Microblogging!

Microblogs? 


Microblogging is a networking service that allows mobile users and other Internet connected devices to stay informed of activities within a group by receiving frequent published updates, usually around 140 characters or less. Text messages are uploaded to a microblogging service such as Twitter, Jaiku and others, then distributed to group members. All parties subscribed in the targeted group are instantly notified of the microblog, enabling groups to keep tabs on one another’s activities in real time. 






Twitter


'Twitter offers a way for individuals to provide more detailed status updates to their friends, family and contacts. And, crucially, it delivers those updates across a variety of different media - either through its website, over instant messaging or by SMS to your mobile phone.'- Guardian.com

Twitter has many tools which allow you to  'follow' receive and send 'tweets' and keep in touch with friends and celebrities across the world for free. 

The set up process is very easy. When you enter the twitter website a large sign up icon is situated in the left hand corner. It then asks for a series of personal information, and only takes a few minutes to set your Twitter account and be a member of the microblog. This is a big positive as people don't have a unlimited amount of time to complete long registration forms and they are also boring and put the user off.

'Tweeting' or text based messages are the main part of Twitter. The tweets contain up to 140 characters, as they where originally designed for use on phones and handheld devices. The 'following' feature allows you to subscribe or invite other people on twitter and then you can see their numerous peoples pages on your own Twitter account. This is a very useful feature as it means you can track your friends and celebrities in one place 

without having to go to search for them and waste time. 

As with any site there are advantages and disadvantages to it: A big advantage of twitter is that it has a simple and easy to navigate layout. This makes it very easy for people to use and enjoy Twitter without stress. It is also very easy to quickly post messages and comment on 'tweets'. This is essential as people especially celebrities are busy and Twitter allows them to do this on the go via a phone or a portable device. 

Another advantage to Twitter is its popularity. Twitter is the biggest microblog in the world. there is '190 million visitors monthly' Wikipedia. This is more than its competitors so that make Twitter the best in its class. The popularity also makes it easier to find new friends, and popular celebrities will use the best microblog and Twitter is that. 

There are some minor cons to Twitter. Twitter is a text based site and is very basic. This means that u cannot share photos, videos etc which you can do using a regular blog. Also tweets are limited to only 140 characters in length. This only allows you to write very little and sometimes this means that people cant express themselves properly which contradicts the whole idea of the site. So Twitter is not good if you intend to write large amounts. Also like blogs some people may find it effort to update their profile all the time, this may lead to the loss in your followers and prevent people staying in contact with each other.

There have been many controversial issues that have arisen on Twitter. Celebrities are usually at the heart of these issues and here are some examples in the news. 


England cricket star Kevin Pietersen was fined over a Twitter rant. See story 
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/kevinpietersen/7974071/Kevin-Pietersen-facing-disciplinary-action-over-Twitter-outburst.html