The document outlines a training session on using Twitter for activism held on June 22, 2010, covering topics such as the anatomy of Twitter, building community, and leveraging the platform for grassroots movements. It emphasizes the importance of engagement and communication in social media and discusses practical tips for effective Twitter use, including the creation of impactful tweets, the significance of tone, and security considerations. Additionally, it provides examples of Twitter's role in activism and highlights the need for careful online behavior to maintain anonymity and avoid incrimination.

1. Twitter training for activists 22 nd June 2010

2. Overview 7.00-7.30 - Introduction to Twitter 7.30-8pm - An Anatomy of Twitter +++ 8.00-8.15pm - SHORT BREAK +++ 8.20-8.45pm - Building a community/movement 8.45-9.15pm - Using Twitter for activism

3. Social media: a short intro

4. Internet as social condition "The Internet is actually a social condition where everyone in the network society is connected directly, without intermediation, to everyone else." Eben Moglen, Anarchism triumphant: Free Software and the Death of Copyright

5. Social Media: A definition Social media are Internet-based tools for sharing and discussing information among human beings. The term often refers to activities that integrate technology , social interaction , and the construction of words, pictures, videos and audio. This interaction depends on the "building" of shared meaning among communities, as people share stories and experiences. “ ” What's Social Media? Ask Wikipedi a

6. The Rise of the Social Age of Deference Age of Reference

7. Technological factors Storage costs (car vs glass of wine) Free/low cost How the first leads to the second technology (inc free software movement)

8. Twitter’s secret history… Twitter started life as an idea for SMS social updating called Status Aim was to achieve real-time spontaneous information dispersal Based on Txtmob – an sms platform used for mobilising protestors at the Democrat Convention in Boston

9. An Anatomy of Twitter

10. Twitter anatomy Following People or groups on Twitter you are following. You will be able to view all “tweets” from that individual or group. Followers People on Twitter who are following you. Anyone on Twitter can follow you without your permission unless you set your preferences so that you approve of each request. Followers will be able to see all “tweets” sent from your account. Tweet A 140 character or less message @ Use the “@” symbol for sending messages to individuals. It allows for conversations to take place, and the addressee is more likely to read it. Your followers will also be able to read them. # Hashtags These symbols in Twitter are a community-driven convention for adding additional context and metadata to your tweets. They help people find the conversation faster. You create a hashtag by prefixing a word with a hash symbol. For example: #eurostar Please look at the following video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGbLWQYJ6iM to get examples of # Re-Tweet (or RT) Re-tweeting passes on a message and helps spread the word from friends and followers to a wider audience DM Direct messages allow for private conversations over Twitter

11. Personalise your account Avatar : 73p x 73px Avatar of you/your logo/not you Strong bio : Limited to 140 so must be clear an concise. Heps with search. But also helps with identification: Real bio or not? Real location or not? Customise colours : Customise colour of text, links, sidebar and sidebar border in line organisational colours or personal fave Custom background : Aim for any logo in the left margin, and include additional contact information (email, URL, phone) and links to other social media accounts if appropriate

12. Twitter add-ons Twitpic Tweetvideo Bit.ly etc

13. Twitter clients

14. Building a community

15. Targeted following “ Lists aren’t just static listings of users, but rather curated Twitter streams of the latest tweets from a specified set of users.” - mashable

16. Tone of voice The way we communicate in social media is as important, if not more important, than what we’re actually sayin g To this end, the language you should use should reflect who you are or your organisation’s personality where appropriate This will give you a ‘voice’ in social media and encourage engagement, trust and credibility

17. Engaging: a word to the wise Your Twitter account is your your organisation’s “human face” on the social web It mustn’t advertise anything or post links It must engage others in discussion. The more compelling the conversation, the more people will want to engage

18. Engagement Listen to your followers: respond, add value, be helpful – reactively and proactively Check to see if your fave journos or ‘celebrities’ use Twitter and talk to them when appropriate Follow relevant events, news stories, hashtags, etc and engage wider networks when and where appropriate

19. Using Twitter for Activism

20. The Great Climate Swoop Direct action against Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station on 17 th October 2009 Lots of Twittering from the media, from the police and Climate Camp activists

21. Action reporting & coordinating

22. News updates Mediated Disintermediated

23. On the ground insight

24. DIY reporting

25. Twitter & Media Swoop example Election example

27. The case of Elliot Madison

28. Just Do It! Vs the Daily Mail Using election #hashtags to find media outlet on Twitter Sending @messages to media/journalist profiles Most asked permission or paid up… not the Daily Mail

29. Just Do It! Vs the Daily Mail Using election #hashtags to find media outlet on Twitter Sending @messages to media/journalist profiles Most asked permission or paid up… not the Daily Mail

30. Twitter security Some things to think about… Are you incriminating anyone via Twitpics, Tweetvideos; linked content (e.g. YouTube, Flickr etc) or username, e.g. “With @joeblogs scaling fence” If you wish to remain low-key or anonymous think about your Twitter bio, e.g. Does your personal URL section link to your Facebook Page? Is your hometown listed in location, etc Think before you tweet – it’s very way to say the wrong thing; if it makes you stop and think then stop and think

31. Twitcablary The tool is Twitter If you use it you are a Twitterer Tweet is both a (n) and (v): You post tweets You tweet information Never ‘twit or ‘twat’ (viz. Cameron, D., 2009) GO FORTH AND TWEET!