What exactly is Twitter?
Twitter is a way of finding out what other people are doing... right now! You create a profile for yourself and then send out or receive messages. You send to your "followers" and you receive from those you “follow”.
The service is completely free to use - You choose a username and can update your Twitter page from the website or your mobile.
How do people use it?
Twitter users write about what they’re doing using just 140 characters. It could be what you’re having for your tea, an interesting web page you’d like to share with the world, or you can even express your opinions on the Latvian Eurovision entry.
But what kind of people can I follow?
You can "follow" whoever you like as long as they have a Twitter account. This could be anyone from your best friend to President Obama, other celebrities and even BBC_Radio_2
Simply, whoever you’re interested in. But remember, the more people you follow, the more messages you will receive. Some Twitter users will tell you every time they make a cup of tea which can get quite annoying! But conversely it’s a great way to follow the personal thoughts of everyone from relatives to showbiz stars.
What’re all these @ signs everywhere?
Users can put an @ before somebody’s username to send them a message that the whole world can see.
For example, here's Ex-Darkness singer Justin Hawkins thanking Simon Mayo for inviting him on Drivetime:
@simonmayo Thanks again for yesterday - several people have contacted me regarding the roadie work. I'll never have to lift an amp again!
…to which Simon responded:
@JustinHawkins happy to help-get Chickens out as a single!
Which Radio 2 Presenters are on Twitter?
As well as Simon Mayo and Chris Evans, you can also follow Twitter updates from Terry Wogan, Alan Carr, Jonathan Ross, Claudia Winkleman, Janice Long, Stuart Maconie, Mark Radcliffe, Bob Harris, Pudsey Bear, Jonny Saunders, Rebecca Pike and even Hospital Radio (and occasional Radio 2 Comedy) star Ivan Brackenberry.
LINKS:
Twitter
Radio 2 on Twitter
Celebs Who Twitter
BBC Click: Guide and tips for using Twitter
BBC Internet Blog: Talking Twitter
