25 September 2009

Writing sample: Tips for the Twitter-Challenged

Here's another writing sample. Comments and critiques on any of my writing is most welcome! The assignment for this was a 250-300 word blog-style post on Twitter tips:
Tips for the Twitter Challenged

Don't you hate being the last one to figure stuff out? Twitter is a great example: a powerful and dynamic resource that favors the resourceful. Here are a few tips on getting the most out of Twitter.

Bone up on your txt. You'll need to understand the abbreviations people use, and you'll be able to say more if you can use txt effectively. Do a web search for "txt dictionary".

Use widgets and apps. Twitterers have built widgets and applications to add power to Twitter, whether you want to keep track of followers, connect to content on other sites, or include images or video. A widget connects your website to Twitter; an application allows you to use Twitter more powerfully. The "Goodies" link at the bottom of your Twitter home page will get you started.

Hashtag your tweets. Hashtagging makes it easier for people to find your tweets and join in the conversation. It's easy: just add a pound-sign (#) in front of key words. For example, to hashtag this post, it might start or end with "#tips".

Search, search, search! Use the search feature on words you use in your tweets, (especially key words that you hashtag,) to see who else is tweeting about the same topics. Then you can start conversations with those Twitterers and build new relationships.

Twitter has more possibilities, and new applications are popping up every day. But these basics will help you start strong on Twitter, and build a solid base. And if there's one last tip to remember, it's this: don't be afraid to ask questions. After all, everyone on Twitter loves to talk!

2 comboxers:

Amy said...

I'm waiting for your email to send you out the edit on the other article.

However, this article looks like it has the same problem as the other one. Have you ever used Twitter?

Also, I'd expect you do some research for me in an article.

For instance, don't say do a web search for 'txt dictionary'. You do the search, come up with 2 or 3 of the best or most popular and then add do a web search.

Robert said...

Re: doing the research for you. I wasn't sure whether or how to handle links and other sorts of references in these writing samples. (The agency asked for MS-Word documents. They also said that a guidebook would be supplied once I was hired.)

Anyway, we'll see about that.

I guess my question is, what is it about the articles that makes you ask, "Have you ever even..."? What are the tell-tale signs?