I joined twitter about a month ago (http://twitter.com/SecondStory), mainly as a social network tool for selling some of the dozens of earrings and necklaces I make (http://secondstorycreations.etsy.com). Having been a news copy editor (and headline writer) at the San Francisco Chronicle for eight years, I warmed to Twitter's pithy little statements about anything and everything. It was gratifying to read instant thoughts from the DNC attendees in Denver and constant updates on the environment and Florida politics. I even enjoy the moms' laments, pet owners' endless bragging and discovering what people are eating.
But the real power of Twitter came through this morning as I watched the weather channel on the Internet - being a bit on edge in my Pensacola panhandle chair as I did so. Then it hit me. I could read what people were saying about the hurricane in real time on Twitter! So I did a search for Gustav at http://search.twitter.com/ (twitter's search engine isn't all it could be yet, but this Twitter search engine is terrific). My whole tense waiting suddenly spread to a community that is spontaneous as much as it is concerned.
But it's not all pithy statements. One entry gave me to the Gustav Information Center at http://gustav08.ning.com/. At least 154 people have joined already. They are from all over the globe and with endlessly impressive communication skills.
My daughter went to college at Loyola in New Orleans and my granddaughter was born there. I was in San Francisco during Katrina and spent horrified days writing headline after headline about this disaster. Now I am back in Pensacola, about 3 hours from New Orleans and I'm close enough to help with the recovery. People here are taking a "wait and see" attitude. But Tweeple (Twitter People) are gearing up for what will be here in less than 24 hours.
If my power stays up, I'll continuing my Twitter communications. If the power goes out, I will know that others are doing what I can't do: Tweeting about Gustav. It's the most magical thing I've seen, period.
Some great Tweeple and web sites to follow if you want to get started:
http://twitter.com/GustavReporter Chicago Tribune reporters aggregating #Gustav tweets
http://twitter.com/acarvin The fellow who set up the Gustav Info Center on Ning and who is reworking Katrina Wiki to apply to Gustav
http://twitter.com/93octaneNOLA
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2 comments:
Will say a couple prayers for you as Gustav approaches. Keep us posted how you are doing.
Lois
http://www.abeadedaffair.com
That is cool how people are using Twitter to stay connected on serious issues.
Concerning Gustav, you will be in my thoughts. I hope things go smoothly and you stay safe.
Kateri
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