What is Twitter and Why Should I Use It?

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What is Twitter and Why Should I Use It?

April 8, 2008 by MomentsMom

Have an extra 2.5 minutes? Watch this video for a brief, clear explanation of Twitter.

I found it here but it was created by these guys .

I’m just beginning to get my hands around Twitter. This video helped me get a better understanding of why people would want to use it.

It’s not just full of "I’m going to cook dinner now" or "Off to get some milk." It’s a great way to quickly share a great link without having to write a full blog post or to share your thoughts about anything from last night’s game (did you watch Kansas win?!) to the latest political news. Heck, just this morning I watched a YouTube video called Google Campfire (caution: it’s a bit dry). I’ve always heard that Google is an amazing place to work and this video gave me just a little taste of the special nature of that company.

Bottom line? The little blips of content (always under 140 characters per message) that make up Twitter give you insight into people and content that you probably wouldn’t discover by just surfing the web, reading your RSS feeds or Alltop , or even just chatting with your real time friends.

Give it a try and let me know what you think. On Twitter, you can find me here .

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UPDATE: For another perspective (and more information), read my blogger friend, Jeremy’s post (from Discovering Dad and Thoughts on Quotes ) comparing and contrasting his Twittering with his daughter’s texting. His use of Twitter (and posting about it) gave me the nudge I needed to try it.

Okay, and then, in the interest of fairness, there’s also this .

And, if you’re still interested at this point, Twitter’s 10 Commandments .

Posted in culture, fun, life, technology | Tagged benefits of Twitter, can someone explain Twitter, find me on Twitter, Google campfire, how to use twitter, how Twitter works paper cutout, Jeremy Neal, paper cutout video, people who like Twitter, pros and cons of Twitter, should I Twitter, Twitter, Twitter video, what are you doing | 11 Comments

11 Responses

on April 8, 2008 at 8:16 am Kim

I love Twitter!! Thanks for sharing!

Kim’s last blog post..Open Letter for the Women’s Bathroom
on April 8, 2008 at 5:20 pm Joeprah

Twitter seems cool enough, but I haven’t dove in the Twitter pool to figure it out, this post helps. Thanks!
on April 8, 2008 at 8:31 pm Tyler

Awesome video! Glad I saw this @ home because I can’t access youtube @ work. I’ve become almost addicted to Twitter in a very short time.

You and I share similar thoughts about twitter. I think it’s a great platform for networking and adding value to your blog. I just wish I started using it earlier.

See you around!

Tyler’s last blog post..Uncle Sam Just Bought Me A New TV
on April 8, 2008 at 8:50 pm Chuck

Thanks for this. I’ve been aware of twitter for a very long time been never quite got it. Still not sure I do. I created an account last week but have done nothing with it. I’m wresting with the time issue. How do people have time to commit to this?

Just asking the question probably means I’m still not getting it.

Chuck’s last blog post..Reality check
on April 9, 2008 at 7:49 am June

Thanks for this. I’ve heard of it and figured out what it was but this made it clearer to me.

June’s last blog post..Today I’m “Looking Into”
on April 9, 2008 at 8:15 am Deb (Missives From Suburbia)

I’m so bad… I have had a Twitter account for ages, and I just haven’t been able to get into it. I fear if I do, it will be a massive black hole.

Deb (Missives From Suburbia)’s last blog post..I’m Tired
on April 9, 2008 at 9:19 am BusyDad

Great find! I love how they just used paper cutouts. That’s refreshing. Life is what happens between blog posts? haha! Love that. I need that as my bumper sticker.

BusyDad’s last blog post..W8Loss Wednesday – Into the Fray I Go
on April 9, 2008 at 10:32 am Melisa

My sister adores Twitter and sends out thingies (“twits?” I don’t know!) all the time. I haven’t gotten into it mainly because I do not have unlimited texting on my phone: that’s how I would use it. When I’m sitting here at the computer I have enough distractions without maintaining Twitter Twits or posts or whatever they’re called!

I must admit it makes me want to get the unlimited texting A LITTLE BIT, but I don’t want to shell out the dough for that purpose, really. LOL

Melisa’s last blog post..Contest At My Other Blog…I’ll Meet You There! (Keep Scrolling Down For New Posts…)
on April 10, 2008 at 12:51 pm Science For Kids

I really haven’t grasped the concept behind Twitter yet. Why would people care what I do all the time?

Science For Kids’s last blog post..Floats Like A Butterfly, Sinks like a Bean?
on April 11, 2008 at 8:12 pm Jeremy Neal

I’m so glad that my gentle pushing (kicks and shoves) got you onto Twitter! The more of us there sharing, networking, having fun and promoting each other’s sites the better. It’s amazing how much Twitter exploded for me this week! Again, glad that you’re in the clouds:-)

Jeremy Neal’s last blog post..I Don’t Know How I Survived Growing Up in GA
on April 16, 2008 at 12:25 pm Tuni & G

Not using twitter yet but this video really helps explain what the big fuzz is about! by the way there’s a great twitter client called twhirl!