Since I started this campaign, a lot of people in my life have been asking me what Twitter is used for. Now, I have my own explanation, but I’m curious what you all tell people when they ask about Twitter and why you use it (or how they can use it).
Also, if you have any questions about Twitter, please post them here.
And, discuss…
Matt Cheuvront // Mar 26, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Networking. Networking. Networking. That’s what it is all about (for me at least). Before I jumped on the bandwagon, I thought Twitter was nothing more than a glorified Facebook status-update - which it can be, depending on how you use it. But it really is amazing the connections and relationships you can establish in 140-character-or-less!
That is what I try to explain to people outside the twitter-verse. Some get it, some don’t. Some have jumped in, some think it’s pointless. To each his own - but I have witnessed first hand the ‘power’ of Twitter!
Raivyn // Mar 26, 2009 at 5:28 pm
It’s like blogging, but shorter and quicker. It’s a way to connect with people. It’s a way to self promote (in moderation). You can ask questions and get answers. It’s an on-the-go status update. It’s a way to share your favorite things with the world. It can be just about anything you want it to be.
Kristina // Mar 26, 2009 at 8:41 pm
I hear these great stories about how people meet all kinds of connections and networking and get questions answered and…and…and. However, I must not be doing things right because while I’m finding people to follow, I don’t feel like I have made many connections. Also, I find that my grammar has gone out the window in an effort to say what I have to say in 140 characters or less. But the potential for it to be great is there.
Gabe Diaz // Mar 28, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Twitter can be immediate like Instant Messenger but has a life like a Blog Post in that it’s archived. It’s an open outlet to share whatever you want to whomever wishes to listen.
I recently had to explain Twitter to several coworkers who “didn’t get it.” The usual “isn’t it like a Facebook status update” comment was also present and although yes Twitter could be used to solely give your “status” updates, it can be used for so much more.
The Facebook status is almost like an invite only house party, in which you update your one-to-one relationships. A Twitter Tweet is like a block party where you sit on your lawn and ramble off sweet nothings. You can update your one-to-one relationship but a complete stranger can also join the conversation.
On a personal level Twitter can be a resource for information and to build new relationships with those of similar interests. Self promotion, interaction with your blog readers in a real time environment, instant local or worldwide news…as Raivyn said “it’s anything you want it to be.”
On a business level, companies can connect and reconnect with consumers. Several companies use it for customer service, while others to distribute deals and coupons. Food service…tweet your order, pick it up through drive through, or follow the food truck to see where it’s pulling up next.
Anything you want it to be…join the conversation and contribute or be a voyeur wand watch the flow of info. Every night is open mic night.
So simple, yet so powerful.
@gabediaz
Ecommerce Job... Where are you? // Mar 29, 2009 at 7:54 am
Twitter is the power to text message with full internet access (links) to random people, famous people, people you admire, people you know in the real world, and people you would never but now may meet in the real world. It is the power to talk to a single person or everyone at the same time.
For anyone who went to the University of Chicago in the 90’s (maybe earlier and maybe later), it’s very Broadcast 2009.
It is a malleabale communication tool that you can mold to fit your needs or immagination.
adkfakjdf // Apr 10, 2009 at 1:58 pm
it’s a microblog
Stephen Emlund // Apr 16, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Recently, I described Twitter as a way to mass-email your friends/followers about what you are currently doing. Except that it’s public unless you set it to private. I was talking to an older person who uses email alot but doesn’t use social networking at all. I did my best describing it. haha