Twitter for dummies – Part 1: terminology and FAQs
I have recently noticed that a lot of friends are expanding their social networks, going beyond Facebook and joining Twitter, LinkedIn and others. To help those of you who are new to the Twittersphere, I’ve created an instruction manual on the basics of successful tweeting.
Joining a new social network can be a daunting task, especially when you hope to use it as a professional tool. The concept of connecting with strangers and forging a beneficial relationship online can feel strange and unnatural.
The most important thing to remember is that there is not one right way to use a social network. At the end of 2009, there were 18 million people on Twitter, each using it in their own unique way. That being said, like any community, it has its own lingo and norms to follow if you want to be successful.
Twanguage, a.k.a Twitter language (yes, I made that word up)
All those @’s, RT’s, and #’s do have names and mean something.
- @ = at-reply and is a way to start a conversation with someone. When you put an @ before a person’s handle (Twitter username) you are directing your Tweet to them. It creates a hyperlink to that user’s Twitter account and goes into a special inbox on their Twitter homepage. Many users get alerts on their phones or desktop applications when they receive an at-reply. Other Twitter users who are following both of your streams can also see the Tweet.
- RT = retweet and should be used when passing along information you discovered from another person’s tweet. Whether it is a link to a news article or a funny thought, if you first saw the content from another Twitter user you must give them credit. Using “via @twitterhandle” is another acceptable way to give credit for a tweet and is often used when the content has been changed so drastically it no longer represents the opinion of the original tweeter.
- # = hashtag and creates a hyperlink to anything connected to it. When you click on the hashtag it brings up a real-time list of everyone using that tag. Hashtags are used to connect people tweeting about the same topic, and will often be assigned to a particular event so people who are not in attendance can follow along with the chatter. People will also use hashtags to add creativity and humor to a tweet. For an example of someone who has mastered the art of #hilarioushashtags, follow Sam Boeser.
- DM = direct message and is a private message between you and one other person.
- #ff = follow Friday and is a way to recommend people who you think are worthy of a follow.
Frequently asked questions
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