How bit.ly can help you find interesting people on Twitter
It seems like every week someone in the media is complaining about Twitter and trivial tweets. The naysayers are probably not following the right people (if they’re following anyone at all).
One way to find interesting people on Twitter who share your interests is by using a URL shortening service. Most Web addresses are too long to fit into Twitter’s 140-character limit, so services like bit.ly have sprung up. When you shorten a URL through bit.ly, it creates a new link and tracks how often people click on it.
Plug a Web address into bit.ly, either through its home page or the bit.ly sidebar. Under “info,” you’ll see a “conversations” section, which shows you who else is tweeting about the Web page, and what they’re saying about it. Start clicking on the different Twitter accounts. Since the Web page struck a chord with them, chances are good you’ll find someone interesting to follow.
Here’s an example: I read on Romenesko about a new survey showing the public mistrusts the media, but believes in its watchdog role. If you read this blog, you’ll know I found that relevant. So I tweeted it:
But I wasn’t the only one. Here’s the rest of the conversation on Twitter that was tracked by bit.ly:
krug9614PEW: Strong Support For Watchdog Role, Despite Public Criticism Of News Media http://bit.ly/Ue2EV
nancymace RT @pewreasearch Despite public criticism of the media, 62% continue to support “watchdog role” for the press. http://tinyurl.com/y8ntsqd
RoyHP Strong Support For Watchdog Role, Despite Public Criticism Of News Media – Pew Research Center http://bit.ly/jzaBo
Mike_Padgett Despite criticism of news media, still strong support for its watchdog role, says new survey by Pew Research Ctr. http://tinyurl.com/y8ntsqd
It seems like every week someone in the media is complaining about Twitter and trivial tweets. The naysayers are probably not following the right people (if they’re following anyone at all).
