Twitter is a social networking site that allows users to post short text-based messages called tweets. Tweets can be shared publicly or with a select group of followers. While it provides journalists a quick way to report brief news and follow other reporters, tweets are limited to 140 characters and credibility can be questioned with false information. However, Twitter's growth rate has been rapid and it is becoming a faster source for news, with some predicting it will play a larger targeted and niche role in the future of journalism.

1. Twitter JournalismKevin Ward

2. What is Twitter?A social networking/blogging website that allows user to post text based messages for others to read known as Tweets.Tweets can be sent to everyone or only the people on a person’s friend list.

3. Twitter FactsUsers62% of US citizens use Twitter.70% of Twitter users are under age 25.The UK ranks #2 in total Twitter users with the US being #1.Fun Facts1,382% growth since February 2009.5% of Twitter users account for 75% of Twitter activity. 1 out of every 350 visits to a website comes from a Twitter source.

4. Journalists BenefitQuick, brief news reportsFollow other journalistsCitizen journalism

5. Twitter FlawsTweets have a max of 140 characters.Credibility is questioned with false tweets.Use of slang words cause trouble with translation.

6. How to Use Twitter in Journalismhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3RLTIPhPB4

7. Twitter’s FutureCurrently one of the top social networking sites and grows daily.Fastest source of newsfeed. Better targeted form of niche media which is said to be the future of journalism.

8. How to get a TwitterGo to www.twitter.comSet up personal profileUpload media and follow friendsAccess through computer or any 3G networking cell phone