What are micro blogs?

Microblogs are the current 'new' online communication tool. A microblogger uses very small posts (usually 140 characters – about the same as a mobile text message) to communicate messages over the Internet to anyone interested in reading them.

Twitter ( mp3 file ) is currently the most popular microblog site. However, microblogs are also used in social networking sites such as My Space.

Microposts are added by using:

any Internet connected computer
a mobile phone.

Micro blogs

How are micro blogs used?

Microblogs are an asynchronous communication tool. Most microblogs are open for the public to see. However, some microblogs are provided for social networking communities such as Facebook for status updates.

Readers can respond to messages. It can be a very quick way to find answers to questions. Microposts tend to have a shorter life span than other forms of online communication e.g. if you post you are going to the game that message is no longer of much benefit once you have come home. student and teacher from Forbes High School

Microbloggers tend to post messages at least once day. However, many people sign up for sites such as Twitter to read the tweets posted rather than add their own.

Microposts ( mp3 file ) can include information, links to other media, questions e.g. what should I see in Instanbul?, answers to questions, announcements, etc.

Who uses micro blogs?

Users can become a follower of microbloggers. Barack Obama on 3 May, 2009 had 1,047,358 followers. News organisations follow microbloggers to be the first with the news.

Why use micro blogs?

of new products, disasters, current events, etc.