Actually, for that matter, for anyone that is interested in using Twitter and has not done so due to reservations, time constraints or any other reason. It's great, trust me!
I'm sure many of you have heard of Twitter, as I have not stopped talking to you about it recently. I signed up in 2007 and did not make my first Twit until 2008, when my friend Amy signed up for it and found my profile. That was October of 2008... I then didn't Twitter again until very recently (Feb 18th, I believe). I just didn't get it and wasn't into it... well that all changed. Once again someone found my profile on Twitter and it struck me this time - "Hey, I think I'll start using this".
It is super easy to use! It will integrate with anything, be it mobile device, web app, facebook, flickr, IM, blog, etc. Anything that you currently use to communicate with can be adapted to Twitter. Chances are if you can think of it.... someone else has too, just Google it and see if an integration application exists. If you are not sure, then ask me and I will find it for you. I update it when I'm on my way to or from a job-site, during the workday. I'll post a picture on Flikcr that updates my Twitter feed or a video on 12seconds.tv that will update it or just send a TXT to my feed and say "going to lunch". then in the evenings, my blog will update my Twitter feed, when I post.
Twitter has a great What/Why/How section (here), that is much shorter and concise than this blog post!
Why? Because even basic updates are meaningful to family members, friends, or colleagues—especially when they’re timely.
->Eating soup? Research shows that moms want to know.
->Running late to a meeting? Your co–workers might find that useful.
->Partying? Your friends may want to join you.
------------------------
3 easy steps to using Twitter
1. Sign up for an account
https://twitter.com/signup
2. Connect to people you know
a. Search for existing Twitter users by name
- http://twitter - find_on_twitter
b. Search for existing Twitter users by e-mail address
- http://twitter - find_on_other_networks
c. Invite someone via e-mail
- http://twitter - invite_by_email
3. Once you find someone - follow them!
I know it sounds creepy, huh? Well it isn't, it's actually quite cool!
4. The way it works
You get to see what others are doing. That is the whole point of Twitter... no long, drawn out posts (like this blog!). It is a short (less than 140 characters) update of what you're currently doing. That simple. You can say "eating breakfast with Dad" or "on my way to lunch with Toby" or anything you want to! It just updates your Twitter feed, so that those who follow you know what you're doing and can stay up-to-date. You can post links to your favorite sites, stories, blogs, etc. (but we'll get to that later, as that's more advanced stuff)
Okay, that's enough for "Part 1" of my Twitter rant! Any questions and or comment, let me know! Part 2 to follow soon.
