I would have to concur with Marshall Kirkpatrick. I also now use Twitter as a working tool, not just for ’status upates’ (which I don’t really do any more unless I can say something vaguely informative or funny). I use it to interrogate and interact with my work and social contacts. It’s now one big ongoing conversation which can help me in my work, and especially in writing stories. I also was one of those who broke the story about Google buying Jaiku, and I got that because of seeing a Twitter post from a contact. As Marshall says:
People laugh at Twitter, and they can go ahead and laugh for all I care, but I’m here to tell you that it can be invaluable. Aside from the personal connectedness and relationship maintenance it’s good for, let’s be honest – it’s paying my rent. (Thanks Twitter!) I don’t mean they’ve hired me as a consultant, though I would love that, I mean Twitter is great for news discovery.
Indeedy. I’m getting more
Indeedy. I’m getting more and more quality contacts, feedback, intelligence and news from twitter. As you say, it’s also very useful when writing stories.
Great ego boost when people follow your tweet nothings…
I’d like to see a version
I’d like to see a version that allows a closed group – I can see real value in that. I might even pay for a function that allows me to create closed groups. Does Twiter have any revenue streams yet?
I’d like to see a version
I’d like to see a version that allows a closed group – I can see real value in that. I might even pay for a function that allows me to create closed groups. Does Twitter have any revenue streams yet?
I couldn’t agree more!
I couldn’t agree more! Twitter is a fast and fun way to keep in touch and spark new ideas and relationships. I can see how journalists use it for sure. On the flip side, as a PR pro, I use it to get story ideas that will help me turn my client’s news into a trend or take advantage of a hot topic in media pitching. Those who laugh at Twitter just don’t get it and that’s fine with me because it’s giving me an edge…for the moment.
Jennifer
http://www.speakmediablog.com
http://www.andersonjonespr.com
I am quite new on Twitter and that’s how I found your blog, btw, so thanks to @shelisrael.
I have to say that I like it, but I think it is difficult to get started. You have to find external applications to help you find your way through.
Since I am very interested in everything viral, I am sure I will learn a lot from other tweeps.
Greg