I’ve been writing a lot about Twitter lately. I’ve developed some strong opinions and a revelation that it’s not about what is happening on Twitter. Twitter is about what’s happening.
For example, this mornings California earth quake was reported and traveled across the world via Twitter within seconds of its beginning. Even with today’s technology the local NBC affiliate took four minutes for the first update and it took almost ten minutes for the quake news to hit the AP wire.
I believe sharing what is happening is how this powerful tool is best applied. Individuals and organizations can post events, ideas, or information to people that follow them. It can be as simple as I didn’t like the new diet product I had for lunch, there is a new art show opening on the 20th, a release of a new product, updated information from the local government or sports team.
I’ve enjoyed the fact that some fire and police departments are updating the community via Twitter as well as local sports teams and media outlets
Twitter is a quick 140-character platform to share information and report on events of all types to people who care (Your followers).
It is not an Instant message platform, in my opinion. Actually, following people who use Twitter for IMing (Instant messaging) is rather frustrating. If you are not following all parties engaged in a conversation, you’ll receive the punch lines with no joke attached or streams of nonsensical clutter that often buries content that may be of interest to you.
I’m not suggesting Twitter should be a one-way conversation. Unlike radio, television or newspapers you can easily make a comment to the host you’re following. The power of Twitter is that the reporter of what is happening can also answer questions, update or follow up quickly.
A twitter post needs to be more thoughtful than an instant message because you have a following. Whether you have a large or small following a twitter post is like being on stage with an interested audience. It doesn’t work when a speaker or presenter picks an audience member, that doesn’t have microphone, to dialog with for an hour. A few people sitting near by may be able to enjoy the conversation, but most will not.
As an artist or creative person, Twitter can serve as a great platform to share updates on what is happening in your world. Report a link pointing toward exceptional artwork or a blog post you’ve found interesting. Share your personal progress, invitations, show openings, new products or ideas.
Twitter can also be used to ask questions, provide feedback or even poll your followers. Using the direct messaging system on twitter is a good solution for more personal communications. But, again, I maintain Twitter was not designed to be personal. But, if you enjoy messaging via Twitter, a Twitter messaging system is available through your cell phone.
Actually, Twitter really shines when used through a portable device. The “track” feature allows you to follow a word or phrase much to the same advantage Google alerts offers. If you don’t have Twitter connected via a wireless accessory you may use the search feature at http://search.twitter.com (A recent API acquired in July by Twitter) to find specific information within the Twittersphere.
I understand that for many Twitter is about the conversation, but, in my opinion Twitter is more about presenting, sharing and reporting with the opportunity for follow up, but not chatting. Chatting is much better served using other platforms such as Yahoo, AIM or even Facebook.
Think about how you can use Twitter. What are you doing? What is happening now? What quality information can you share with the people that follow you? The people that care.
Rosh
