So what exactly is Twitter?

Twitter is a microblogging application freely available on the Internet that allows you to communicate and share information 24/7. Blogging meaning writing on the net and micro for the restriction on the number of characters you can use in your messages. In addition, Twitter is a social network, a place where people share ideas on the Internet.
It works like this. You sign up, create an identity (usually your own name) and start writing some content with the fascinating challenge of using 140 characters or less to get your point across. Next, search for your friends who have also set up an account and “follow” their tweets. Tweets are those 140 character announcements. In the beginning it may seem as if you are announcing your earth-shattering events to cyberspace, but it doesn’t take long to build up a network. When you do, it may very well be that the “Meeting at Tim’s. Having a great latte.” is a message to your weight watching supporters who would be really happy that you found a low-calorie drink at Tim’s and they can add it to their list of ok foods.

I like to think of Twitter as a worldwide classroom. A place where everyone is a teacher and the knowledge base is limitless and best of all, you can talk all you want. It’s the “social” feature of Twitter that “speaking your mind bit” that sets it apart from search engines like Google. Instead of getting a list of search results, your Twitter network will give you a personal perspective on your search for knowledge.

At one time or the other we may all have reached for the yellow pages to find a restaurant that serves Italian food. Now we surf the web, find a restaurant, read the menu and try to decide, if they really know how to cook pasta properly. Doesn’t matter, if you use the yellow pages or search on the Internet, you may still not have your answer.

For all those critics who frown on using Twitter, here’s the magic of social networks and the benefits of using Twitter. You tweet out a question; “What’s the best place in town to get real Italian food?” With in minutes your network tweets back their recommendations and comments about local eaterys that serve Italian food. If you own a local restaurant, you really want to be on Twitter so you can hear what people are saying about your food and service. If the reviews are negative, you can respond to the criticism; tell people that you got the message; will make improvements and then tweet out your latest specials. Remember that latte at Tim’s? Personal recommendations and commendations are the best advertisements.

The stats for Twitter show over a hundred million users populate the Twitter network. Relax they aren’t all going to be our friends. Those millions of Twitters have built networks of like-minded individuals by “following” each other and sharing their knowledge and skill sets and yes what they ate for breakfast. It’s that network that has brought people from all parts of the world to centre stage. In unprecedented numbers ordinary people are in charge of sharing information, writing history, influencing policy and making a better world. You can follow me. My Twitter ID is lornacost.