2009 could be remembered as the year that Twitter broke through to the mainstream. A flurry of news stories on Twitter during the first half of the year, along with exposure to the service on popular televisions shows ranging from ABC's Nightline to Oprah, has resulted in a dramatic rise in the number of people now using the social network.
Personally, while I have a MySpace and Facebook account, I never have the time to maintain them. They're nice, especially if you have a large circle of friends, but they do seem to take a lot of time. When I first discovered Twitter, I couldn't understand the appeal. Now, Twitter is part of my day. Much like scanning a page of headlines on the website of CNN or MSNBC, Twitter provides a single page containing updates from people and companies I have chosen to "Follow"
It provides a quick way to catch up with everyone, in a single location, in just a couple of minutes. That's nice, but there's so much more.
Coupled with a device like a Blackberry, iPhone or other location-enabled smartphone, you can see "Tweets" from anyone within a 5 mile radius of you. Great for learning about local events like the Farmers Market, or hooking up with others at the airport for a cup of coffee before your next flight.
Twitter is a source of breaking news. Like any other Web 2.0 service, you have to sort fact from fiction, but often major world events break on Twitter before they ever make it to the news media.
Not only is Twitter a great way to stay informed about the activities of friends, family and organizations, it's a powerful tool for businesses who wish to reach existing and prospective clients.
The Iowa Solutions Twitter account, for example, is used to inform our clients of technology news and events (like the latest product releases, or security and virus advisories), and the more mundane (like the publishing of this article).
If you've never used Twitter, why not give it a try? It's free, and it only takes a couple of minutes to get signed up. After you sign up, use their "Find People" search function for some people to follow. If you're into music, follow musicians. Movies? Follow actors. Technology? Follow Microsoft, Cisco, Sonicwall, ZDNet, CNet etc.
Add Twitter to your favorites on your browser, or go grab a twitter app for your Blackberry, iPhone or Pre. Check it once a day for new info from people you follow, and if you have information to share, tweet! Tell your Facebook and MySpace friends you're on Twitter and they can follow you too.
Oh.. and be sure to follow IASCR (http://twitter.com/IASCR) for the latest updates from Iowa Solutions...
Author: John