Twitter is still proving popular and must now be past the ‘fad’ stage as more people discover it’s applications. Seems to be that the best online ideas spawn from a concept or approach and spread in application – I wonder if Mr/Ms Twitter designer envisaged its popularity. I wonder how prevalent its use is around the world. I’m sure some student is writing a such a thesis; making reference to cultural impact, technological penetration and similar. In the UK, endless references on the tv and radio to Twitter names of “The_Real_[Celeb]” ensures thousands will be hitting t’internet asap to follow what the [Celeb] has had for breakfast, what tv show they are watching yada yada.
Yes I have a Twitter account, do I use it… no. Like hundreds of others, I was curious, clicked to follow Stephen Fry, Russell Brand and Wossy and have rarely visited it since. Ive not got the mobile phone account for speedy updates, and the one time I did try and set it up it didnt work for some reason.
The only two real uses I see for Twitter is in 1) the form of celebrity voyeurism and 2) as a form of diverse ‘chatroom’ for businesses both large and small.
For me it hasnt stepped on Facebook’s toes and the two seem happy partners in the virtual landscape of “Ah the Internet, what can I do for 10mins…” Popular Twitters like Paul Daniels(!), Fry, Wossy and Brand offer a window into same celebrity lifestyle that sells papers, magazines and fill us hours of endless dross on tv. I guess if you lead such celebrity lives, travelling over the world, meeting stars and people from all walks of life, then these established, articulate (Woss?) folks offer their humour and intelligence in the narrative of their day to day life. I’m fine with that. But for the rest of us plugging away I dont think there are many wanting to read about going to work, coming back from work, going to work yada yada.
So it works for some, and it does seem to work for businesses. Niche areas such as Surveylab’s online surveys and reporting allows Dan to use Twitter as a form of soapbox and secondary marketing tool. Sharing links, making announcements and adding comments… and Twitter starts moving towards an advertising tool. Online forums, blogs, ISP’s and hosting companies are promoting their Twitters – I’d say it helps gives a sense of real-time, of a dynamic finger on the pulse, ‘we’re doing stuff’ approach. Who knows how it will continue… will it grow, will mobile phone technology replace/enhance this insta-blogging tool?
Hmmm, a very loose ramble… I clearly need another coffee.
