Don't be shy!     blog@ohtwitter.com - @dacort - @MarinaMartin
Twitter tools, tips, and news.

Chris Brogan shares a humorous Twitter discovery.


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First posted on May 26, 2008 | Be the first to comment

Chris Hudson considers some revenue-generating models for Twitter.

My response:

I think there’s a lot of potential for a freemium model, actually. For one, a paid account could have access to keyword tracking, while free accounts would not. (Or maybe would be limited to tracking just a couple terms.) Tracking is a huge bonus for me, as it’s great for everything from finding neighbors to clients to blog readers to people with common interests.

I would happily pay a monthly fee to use Twitter, and many other people have expressed a similar willingness. Overall adoption would decrease, of course, but on the flipside, they’d actually be generating revenue sans advertising.

Speaking of advertising, there’s always the good ol’ “ad-free paid version.”

If Twitter was your company, how would you turn a profit? Share in the comments!


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First posted on May 25, 2008 | 3 comments so far
by Marina Martin | Filed under: True Stories

@Phil801 learned yesterday that his baby daughter Serenity has leukemia. He has been live-blogging and Twittering the experience as it unfolds.
serenity.png

This kind of leukemia can be successfully treated 80% of the time, but Serenity is in for a 2.5 year battle. We know she’ll make it through with flying colors, and here’s how you can help:

  • Follow @Phil801 on Twitter and send a supportive note. (You can also subscribe to Phil’s blog and Serenity’s FriendFeed room.)
  • Make a donation. Serenity is one of eight kids, and “leukemia” wasn’t exactly a line item in their monthly budget. Even $5 can go a long way towards helping Serenity and her family. (Jesse Stay is organizing a more formal donation plan when banks open on Tuesday.)
  • If you own a digital video camera, I may have a creative way for you to make a donation. Email me [marina (at) marinamartin (dot) com] or direct message me on Twitter.
  • Spread the word on Twitter, your own blog, etc. If you can’t donate, don’t underestimate the impact of a kind thought and supportive word.


Thanks to Jesse Stay for creating the widget


First posted on May 25, 2008 | 1 comment so far

Twitter’s been having some growing pains this week, as I’m sure we’ve all noticed.

Yes, it’s frustrating.

But let’s have a little perspective: we pay nothing for Twitter. Speaking for myself, I’ve gotten a lot out of that $0 investment, including an amazing boyfriend, a new home, a wonderful tech community in Seattle, and a wealth of fabulous people that I genuinely consider to be my friends.

Twitter’s run by a few human beings, without whom we would have no Twitter at all. I’m sure you’ve had your own bad week, yes?

Let’s be good sports and cut out the endless “Death of Twitter” blog posts. Complaining isn’t going to do anything to change the situation.

Here are some things you can do to help Twitter:

  • Send a supportive tweet to @jack, @biz, or @ev.
  • Leave a positive comment on the Twitter blog or the Twitter Get Satisfaction page.
  • Leave a positive comment on the next negative Twitter post you see.
  • Use Summize search to find any replies to you while the Replies tab is down. Take a moment and find a non-Twitter way to reach out to those people.
  • Call, Skype, SMS, or email a Twitter friend that you’ve only Twittered with previously. Use this downtime to connect in a new way!
  • Go out and talk to a complete stranger - at the grocery store, the coffee shop, the bar, wherever. It’s like Twitter in real life!
  • Host a Tweetup and meet your Twitter friends in person. Find a Tweetspot and invite your local Twitterpack.
  • Convert that tweet that you can’t send to a blog post, and share the URL in the comments here.
  • Refresh When Twitter Is Down. A lot.
  • Get some perspective. @Phil801 found out today that his infant daughter has leukemia. Head to Phil’s blog and leave a supportive comment.

First posted on May 24, 2008 | 22 comments so far

Think you have the best explanation for what Twitter is? Prove it — submit a video clip of 140 seconds or less to the What Is Twitter video contest.

Prizes include an 8GB iPhone, 1GB Shuffle, and t-shirts from StartupWear.com, with more to be announced soon.

For contest rules and deadlines, head to What Is Twitter.


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First posted on May 10, 2008 | Be the first to comment
by Marina Martin | Filed under: True Stories

As best friends in elementary school, Andy Rice and Avi Solomon dreamed of one day chasing tornadoes. Fast forward to today, and they’re living that dream — and taking the Twitterverse along for the ride.

Follow @stormchase to get live updates as the duo chases storms around the country. Also be sure to check out the live webcam on their website.


First posted on May 10, 2008 | 2 comments so far