News of Twitter’s IPO brought the fast-paced social network back into the limelight late last week. Despite that there are millions of individuals and organizations using the platform for personal and professional use, there are many others who are still confused about Twitter. In light of the company going public, we reached out to Sven Reigle ’07–who helps candidates with advertising strategies as part of Twitter’s political team–to help explain what makes this social media tool so popular.
Q. E-TOWN NOW: There are still a lot of folks who are confused by Twitter and its popularity. How do you explain to these kinds of people what it is and why it matters?
Photo courtesy Sven Reigle.
A. SVEN: It’s the best way to connect with people around events, big moments and with each other. Twitter isn’t a social network, it’s an information network that gives information at breakneck speed. There isn’t anything else like it.
My advice for people who join the platform: just follow accounts that give information around your passions. (Also, take 10 minutes to understand RTs, hashtags, etc.). You don’t have to Tweet – just can just listen. It’s up to you.
Q. When and why did you join Twitter? – the platform, not the staff, that is!
A. I joined the platform in 2008, when Twitter was still in it’s infancy. Over the years, I have found it to become more of a utility versus another mobile app. At heart, I’m a news junkie and this is the best way to stay on top of the stories I care about. It’s also the best way to be part of current events — as I found out recently.
Unfortunately, I was very near where a man set himself on fire on the national mall. I tweeted a photo of the aftermath and several news outlets used me and my photo as part of the long-form story telling and reporting. This happened within minutes! You can follow me at @FollowSven.
At heart, I’m a news junkie and [Twitter] is the best way to stay on top of the stories I care about…”
Q. Whose tweets do you find most valuable, thought-provoking? Why?
A. I’m a big fan of the Dalai Lama. His Tweets are an inspiration as I wake up each morning. I also follow many photo accounts, because I’m an avid photographer. I don’t just appreciate the art that’s being shared, but also the inspiration to help me improve my own photos.
Q. What do you think of the hashtag’s entry into pop culture – more specifically, as in the word being spoken in conversation, you know, where you can’t click on it to see other people saying the same thing? Example: “I can’t believe I missed the train! Hashtag now what.”
A. The hashtag is simple. It’s giving a way for people to connect across a topic digitally (TV show, sporting event or breaking news). When people use “hashtag” when speaking, I think it’s part of the evolution in language. Languages are constantly changing and this could be part of the modern vernacular. However, I’m not sure how long this will stick around.
Q. In 140 characters or less, tell non-tweeters why they need to cave in.
A. Why not? This is the best way to share and learn about your passions!
[highlight]You can follow E-town College on Twitter at @etowncollege.[/highlight]