4. Twitter: It just works
(NOTE: This post is part of a series. Series index.)
Twitter is a popular free social media service that allows “microblogging.” You can post short “tweets” (up to 140 characters) to your account. Other people can “follow” you, and you can “follow” them. Some control over privacy of posts.
Twitter posts can be viewed online, via feed, via SMS text message to mobile devices, etc. Supports posting from mobile devices via text messaging. It’s simple and it just works. Dead easy to subscribe to and use.
Examples of how Twitter can be useful to news orgs and communities…
- KPBS. NPR affiliate in San Diego offers updates on Twitter. During the fires, this became probably the best use I’ve ever seen for Twitter. Undoubtedly useful for evacuees whose most reliable contact with the outside world was their cell phones. now they’re syndicating headlines and other updates. 961 followers currently.
- Event coverage. I’m Twittering this KDMC seminar right now! Follow me!
- Community news & outreach. Teeth offers syndicated headlines from Pakistani bloggers.
- Twittermap can showcase local tweets.
