subject: Tweeting the old fashioned way [print this page] Tweeting the old fashioned way Tweeting the old fashioned way
In the past couple of years, Twitter has become an internet and cultural phenomenon. For those people that have lived on deserted islands in that time, Twitter is a service that lets you tell your "followers" anything you want to tell them (as long as it's 140 characters or less). Its supporters say that anyone can use Twitter for anything. Friends let each other know what's going on in their daily lives. People of similar interests can use it to pass along news. Marketers can use it to let prospects or customers know about new products or services. With all of these applications, it's a small wonder Twitter has grown to be a big hit with people of all backgrounds and ages.
It's a crying shame Twitter isn't new.
There is something that has been around since 1869 that is much like Twitter. It's small; you can fit 140 characters on it (or more depending on how small you write). You can send it to people that you want to read your messages. It's called a postcard, and it's been around since before computers were even thought of.
Think about this: the postcard can be used to drop a line to your friends, spread news to your organization or community, or tell your prospects and customers the latest news and offerings from your business. Some postcards even become collectible.
Now granted, Twitter is free (currently), as opposed to spending a few cents for a stamp. People can also send messages instantly as opposed to waiting for the mail. However, a postcard is tangible. You can touch it and hold it. If you follow several people, you can miss many messages as they get pushed off the first page. When you get a postcard, it has your undivided attention. You WILL read it more often than not, or at least glance at it.
So, remember. If you don't have much to say you can use Twitter as well as a postcard. However, if you want to grab people's attention with something that they can touch and hold on to, then the postcard is the way to go.
