I finally decided to try Twitter. As I'm sure everyone knows by now, Twitter is a service that one can use to put out short (140 characters or less) statements called 'tweets'. In theory these little bursts of metal static can be witty or informative. One of my pals is constantly providing links to interesting webpages about shopping, politics, and celebrity gossip. A user can also simply note the day's activities--'headed to work, listening to NPR,' 'lunch at Jason's Deli,' 'chat with student,' etc.
I can't imagine that Twitter is something I would want to become addicted to. But then, I said the same think about Facebook when my students first introduced me to it! Since that time, not only have I found that I really enjoy Facebook, but it has also helped me reconnect with old friends. Being so pleasantly surprised by this internet phenomenon, I've promised myself I will be open to new ideas about how to manipulate the modern media.
As a historian, I wonder what what famous figures might have tweeted if Twitter had existed in the past. ''Accepted Cornwallis surrender, band played world upside down, USA ROCKS!'? Or 'Taking Mary to Ford's Theater, BRB.' Or 'Eagle landed, moon NOT cheesy.' OK, maybe it's a good thing we didn't have Twitter around back then!
But in all seriousness, Twitter is a document of our time. The tweets are little primary sources. One or two alone would be bland and useless, but imagine taking them as a group; think about what a person willing to sort through the minutiae of hundreds or even thousands of posts could learn. Sherlock Holmes could deduce a person's entire life story from his sleeve or the condition of his watch. So too might a very clever historian, who studied the inner life of the tweets, learn a great deal about the working of the mind of his subject. Even if I didn't know my Twitter friend very well, I would already, from just two or three days of tweets, deduce that she was interested in the law, the new supreme court nominee, and liberal politics. Plus she needs a new suitcase.
Perhaps someday Twitter will be a important component in biography. Or it might fade away, just another flash in the internet pan. While I much prefer Facebook and this blog---and would much rather live mentally in my beloved 19th century---I'm willing to post tweets for awhile to see how it works and why my students love it so much. I can't dance like my students, or understand their music, but maybe I can Twitter a bit as I try (constantly!) to keep up with this millennium.
Dr. Revels, what is your Twitter handle! You can't write about Twitter and not tell us how to follow you!
Posted by: Page Stroup | May 29, 2009 at 09:46 PM
There's already a history - a New Yorker writer wrote the history of his tenure there, 140 characters at a time. More to come, I'm sure (you can even follow the whitehouse, but markknoller of CBS News gives you everything going on anyway...)
Posted by: CV | May 30, 2009 at 11:02 PM
I also forgot - the first pics of the "Miracle on the Hudson" were posted via Twitter.
Posted by: CV | May 31, 2009 at 07:51 PM
I am also using twitter. I will check you. Thanks!
Posted by: Business Loans | September 07, 2009 at 11:26 PM
I will look at you on twitter. I have my account. Let us tweet together.
Posted by: Gardening | September 15, 2009 at 11:37 AM
I am have a twitter because it lessen my stress. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Seo Vegas | September 21, 2009 at 12:21 PM
I am also using twitter. I actually love using it.
Posted by: Portable Tap Dance Floors | October 12, 2009 at 09:17 AM
It is better if i will visit your twitter account. Thanks for letting me know.
Posted by: Tap Dance Mat | November 09, 2009 at 01:52 AM