TIME for Twitter
Twitter, the social networking phenomenon, covers the most recent issue of Time magazine. Founded by Evan Williams, Twitter is the new Internet wave sweeping the country. If you are not already using Twitter, you are behind the curve. Skeptics who try the service are often changed into Tweeple.
Twitter is a microblogging service, that asks the simple question “what are you doing?”. Building off the concept of the Facebook wall update, Twitter streamlined the process by only allowing 140 character updates with no frills (i.e. photo albums, groups, etc.)
Tweeple, as people who use twitter are called, follow others as they are also followed. Unlike most social networking websites, tweeple follow individuals whom they find interesting but are not currently acquainted with. Building a dedicated group of followers on Twitter is as easy as updating often and interacting with others. It has become a place to network. Tweeple often build friendships and discover oppurtunities.
Because Twitter allows open source development, there are a host of applications born out of the need to find a way to tweet efficiently. It is estimated that up to 11,000 applications have been developed, with the most popular being Tweetdeck (adobe air application which allows for twittering without the use of a browser).
Is Twitter the new Facebook? Will Facebook go the way of Myspace? This is still to be determined. Whatever the outcome, I’m sure I’ll find out about it in 140 Characters or less on Twitter.
