Tracking Twitter

Twitter, the micro-blogging service that enables people to send small messages or “tweets” to people who sign up as their “followers,” is taking hold in the news industry. Reporters are using it to consult with sources and experts. Howard Weaver at McClatchy recently reported how The Wichita Eagle tweeted a criminal trial. Michael Arrieta-Walden at The Oregonian (my alma mater) reports the newsroom has used Twitter effectively, including reporting on Clinton and Obama appearances in Oregon in advance of the primary election. Other newsrooms, including The Sacramento Bee, have automatic news feeds on Twitter.
Now graphic designer Erica Smith has created a site that is tracking news organizations offering twitter feeds and the numbers of people who are following them. The numbers are small but it’s still a healthy sign of experimentation with new ways of delivering the news.
It’s easy (and free) to check it out. Even if you don’t want to “tweet,” you can follow others to get acquainted with Twitter. I’ve been on it a few weeks. I don’t post much but I am following 15 people, mostly journalism innovators, and picking up a sense of the flow and the possibilities.
(Note: Funny line from David Cohn - “The people who follow you on Twitter are your tweeple.")
Is your organization using Twitter to gather or disseminate news? Please tell us about it in comments.

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