So today I figured, it’s time to blog it.

Twitter’s usability and purposes are very… variable. Twitter can serve as a networking tool allowing you to simply [...]]]>

I often get asked “What is Twitter?”. I explain as much as possible without getting too technical. Then I get asked “So why do I need it?”.

So today I figured, it’s time to blog it.

Uses

Twitter’s usability and purposes are very… variable. Twitter can serve as a networking tool allowing you to simply connect to people of similar interests, discuss a range of topics, and perform various social functions along these lines. This is its very basic function, but it can be used for so much more.

Research

The ability to perform live searches of a word, name, phrase, or #hashtag empower you (the user) with an almost diety-like ability to see who’s talking about what you’re thinking about right now. Twitter’s search abilities are almost limitless.

There is some argument that Twitter can’t be relied on as a source of information because it’s a bunch of people who can say anything they want. Twitter isn’t TV. When someone gives you information, they typically include a short link. If they don’t, you can use your favorite search engine, determine the origin of the information, and verify its legitimacy.

Don’t forget that you’re also having conversations with real people, who mostly just want to help you out. Yes, there are those schemers and such who want you to buy their crap… but Twitter has a “block” function for those guys. There’s also a nifty tool or two, but I’ll get into that later.

Collaboration

Since Twitter includes a DM (Private Direct Message) function, you can easily communicate without the world seeing. At this point, I often get asked, “So what’s the difference between an IM(Instant Message) and Twitter then?” When you DM someone in Twitter, the message doesn’t get lost. It stays on your Twitter account, and nobody can log into your computer and find your old transcripts. They’re kept online in a “secure” database. Also, Twitter allows you to DM multiple users at once, which most IM protocols don’t allow, and it’s typically faster than Email.

You can delete your DMs if you like from your Twitter account, but at this point, why would you? There’s no posted limit (to my knowledge) on how many messages you’re allowed to have.

Consider also, that Twitter is an online application. It’s not restricted to your desktop, so you don’t need any special software to log in, and start Twittering. You can do it from nearly any internet enabled computer (pc/mac etc) and many, or most portable devices. iPhone, Blackberry, Motorola, LG, they’re all coming out with Twitter support, and most have it already.

This means you can collab anytime, from almost anywhere.

Support

Several companies have set up Twitter accounts and have entire networks built around Twitter as a tool for their technical and customer support services. For instance Best Buy (as you may have seen on TV) is masterfully using Twitter to provide live support for their customers. Check out Twelpforce when you get a chance.

FAQ

Keep in mind that when you Tweet (except for DMs) the information stays on Twitter, and anyone can search for and find answers to their questions. How does this help you? Well, if you’re the one giving the answers, and they follow you, potentially anyone that follows them, sees you as well. Or at least when the person following you mentions your @name. Even a couple of hundred followers (easily attainable) connect you (potentially) to hundreds, or even thousands of other Twitterers.

Lifestreaming

Although I recommend against this mode of use, Twitter is commonly used to talk about every living thing someone does, at every living moment of the day. As annoying as this is, some people find comfort in it. If this is how you like to spend your time, power to you. If you do, don’t ask, because I won’t follow you.

Microblogging/Info Channeling

You might not be familiar with either of the above terms, but here’s the gist. Twitter restricts users to a 140 character (including spaces) limit, so you can’t post entire paragraphs like you can on a blog; hense “micro-blogging”. What’s this mean for us? It means that you’ve got to keep it short and sweet. This is good news for people who like to stay informed, but hate reading the newspaper, and skimming through massive blog posts. (Don’t say it.)

Information Channeling means that if you want, you create a Twitter account, and follow only companies, groups etc, that Tweet only about news you’re interested in. It’s interchangeable with RSS, but with Twitter, you don’t need an RSS reader.

Tools / Apps

Since the creation of Twitter, THOUSANDS of desktop as well as web applications have been developed to empower Twitter users with a plethora of tools and uses for Twitter and associated social netoworks. If you’re wanting a list or some Top 10, that’s another blog entry. I’ll share my favorite two with you though.

Flock – Social Network empowered browser that runs on the Mozilla framework. Fast, and VERY cool. Includes a FLEET of social network protocols integrated right into the interface. Flickr, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.

Peoplebrowsr.com - This is a multi-function web app which you can use anywhere on any computer. There’s too many tools built-in for me to give you a list so I emplore you to check it out. It’s free to use (for life) and there’s also an AIR app available.

Conclusion

Twitter is useful for anyone capable of reading and writing. It doesn’t require constant attention, and it also provides (very near) instant responses. I leave it up to you. Does everyone need it? No. Will it make your life easier? Probably.