About Twitter

If you're new to social networking, you're probably asking yourself, "What is Twitter all about?" The Twitter service has really taken off since it first appeared on the Internet, and it seems like everyone is talking about it.

Tweet, Tweet?

Twitter is one of a new crop of social networks called microblogging. It is exactly what it sounds like: Blogging on a much smaller scale than long winded posts and diatribes. What this means for Twitter is that posts are limited to 140 characters, so users have to get right to the point. There's no room for frills or pretense!

What's the Point of Twitter?

A lot of people think Twitter is silly, but it's growing by leaps and bounds. Since it's a social network, you can follow people's "tweets" - the word used for a Twitter post - and see what they're up to during the day. You can follow celebrities and other important folks, and the service creates a connection between you and people with whom you might not otherwise interact.

Twitter has business uses as well. Many companies are setting up Twitter accounts so that their users, fans and customers can keep tabs on what's going on with them. For example, a local restaurant might post what specials are on the menu that day, and a book publisher might let readers know that an author will be speaking at an event. It's a handy tool for keeping in touch with your customers and builds loyalty by encouraging personal interaction.

When it comes to Twitter, the sky's the limit. The only real limitation is your imagination.