How to Use Twitter

Twitter is a microblogging site that lets you update people about what's going on in your world in 140 characters or less. Well, what's microblogging? Microblogging is just what the name implies - blogging on a smaller scale. These small scale messages are called Tweets. Users can send and receive updates with folks on their friend list, much like on the Facebook application, without having to go through the process of reading and/or posting an entire blog entry.

People who use Twitter have their own reasons for it, of course - like any other site. However, most Twitter accounts tend to be for promotional purposes and cross-linking themselves between their different social networking accounts and other online venues. Sellers on Etsy and Ebay send Tweets to let folks know that they've posted new items in their shops for sale. Bloggers send Tweets to announce new blog posts. Business people send conference notes back and forth. Others use the service to post progress updates on tasks such as quitting smoking or home projects. Parents like to use the service to update what their babies are doing to family members across the world. Twitter is also popular for notifications of breaking news stories via the various media outlets such as MSNBC and BBC.

Getting an account is pretty simple. Just go to Twitter and sign up. There's nothing to download and registration is quick and painless. For the really tech-savvy Twits, there's an option to send Tweets from your cell phone. Just like any other social networking site, the keys to attracting a following are reciprocation and participation. You can search for fellow Twits by name, location, or keywords. To begin following a person (meaning updates, not stalking), just click the "Follow" link below their names. Most times, they will respond in kind and follow you, too. Rinse and repeat until you have a manageable number of people on your list that you are comfortable with. Other social networking platforms like Blogger and Facebook support Twitter applications and widgets that update in real time so people that you connect with on other Internet venues can also find and follow you on Twitter.

Once you get a Twitter account, there are many websites that offer different perks and gadgets to enhance your Twitter experience. TwitterLocal is a site where you can find local Twitter users. Twits Like Me helps locate fellow Twits based on interests. Twitterholic shows who the most prolific Twits are.

As with any other online venue, use discretion in choosing whom you connect to and personal information that you may post. Just because a person is a 'friend', as defined in Internet social networking site terminology, doesn't mean they are as friendly in real life.