We'veall seen the little blue bird, but if you're not on Twitter yet, it can be alittle confusing. However, there are some pretty distinct advantages to usingTwitter. You can search for things on Twitter in a very similar method to usingGoogle. You can check up on the latest shows, and catch up on news explained in140 characters instead of sitting through an hour of it. You can find what yourfriends are up to or find some fascinating random facts for the companyChristmas party. But if you're still on the fence about creating a Twitteraccount for yourself, here are seven reasons why it might be a good idea.
1. Learn about a brand youlike.
Everwondered what Mountain Dew's take on Sierra Mist is? Or why Tang works to cleanyour dishwasher? Chances are, the company you're interested in has a Twitteraccount. Ask away! Even if they don't respond directly to your inquiry, theyare likely to post promotions on Twitter. You can find out about Bloomingdale'slatest sale before your friends or get a jump on that new watch your husbandwanted for your anniversary.
2. Your favorite TV showsare likely streaming tweets.
Doyou watch ? Or , or ? Almost everyreality TV show has jumped on the Twitter train. Not only are they on Twitter,but many of them will also read tweets on air that were posted about the show.It allows them to follow what their viewers think in real-time, which can bepretty useful for analysts and viewers alike.
Ifyou'd like to see what the spread might look like for , Twitter's going to have it. Afterall, if you've placed a bet on who lost the most on The Biggest Loser, but missedthe first half hour of the show, it's easy to take a look at what other peopleare saying about it.
3. Stay up to date onpretty much everything.
Analystsaren't the only ones who can benefit from the ultra-fast updates that Twitterallows. CNN, BBC, FOX, ABC and pretty much any other local newscasters willhave a Twitter account, and it's one of the first places they'll post breakingnews.
Didyou fall in love with your new set you got for Christmas? Tell yourbuddies! Not only do you get to update your contacts on your fantastic dinnerlast night, but you can give , because they trust you.
4. Get direct access tocelebrities and political figures.
Haveyou ever wanted to get in direct contact with the President to air a grievanceor to congratulate your congressman on a job well-done? Well, now you canmessage these people directly. You no longer need to use private investigatorskills to find a way to get in contact with your favorite celebrities. Twitteris often considered another way for them to do a little PR, without actuallyhaving to do much additional work. They might not answer every time, but grabtheir attention and maybe you'll get a response.
5. Find new life hacks!
Haveyou ever heard of life hacks? If not, they're a pretty simple concept justlittle tips and tricks to make your life easier. Did you bang your shoe on thatnice new leg of your side-table and scratch it a bit? A walnut should coverthat scratch right up. Are your kids too old to sleep in a crib, but stillyoung enough that you worry they may fall out? A pool noodle tucked under afitted sheet will keep them safely in bed for about a dollar. Life hacks fromyou and your friends can be put up on Twitter, and you may get feedback on howto improve them or find some new ones.
6. It can be prettyhilarious...
Andnot always because you may be following your favorite comedians. If you havekids, and you follow them, it can be a combination of entertaining anddisturbing to see what they and their friends have learned about real life.There are a surprising number of gems you can find, which, if nothing else, canmake you feel better about your own IQ level.
Nowwhat is this kid thinking, takingpictures at 70 mph?
7. It might be good forwork.
Doyou have a job where you're required to know about one or more industries? Mostof us do. Even if your job doesn't require it, it might come in handy afterthat upcoming promotion you're expecting or for the article you're writing for class.With Twitter, you don't really have to do your own research! The informationthat is posted on Twitter is not only approved by those you know and trust, butit is the most up-to-date, and those 140 characters often contain a link to theoriginal article.
Stillnot convinced that Twitter is your cup of tea? Well, here's the last reason...it's free. And just like that Facebook account you swore you'd never get, it'ssurprisingly addicting. Give it a shot, and I bet you'll love it.