The document provides guidelines for using Twitter effectively, including tips for searching, verifying tweets, and live tweeting. It emphasizes the importance of respecting copyright when using images and the need to verify information before retweeting. Additionally, it advises on managing Twitter lists and being cautious about personal tweets to maintain credibility.

1. Twitter 2.0: Now what?

2. Searching Twitter Searching for something on Twitter can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. How do we get specific? Go to search.twitter.com and click on advanced search Gives you the opportunity to search via keyword and location Helps filter out the noise

3. Applications Echofon (iPhone, Firefox plug in, iPad, Mac, PC) Tweetdeck (desktop, iPhone, Android, Chrome) Hootsuite (Web-based, iPhone, Android, iPad) UberSocial (iPhone, Android, BlackBerry) Official Twitter app (iPhone, BB, Android)

4. Can I just take that picture someone tweeted? Easy answer is no You should always verify the photo’s contents before taking it and using it for news purposes Also respect others’ copyright: @reply or DM identifying who you are, who you represent and that you’d like to use the photo Always ask for who the proper credit should go to

5. Verifying tweets Just because someone tweets it doesn’t make it so For example, Gadhafi was killed on Twitter months before he actually was (and many times over) Tweets, and their corresponding Twitter accounts, should be verified as you would any other source

6. Verifying tweets Things to keep in mind when trying to verify a tweet: Who tweeted it? How old is their account? How often do they tweet? Are others tweeting the same info (not RTs)? Reach out and ask to contact the user offline If in doubt, leave it out

7. Live tweeting If you’re going to live-tweet something, be sure to warn your followers ahead of time Remember, you only have 140 characters, so make every tweet count Provide colour, background, quotes, don’t just give a play by play Change it up: Take pictures and tweet those to add more variety to your stream

8. Do I delete the tweet? Twitter is an immediate medium. Because it’s not just on the web, there is no way to completely delete your tweet If you make a mistake, acknowledge it in a follow up tweet, and to those who tell you you’re wrong Be transparent, don’t try to hide it: Because people can RT your tweet, it’s recommended you do not delete to “cover” your tracks

9. Using lists You can create or follow other people’s lists Lists allow you to group or organizers accounts You don’t have to follow the accounts to put them on a list Lists can be a great way to follow accounts (such as politicians) so it doesn’t look like you favour one candidate over another

10. Is there anything I can’t tweet? Make sure you follow the Star’s social media policy Don’t tweet anything partisan that could undermine your credibility or the credibility of the paper Tweet about your personal life with caution, remember your tweets are public If you have questions, ask your supervisor

11. Any questions?