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How to Participate for Twitter Newcomers

Page history last edited by Cindy Minnich 13 years, 6 months ago

Having only 140 characters per post has created the necessity for some handy features and abbreviations. But if you're just trying to read the archives and decide if you're ready to come join the conversation, perhaps it's time we demystified some of this for you.

 

# = hashtag; this groups together a series of tweets on a subject. Whenever you click on a hashtag (like #engchat), you can follow the stream of conversation using that tag. To add to that discussion, you need to add that same hashtag to your tweets as well. There are plenty of programs you can get to make following these conversations easier - see the FrontPage to see who is using what programs.

 

@ - This goes before a user's name when you wish to mention or reply to someone in particular. Using it creates a link to that person's account and shows up in their replies.

 

DM = direct message. These are private Twitter messages. You can only send or receive them from someone if you are following them and they are following you. If someone asks you to DM them information and it doesn't work, it is likely because one is following and the other is not.

 

RT = retweet; when you see it at the beginning of a post someone has decided to share the same post that someone else has made with their follo. wers. This is kind of like the Twitter equivalent of the "like" button on Facebook. You may see a series of RTs. The one closest to the message is likely the originator, but it basically means that LOTS of people like it but didn't necessarily see the original post. BUT it gets tricky. You can QUOTE a message and it puts in a RT. Quoting means that you can edit what's there or add to it. Usually people put // or -- between the original message and their addition. Or add their thoughts before the RT.

 

We tend to use a lot of abbreviations (to save space) - and if you're unclear about what some might mean, ask the person who posted. We're a very friendly and helpful bunch. We hope you decide to join in! :)

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