Microblogging is a networking service that allows mobile users of cell phones and other Internet connected devices to stay abreast of activities within a group by receiving frequent published updates, typically of 140 characters or less. Text messages are uploaded to a microblogging service such as Twitter, Jaiku and others, then distributed to group members. All parties subscribed in the targeted group are instantly notified of the microblog, enabling groups to keep tabs on one another’s activities in real time. A Microblog can also be public, with arbitrary subscribers joining and dropping microblogs at will. Like any other Internet tool, microblogging can be utilized for a number of purposes. While many are social, more pragmatic uses including business applications, also apply.
Users and organizations can set up their own microblogging service: open source and free software is available for this purpose. Hosted microblogging platforms, such as Present.ly, Socialcast and Yammer, are also available for commercial and organizational use.
Microblogging has the potential to become a new informal communication medium, especially for collaborative work within organizations . Over the last few years communication patterns have shifted primarily from face-to-face communication to more online communication in email, IM, and other tools. However, some argue that email is now a slow and inefficient way to communicate. For instance, time-consuming 'email chains' can develop, whereby two or more people are involved in lengthy communications for simple matters, such as arranging a meeting. The 'one to many' broadcasting offered by microblogs is thought to increase productivity by circumventing this.
Micro-blogging isn't a short-term fad - it is here to stay. The ability to post frequently, and that too on the move from your cell phone, is what has attract most people to this concept.
Twitter And The Art Of Microblogging
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Several startups have witnessed phenomenal growth with micro-blogging services, most notably Twitter. In addition, numerous social networks - including Facebook and Bebo - have integrated similar status update services. The main ones are:
Twitter is the key player in space and the company name is used synonymously with micro-blogging. The free service allows users to post status updates via SMS, e-mail, or web browser. What's more, Twitter has an open platform allowing third party developers to build on top of it.
Tumblr is a very clean, slick micro-blogging platform. Its focus is on simplicity and elegance. Similar to Pownce, users can share a variety of things, including text, photos, quotes, links, chats, or even videos.
Hictu is a service for video microbloggers. A webcam and a mouse-click are all that is needed to create a videopost. This streamlined solution saves time and effort for traditional vloggers
Pownce recently launched a micro-blogging platform with added functionality. On top of messaging, users can quickly and easily share links, files, or events with any or all of his/her contacts. See our in-depth review of Pownce for more details.
Jaiku is considered by many to be Twitter's closest competitor. Most features and functions are similar. It will be interesting to see how the company plans to emerge from the shadow of its main rival.
MySay is what it says. Instead of text updates, users call MySay and say how they are doing today. Then, friends or family can listen via phone, e-mail, or the web.
Emotionr is a way to gauge your happiness on a scale of 1-10 (decimals included). As the name touts, it is a way to express and share your emotions and feelings with those around you
Frazr is also very similar to Twitter. The main difference is one of language. Frazr is focused primarily on the French and German markets.
Moodmill is a way to express your mood or current state of being. A sliding scale facilitates this process, while a quick text update completes the personalized service.
Yammer promotes itself as "a tool for allowing companies and organizations to become more productive through the exchange of short frequent messages. But instead of replying to the standard Twitter question "what are you doing?", you will now be 'yammering about "What are you working on?'" It is an excellent microblogging tool for coworkers in any company or organization. The coworkers in Yammer frequently exchange short answers to one simple question what are you working on. Through Yammer co-workers can discuss ideas, ask questions, post news, and share links and related information
Spotjots is a microblogging service that combines geolocation and mapping for real time sharing of information. Send in updates which are geolocated and mapped out that can be viewed by the friends.
Twitter And The Art Of Microblogging
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