Feature Article
Twitter
Twitter has become a phenomenon! According to Mashable
Twitter experienced 752% growth in 2008, adding 1 million new users in December alone. I'm one of the millions that
joined Twitter last year (www.twitter.com/kennytomlin) and must confess that I'm still finding my Twitter groove.
As a user of Twitter, I can think of at least three reasons why it is growing so fast:
1) Relevancy - Twitter is the conversation that is happening now. Whether you're keeping up with personal friends,
family members, gatherings, or major news events, Twitter connects you real-time. When the USAirways flight recently
crashed into the Hudson, the
photos and accounts of the event were on Twitter. We like to be "in-the-know," and Twitter makes that possible.
2) Relationships - Social communities online have created an interesting dynamic of new friendships. I've attended
conferences where people who have only known each other previously online are meeting in person for the first time.
It's like old classmates catching up at their 10 year reunion. Since Twitter encourages us to share "what we are doing now,"
there is a very personal nature to the service that bonds us together with the people we are closely following.
Think of your current best friends. What separates them from casual friendships are the details you share with one another.
We crave close friendships and Twitter in its own unique way makes that possible.
3) Reach - With over 5 million users, Twitter has a unique capacity to spread a message virally at lightening speed.
Read about Motrin's experience or
Daniela's
for a couple of recent examples. Many individuals have already grasped the power of Twitter to reach the masses,
and companies are quickly jumping on board. We love influence and Twitter makes that possible.
Follow Rockfish on Twitter.