Last week we were lucky enough to listen to Australia’s leading journalists, broadcasters, social media advocates, politicians and media academics debate over the impact of social media platforms and practices on journalism and the world as we know it.
The Media140 conferences aims to inform, challenge, motivate and update the audience all around the world over a span of 140 days.
As you are well aware there are many forms of social media platforms changing the way we connect with people, the way we conduct business and the way we gather and receive news. One of the most notable of these platforms revolutionising the world is Twitter, a free micro blogging service allowing you to send updates to other users 140 characters at a time (hence the Media140 name).
Not all speakers on the day were pro Twitter, but those who were offered some valuable advice on using Twitter and provided insights into why exactly they use it in the first place.
Leigh Sales (@leighsales) is a presenter on the ABC’s Lateline and author of the popular blog Well read-head. She answered the commonly asked question; “Why exactly do you use Twitter?” This is what Leigh said:
• To gather information
• To be open to new technology and avoid being a dinosaur
• To diversify her brand
• To market her brand and make it credible
• To entertain people
• To insert some personality into her brand and show she is more than a serious reporter
• To become more approachable
• To create her own perfect newspaper, picking and choosing the information she receives.
With all good things there are usually some risks involved and Twitter is no exception. Leigh explained that when tweeting, individuals need to be careful they don’t disrespect their audience or jeopardise their own credibility by erring on the side of caution before tweeting. She says: “If in doubt, leave it out.”
John Bergin (@theburgerman), Digital Channel Manager, Sky News offered some helpful guidelines to be followed when using Twitter or any other form of social media. He said:
• Always tell the truth
• Respect people’s privacy
• Disclose your sources
• Never plagiarise
• Engage authentically and responsibly at all times.
Mia Freedman (@miafreedman), a popular columnist, author and blogger added to John Bergins tips by drawing from her own personal experiences. Mia offered:
• Avoid tweeting when you feel very emotional about something – it often ends badly
• Avoid obsessing over what people say about you and your tweets – not everyone will like you
• Don’t depend on Twitter for self esteem
• Be careful what you wish for as Twitter can be a very powerful tool.
If you aren’t already using Twitter we suggest you sign up now www.twitter.com to become part of the social media revolution. Good luck!
If you missed Media140 Sydney, the next event will be in Perth on 10 February 2010.
Comments
Post has no comments.