Your watching your favorite sports team against a heated rival, a bonehead play really fires you up. You want to let somebody, anybody, know exactly how you feel. Who ya gonna call? Until recently, you just had to sit on your well worn couch in front of the TV and sulk. But not anymore.
Now you can grab a computer or multi-function device (phone, tablet, etc) and let it rip. Fans all over the world are more then willing to unleash a weapon that lets their voice be heard. This weapon is know as.....the Tweet.
I know twitter is old news int he world of tech, and that this blog is supposed to be about what's next, but I feel it necessary to discuss the phenomenon known as Twitter. As in everything worth discussing, it is necessary to set a solid foundation that you can build upon. Indeed, Twitter has become the foundation in which everyone with an internet connection can let the world know what they are doing or what they think. All manner of folk, from celebrities to your next door neighbor are able to cut loose with an update that let's everyone know that they are pumping gas or mad at their boss.
The "dark" secret of Twitter is that it has become a gateway drug. While allowing "tweeps" (people who tweet) to shotgun their thoughts into the ether, Twitter also allows them a measure of feedback from the rest of the world. When first starting on Twitter, individuals share their thoughts on all manner of topics. If the topic is trending, then odds are that someone, somewhere will read it. (A trending topic is one that many people are discussing at a point in time) Say something smart, clever, or witty, and you may get followed. Followers are able to directly receive anything that is said by the one being followed. The more followers someone has, the more popular they are. Kinda reminds you of high school, doesn't it.
So how has this become a gateway drug? Fame is addictive. Make no mistake, those who have thousands of followers become internet celebrities. They have a platform where they are able to push any agenda they wish. Many Twitted celebs have parlayed their popularity into something more, like a radio or online show.
In the world of sports, there is no shortage of these celebrities. It used to be that the thoughts of a small market sideline reporter were limited to their local audience. Now, almost all amateur and small time reporters have a national voice.
It may seem that I view this situation as negative. Far from it. I live the fact that I can get up to the minute reports on my Denver Broncos from the local beat writer. I love the fact that us small people now have a voice. I love the fact that those of us who are intelligent and funny, yet don't fit the mold of a prototypical celebrity, can have a worldwide audience and "be discovered".
Perkzilla
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