Twitter is getting a LOT of media coverage these days. It’s almost a bit scary. For something that’s been around for sometime – its funny how the traditional media has pounced on it as the next big thing (a little bit late). Facebook I guess isn’t newsworthy now, so I guess they have made the jump.

 

So what exactly is Twitter? Well until you use it, it’s really hard to get your head around it. Comparing it to Facebook doesn’t help either – on paper they seem very similar: social networking tool, status updates, mobile updates etc etc.

 

The key differences are the relationship model and the content type. Facebook is kinda closed, exclusive and personal; you need to be accepted by others to make friends. Lots of content is kept private etc etc. The content is also fairly unlimited, with a large emphasis on photos and videos.

 

Twitter content is simpler and shorter. Text limited to 140 characters, maybe you can attach a link or two. It’s all open and public, even if you are directing messages at people. Messages are the wrong term, twittering is like making little public broadcasts.

 

The big difference is between them is philosophy. Facebook is about about a lot of stuff. It’s loud and it’s big. It’s like a big house party and everyone is hanging out in their own little cliques.

 

Twitter is simple, minimal and concise. It’s like a giant café gathering of people and everyone is politely commenting and muttering about what they are all doing.

 

This probably sounds all very silly. Again, you won’t really ‘get it’ until you use it and give it a good go, to see if it suits your lifestyle.

 

Here’s a quick guide to helping you ‘get it’ quickly.

 

1.      Sign up to Twitter

2.      Add a photo.

3.      Write a short bio.

4.      Add at least 20 people you know in the real world (and like).

5.      Add at least 20 people you are interested in. Celebrities, comedians, public figures, businessmen, politicians – whoever you feel like.

6.      Install a Twitter desktop app

7.      Install a mobile app if you have a smartphone

 

Give it a few days, and I will guarantee it will all start making sense

Roger Sho Gerhmann

Creative Director