- Posted by zachariahyoung on July 31, 2008
In this blog post, I will describe what Twitter is and how it can be used.
Twitter is classified as a micro-blogger. By using a micro-blogger application, you can stay in touch and keep up with friends no matter what you're doing. To create a micro-blog message, you type what is called a tweet. Several interfaces have been developed to create these tweets. Probably the most commonly used interface is provided by Twitter. This is just a simple profile page that includes your previous tweets and a message box to enter your tweets along with an update button. Another method for creating tweets is by using your cell phone. You can also receive tweets from other people via instant messaging, SMS, RSS, email or through an application such as Twitterrific or Facebook.
So what are some uses for Twitter? Twitter can be used for many purposes. The main way I use it is to keep people up to date with what I'm doing. For example, I may blog about a topic and send out a tweet letting everyone know there is a new blog post.
By using Twitter at conferences, a virtual micro-community can be created. This can be used to keep everyone up to date with events going on at the conference, as well as to share new knowledge during the event. I have also witnessed Twitter being used at a conference to inform everyone about dinner plans.
Twitter can also be used as a tracking device during travel. During a few trips I've taken to Texas, I have used Twitter to keep family and friends updated of my whereabouts. In addition, I can track people's whereabouts to meet up with them during the weekend.
Hopefully you have learned a little bit about what Twitter is and how it can be used. Hope to see you on Twitter soon.