets" are intended to be answers to the question, "what are you doing now?""Tweeters" need to get right to the point with messages, as they can only be a maximum of 140 characters in length. The messages are text based, which makes them very easy to use. The messages can also be sent by instant messenger, so one can literally know what you are doing RIGHT now!
So, What Is The Value Of Twitter?
Obviously LOTS of important people sing the praises of Twitter. Politicians such as John Edwards and Barack Obama have been known to "tweet" from time to time. Obviously, it allows them to keep up with campaign workers and close associates on a "real time" basis. Municipalities and fire fighters, who must kept posted on serious situations, find Twitter invaluable. Any kind of life situations where information must be exchanged quickly, and important decisions be made, is tailor made for Twitter!
The Rest Of The Story...
In all of my reviews of social networking sites, I have never run across a messaging system so potentially invasive. Users have to be very careful about the individuals that are allowed to "tweet" them. "Tweets" can come at any time, and at any place. Privacy can easily be invaded. It is especially important that one uses common sense when "tweeting." Without proper courtesy and consideration, "tweeting" can be annoying and counter productive. My suggestion to those interested in Twitter, is that they first go through the FREE curriculum at Renegade University. Renegade University teaches the art of "attraction" marketing. Students learn how to use social marketing to "brand" themselves as helpful resources, which draws potential prospects to them for any business they may be involved in. With the skills and information provided by Mike Klingler and his staff at the university, Twitter can then be used as an effective social marketing tool.
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Comments
Yes, Twitter has really gained a lot of popularity lately. I think the reason is twofold: its "instantaneous" nature, coupled with the forced brevity. People nowadays seem to have very shorta attention spans and tend to discard long dissertations (like this comment, perhaps). ; )
And of course, just like any other communications tool, it can be abused by people who don't fully understand the nature of the "beast" known as social networking.
But where else can anyone go on the internet, and truthfully boast of a true "following?" (Although I don't really care too much what someone has for breakfast...)
I must say that you've pretty well hit the nail on the head with your assessment, though. "Toy" or "tool" is totally dependent upon use. If nothing else, it satisfies, to a certain extent, the "inner voyeur" in all of us.
Wavecritter says:
2 years ago
This is a brilliant review of Twitter. Well stated and very true to how Twitter really is. Great "How To" tips as well :) Thanks!