Issue date: 3/5/09 Section: Beyond

Top reasons you should use Twitter:

1) To keep in touch with your friends, family and co-workers. Network

2) Quick responses to questions

3) If you follow a newspaper's Twitter, you'll be up-to-date with breaking news as it happens.

4) Get a taste for popular trends

5) Musical groups using Twitter often post links to their new mp3s, as well as concert information.

6) Have stocks? Chances are Twitter will help you keep track of those, too.

The Pitfalls of Twitter

Thoughtful conversation is always better than soundbites, Twitter substitutes poorly for meaningful interaction.

Contributes to information overload.

Wastes time. Tweets and their links will significantly distract you.

How not to use Twitter

Don't complain or whine about personal matters. Instead, "tweet" something making light of your situation.

It's fine to self-promote, but try not to do so constantly.

Don't constantly update to tell the world what you are doing. Trust us, the mundane aspects of your life are better left to your personal blog or diary. Also, when you do update, don't TELL the world what's going on, SHOW the world.

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