Twitter
Once you’ve become acclimated to Facebook, you might want to try another social network.
Twitter can be your next step.
Twitter, founded in 2006, is often referred to as a “micro-blog.” Users send updates, or “tweets” to their Twitter profile using 140 characters or less.
The website was created around founder Jack Dorsey’s desire to know what his friends were doing. Dorsey discussed the idea of building a structure around this status concept with his colleagues. The site launched publicly in August 2006.
Twitter users can follow other users to see their updates appear in a timeline on their home page. To communicate with each other, Twitterers can send replies to a fellow user’s update, or send the user a direct message.
Replies and messages must also fit into the 140 character limit.
Twitter has seen a recent surge in popularity as celebrities and companies have taken notice of the potential to connect with fans and consumers.
Many bands, actors, and companies have Twitter accounts where users can find updates and even discounts on products.
Why is Twitter so popular? According to the website, users enjoy the simplicity of knowing what their friends are doing and being able to connect with others in a simple format.
So, how do you start tweeting? Head on over to
twitter.com. There, you will see a green button that says “Get started – Join!”
Enter your name, e-mail address, and then choose a username and password. When choosing your username, consider these
tips. Click “create my account” and enter the world of Twitter!
From there, you can begin following other Twitterers. Many artists and companies have links to their Twitter accounts on their websites. You can also search using a company’s name or your friends’ names. If you know a person’s username, you can type “twitter.com/” followed by the username.
Once you are at a user’s page, click the “follow” button under their picture and you will start seeing their updates every time you log in.
Click
here to follow us on Twitter to get news, weather, traffic, and consumer information updates!
Now it’s time to start tweeting! On your home page, you will see a box with the question “What are you doing?” above it. That is where you create your tweet. A nifty countdown above the box will tell you how many characters you have left.
Tell your friends what you are doing, post a quote, or make an observation in your status. You can also post links to websites or pictures you have taken. To avoid going over your limit, use
tinyurl to shorten your links and
twitpic for your pictures.
To complete your Twitter experience, you can reply to your friend’s status or send them a direct message to get a conversation started.
To reply, hover over your friend’s update and clock the arrow that appears. An “@” with your friend’s Twitter name will appear in your update box. Type your reply after the name and hit enter. Use a “d”followed by a space and a friend’s username to send a direct message.
You can also set up your mobile phone to receive text messages when certain friends post updates, reply to your status, or send you a direct message. You can update your status from your phone as well.
IPhone and Ipod Touch users can download Twitter applications to track and send updates on the go.
