Twitter is definitely an exercise in narcissism, but there's no better social networking tool out there.
For the uninitiated, Twitter is a "microblogging" service that asks users to write about what they're doing in fewer than 140 characters. It's a weird mix of instant messaging and blogging, and it's hopelessly addicting. As the site has developed over the past few years, it's become an ongoing conversation between millions of people. A quick "tweet" can result in a half-dozen or more replies, and that's what makes it so engaging -- there's just something really neat about the immediacy of it all.
I especially appreciate that I've found a number of Merced-area people who use the service. It lets me feel connected to the community, which isn't always easy for us cubicle-dwellers.
Some Merced residents you'll find on Twitter:
Pamela Quevedo, who sells her handmade "tatted jewelry" online.
Bill Latronica, a heavy metal enthusiast and AT&T pole climber.
Klariza Lynn, a Merced College student and Atwater Starbucks barista.
Chris Volkerts, an IT manager at UC Merced.
And me? You can find me at http://www.twitter.com/brandonbowers.
(The Sun-Star is on Twitter too.)
