Even though personal blogging is the main craze these days (especially since it enables a user to potentially make money), there is an alternative for those who simply don’t have the time, passion or technical skills to start their own blog. Enter micro-blogging. The simplicity and ability to post frequently are what attract most to the concept. Wikipedia gives an ideal definition of micro-blogging:
“Micro-blogging is a form of multimedia blogging that allows users to send brief text updates or micromedia such as photos or audio clips and publish them, either to be viewed by anyone or by a restricted group which can be chosen by the user. These messages can be submitted by a variety of means, including text messaging, instant messaging, email, digital audio or the Web. The content of a micro-blog differs from a traditional blog in that it is typically more topical, smaller in aggregate file size (e.g. text, audio or video) but is the same in that people utilise it for both business and individual reasons. Many micro-blogs provide this short commentary on a person-to-person level, or share news about a company’s products and services.”
There are many micro-blogging platforms available to use – some are vastly different from one another in their usage and some are very similar. Herein is a list of the most popular sites. They are all different in their own right, so try them out to see which one fits you and your lifestyle the best.
Twitter. This platform is by far the most popular amongst micro-blogging sites. It has gained enormous notoriety from the media, big name brands and celebrities who are all trying to connect with you, the consumer. Twitter makes connecting with others simple. It asks one question, “What are you doing?” Answers must be under 140 characters in length and can be sent via mobile texting, instant messaging or the Web. Additionally, there are an enormous amount of Twitter applications that make your “tweeting” experience much more valuable. When you investigate Twitter, be sure to take a look at the Female Forum Twitter page!
Blellow. This new social network is geared toward freelancers and professionals who are looking to network, share ideas, ask and answer questions, join and create niche groups, post jobs and search for jobs. Similar to LinkedIn, people can ask questions in a public forum. The people who answer the questions can receive “kudos” from those who ask the questions (enabling them to be looked upon as more of an expert). Basically, it’s seen as a trusted network to turn to for help 24/7 and it certainly has the potential to help advance one’s professional goals.
Friendfeed. When compared to Twitter, Friendfeed is different in that there isn’t a 140 character limit, and you can also see a visual (or thumbnail image) of the pictures and videos that you and your friends post. You can let people know what you’re thinking and doing, and also post Web pages, videos, photos, and music. Additionally, FriendFeed automatically picks up the stuff you share on over 40 websites, like YouTube and Flickr.
Plurk. This site allows you to showcase the events that make up your life and follow the events of the people that matter to you in short messages called plurks. You can post new plurks which tell people what you’re doing, how you feel, what you’re thinking or anything else for that matter and it will appear on your timeline. This can be done via the Web, instant messaging or by text messaging via mobile phone. You can share videos, links and other media.
Tumblr. Tumblr makes it effortless to share text, photos, quotes, links, music, and videos from your browser, phone, desktop, email or wherever you happen to be. You can even customise your “log’s” colour and theme, and share a variety of things, including text, photos, quotes, links, chats, or even videos.
Jaiku. Here is Google’s rendition of Twitter. Jaiku’s goal is to bring people closer together by enabling them to have conversations. It offers a way to connect with the people you care about by sharing updates with them on the Web, instant message and text message.
Yammer. Yammer is a tool for making companies and organisations more productive through the exchange of short frequent answers to one simple question: ‘What are you working on?’ As employees answer that question, a feed is created in one central location enabling co-workers to discuss ideas, post news, ask questions and share links and other information. Yammer also serves as a company directory in which every employee has a profile and as a knowledge base where past conversations can be easily accessed and referenced.
Utterli. This platform is similar to the others since you can converse and post with your friends, but there is the added benefit of being able to record (via webcam) and then upload a video and audio message for your friends to see and listen to via the Web or mobile phone.
Recommended Reading
For more information and advice on blogging and microblogging, take a look at the following books:
The Twitter Book
Twitter For Dummies
Blogging For Dummies
Career Renegade: How to Make a Great Living Doing What You Love
twitter means business: how microblogging can help or hurt your company
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