The HAA is Now Tweeting!

Yup, the HAA is now active on Twitter, emitting those tiny sub-blog status-reports called Tweets. Twitter seems to be "popping" these days: Lots more mass-media mention, and I notice more "normal people" talking about it, or using it.

In case you don't know what's Twitter: It's a network for posting status reports or comments that are very short (140-character, the length of a text message). They're used for reporting status, giving opinions, or sharing links. (If you paste in a URL, Twitter will automatically replace it with a short "tinyurl" link.)

You can follow the HAA at http://twitter.com/HarvardAlumni

You can search up and follow friends, and then see who THEY are following, to find more. (Follow me, if you like, at http://twitter.com/scherlis )

It helps that your Twitter Tweets can automatically become your Facebook status. You just have to install Twitter's application in Facebook. (But, not vice-versa: if you update your status in Facebook it will not appear on Twitter.)

Getting started with facebook (DRAFT IN PROGRESS)

[This is "in progress" because I intend to revise this guide based on your comments and questions. Please let me know where it's not clear, or where you need more help.]

So you want to get quick-started onto Facebook? I've drafted this introductory walking tour for the HAA volunteer. We'll get you registered, and into the Harvard network, and messing with the key Facebook features, particularly involving Harvard content.

This tour is long enough that I've posted it on its own page. Please check it out.

About this tool (blogs, and blogger.com)

By the way, the very word "blog" has achieved a sort of mystical intimidation-factor amongst non-technorati (or, as I call them, "normal people"). It's comparable to the effect of "webmaster" circa 1994.

A blog is a webpage, and indeed has become the default form of webpage for people and entities seeking a fast online presence. Technically, it should be a list of chronological entries, giving truth to "web log."

This webpage was created with the impressively-simple tool from Google's blogger. If you don't already have a google account, it should take roughly three minutes to create a blog and enter your first posting. I timed it, assuming you don't customize anything, but do have to guess a few times at a blogname (e.g.: "haadan.blogspot.com") that is available.