Don't be shy! blog@ohtwitter.com - @dacort - @MarinaMartin
Twitter is simple to use, but difficult to explain.
Twitter is NOT just a place to send the boring details of your day out into the universe — unless you want it to be that, at least.
Generally speaking, Twitter is:
Over time, certain names on Twitter will become more familiar to you, and you will build trust in their opinion. Different people on Twitter are known for their expertise in different areas.
This is what differentiates Twitter from Google — I can search for 10,000 different green smoothie recipes, but if a chef I know through Twitter suggests I add wheat grass and an orange, that’s what I’m going to try first.
Collectively, this makes for a powerful, supportive Twitter community that can make a lot happen very quickly. Sound far-fetched? Check out the Frozen Pea Fund, a non-profit built entirely by a group of Twitterers that’s raised well over $10,000 to fight cancer in support of a fellow Twitterer who has been bravely live-tweeting her battle with cancer.
If Twitter sounds like something you want to be a part of, signup — and be sure to check out our articles on how to find people to connect with and Twitter etiquette.
[…] Just What IS Twitter? […]
Pingback by Oh, Twitter! » How to Connect with Others on Twitter — February 14, 2008 @ 9:49 pm
I started my blog not long after beginning active use of Twitter. Twitter is by far my leading source of traffic at my blog, as well as my inspiration to finally start the blog, among other projects.
@thattalldude
Comment by Shawn K — February 14, 2008 @ 10:00 pm
About 4 months back, I wrote about Twitter in my blog. Here is my take
http://www.krishworld.com/blog/social-platform/twitter-as-the-modern-day-agora/
Comment by Krish — February 14, 2008 @ 10:41 pm
[…] Just What IS Twitter? […]
Pingback by Oh, Twitter! » Twitter in The New York Times — February 14, 2008 @ 11:39 pm
Marina - I have been asked several times about twitter and not been able to come up with anything as good as this to explain why I use and enjoy it.
Thank You, JulieJ
Comment by Julie Jalone — February 15, 2008 @ 5:15 am
Excellent summary of Twitter’s usefulness. When people ask me what Twitter is, I’ll start pointing them here.
Comment by Cal — February 15, 2008 @ 8:20 am
Eight fine examples. But each of these uses presupposes that I’ve built up a relevant twittering community, doesn’t it? I’m probably missing something crucial, but if I’ve never been to Toledo, Ohio, how do I come up with this community of trusted Toledo residents to recommend restaurants to me when I get there? And if I somehow manage to build such a list ahead of my trip, why not just poll them for their advice before I leave home?
Comment by Michael Swaine — March 2, 2008 @ 1:45 pm
[…] Just What IS Twitter? […]
Pingback by Oh, Twitter! » Twitter in Plain English [Video] — March 7, 2008 @ 11:32 am
A lot of people use Twitter tracking to keep track of any tweets mentioning the city where they live or local hot spots. For example, I track Seattle, and I know at least 20 other people who track Seattle too. If I see someone mention that they’re visiting for the weekend, I’m likely to drop them a line. Between all the people tracking Seattle, you’re bound to get at least a response or two. This doesn’t involve building up a Twitter community at all, as you receive track notifications whether you’re following someone or not.
Twitter is also ideal for spontaneity. If you’re planning a trip out well in advance, then polling for advice before you leave home might make sense. If you suddenly find yourself with an hour to kill on the corner of Main and 45th Ave and want a great cup of coffee, that’s where Twitter would come in. I see it used frequently when people’s flights are delayed, for example — just two minutes ago I noticed two strangers who were stranded at San Jose airport find one another and meet up for coffee.
Comment by Marina martin — March 17, 2008 @ 8:28 am