Tuesday, December 02, 2008

What is Twitter? - A new social networking tool


Twitter is a relatively new social networking and microblogging service. Read the Wikipedia article on Twitter.

There are several uses for Twitter:

  • It is useful for posting short updates that are not the length of a regular blog, such as "Getting off the plane right now."

  • It allows a user to post an update from his or her phone, not requiring a computer- It can help a user make quick updates in, say, an emergency

  • It can be integrated with Facebook, with Twitter updates being used as the "Status" update on Facebook; this allows Facebook friends to get more updates.

  • The Twitter updates can be fed to a website through RSS and HTML code inserts.
Like other social networking tools, Twitter allows its uses to send out invites to their friends from their email address books to "follow" them (receive their Twitter updates) on Twitter. A Twitter user can follow others who use Twitter as well as see who is following them.

If you go to my blog, on the top left hand side you can see my Twitter updates, and you can sign up to receive these updates.Twitter has some great uses, though some post trivial things like what they are eating for dinner. It is another way to communicate and stay in touch with friends. If you are up-on technology, you are on Twitter.

Do you use Twitter? If so, what do you use it for and why? How might Twitter be helpful to outreach and ministry?

5 comments:

JB said...

I use Twitter...

Sometimes to be funny, sometimes to vent, sometimes to make people want to be where I am.

In ministry it can be used to give perspective, such as "things could be worse" Or to help encourage one another. Also, Twitter makes for great conversations later. It helps to stay connected.

James Nored said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
James Nored said...

James, I think that you are right about how Twitter can help spur conversations later. Like, I probably will ask you about your studying next time I see you, since you "twittered" about it. Good thinking!

Mr. E said...

I have just set up a Twitter account along with my blog. I will have to look you up and follow you (although not like a stalker or anything). Ha!

James Nored said...

Sure, Mr. E. Follow along!