By Maureen Agena
Globally, technological development has taken the place of face-to-face interaction; with an increasing range of devices for communicating and disseminating information. It is evident that the world is changing rapidly and African Media is catching up with the technological revolution.
At the third East African Internet Governace forum which is being held in Kampala Uganda with a theme:”Strengthening East Africa’s Critical Internet resources: Thinking Globally, Acting Locally”, Twitter an interactive micro blogging platform based on open publication of 140 character messages is one of the most powerful social media tools being used to share information and Network about the event.
A citizen Journalist and a professional Journalist working together.
Together with Ms. Esther Nakkazi a Journalist with the EastAfrican Newspaper, we were contracted as official resource persons in-charge of communication during the 3rd EAIGF. We were tasked with tweeting and blogging during the three days event. I must say that it is very interesting working with a professional Journalist. It is my very first time as a citizen Journalist to be contracted to tweet and blog at a regional workshop.
Twitter is one of the greatest inventions since the internet and one of the latest incarnations of “New Journalism”. It is an invaluable tool for both receiving and distributing News. Twitter’s I40 characters are ideal for opinion, updates and information dissemination, keeping messages short, simple and accessible. These Characters make it a fast platform, one that can be used in the field and on-the-go.
The idea of tweeting during major events is a very powerful one since very many people who would otherwise not have received such information are able to follow and contribute.
Ten Take away Tips for Twitter.
1. Think before you tweet: You can’t delete and indiscreet tweet.
2. Think carefully about what you are re-tweeeting and acknowledge if it is unsubstantiated.
3. Be an active twit: Tweet daily if you want your followers to stick
4. Determine your twitter Identity
5. Be human, Be honest, Be open, Be active.
6. Do not lock your account if you want to use twitter for reporting purposes
7. Twitter is a community, not a one way conversation or broadcast channel: Engage actively
8. Avoid racist, sexist, bigoted and otherwise offensive tweets and never abuse a follower.
9. Value add your tweets with links, Twitpic and other applications for audio and video.
10. Don’t tweet while angry or drunk
More useful links:
The US-based PBS website Mediashift has published a guide to Twitter at www.pbs.org/mediashift/2007/05/your-guide-to-micro-blogging-and-twitter135.html
Please follow the tweets https://twitter.com/EA_IGF and the blog at http://www.eaigf-uganda.blogspot.com/
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