In a Skype conference call yesterday with the NiCHE New Scholars committee, the conversation turned to Twitter. Sean Kheraj and I both maintain more than one account, one in our own names, and one which broadcasts information about web-based projects we work on. Two of the members proudly proclaimed, “I've thus far resisted Twitter.”

Immediately I thought back to a younger incarnation of myself who used to brag that “I havn't seen the movie, Titantic.” There's something to be said about belonging to an ever shrinking community of resisters, but at some point, it pays to understand the benefits of crossing over to the other side.

As an environmental historian or a historical geographer, what are the perks of Twitter and how can you get started?

Twitter Myths

If you're skeptical – and you must be because I havn't seen you on Twitter yet – perhaps you just need some common myths about Twitter debunked. So here goes:

1) It's not about your breakfast

If you've got any preconceived notions about Twitter, they probably include beliefs that Twitter is just a mass of people posting their every waking thought or action to the web. Who would want to waste their time reading such drivel? You're right! That has no academic value!

But, those of us who use Twitter as a professional tool generally don't talk about what we had for dinner, or which type of monster visited us today. We focus on posting only information relevant to our academic or professional interests.

Because we only receive updates from the people we elect to “follow” we can choose not to receive notices about sleep-in monsters or delicious cups of coffee. If you find yourself bombarded with useless messages remember that Twitter is just a tool, it's up to you how you use it. There are plenty of people out there who only tweet on-topic and they can provide you with a wealth of information that would otherwise slip past you.

2) 140 Characters is Plenty Long Enough - for a Link

Twitter limits your post length to 140 characters. How can you possibly say anything of value in 140 characters? It's tough, so many people don't even try. One of the best ways is to bypass the length limit and post a longer article elsewhere and use Twitter to tell people where they can find it. If you don't have an online space where you can post your thoughts, you can sign up for a free Blogger account.

Twitter users take advantage of free link-shortening services (built right into Twitter) that turn long links into tiny little things that don't take up all of your character space. Links posted like this through Twitter are like recommendations from the people you follow and are probably the most important in terms of using Twitter as a professional or academic tool.

If you follow a good group of on-topic posters, you'll notice that many of them primarily post links to longer works. You can then scan the titles and decide if the topic interests you. If it doesn't, you can simply ignore it and soon the message will fall off the bottom of your screen; no need to delete it.

Twitter aficionado and digital humanist, Dan Cohen (@dancohen) has made one of the best cases for Twitter as an academic tool:

“I often say to non-digital humanists that every Friday at 5[pm] I know all of the most important books, articles, projects, and news of the week—without the benefit of a journal, a newsletter, or indeed any kind of formal publication by a scholarly society. I pick up this knowledge by osmosis from the people I follow online.”

3) It's Ok to just listen

If you are still reading, you may be thinking there could be some value to this thing, but you're worried. “I don't have anything to say” or “it feels creepy that I don't know who is reading my posts.” No problem, there is nothing wrong with using Twitter to listen to what others are posting. You may find after using the service for a while you change your mind and want to join the conversation – that's ok too.

4) Will it hurt my job prospects?

As with most things online, it's best not to be obnoxious. If you have concerns, try it out for a while as a listener before easing your way in further. You might also consider reading Sean Kheraj's thoughts on his blog, “Will Twitter Kill my Chance of Getting an Academic Job?”

Getting started

So you want to give it a try. Here's what you'll have to do:

First Thing's First

Before you can do anything else, you've got to sign up (don't worry, it's free). Go to Twitter.com and create a new account. You're going to be using it as a professional tool, so if possible choose a username that is recognizable as you. Your real name is best, but if it has already been taken, try to find something close. “Sup3rc00l_D00d” is probably not appropriate in this case.

Second Thing's Second

Nobody visits the Twitter website – that's so 2008. Most users prefer to use a Twitter “client” which is a program that runs on your desktop which allows you to use Twitter without having to visit the site. There are various clients so feel free to do a little looking around before settling on one. I use one called “Tweetdeck” which you can find freely online. Twitter clients also have the advantage of allowing you to receive messages as they are sent, whereas the Twitter.com website will require you to constantly hit the Refresh button to see if someone has sent you a new message. It's enough to drive you mad, so I recommend the client.

Anyone familiar with instant messaging platforms such as MSN, AIM or ICQ will recognize many of the features of a program like Tweetdeck.

Third Thing's Third

You need to find some people to “follow”. Once you start following someone you will begin to see their updates in your Twitter Feed. If you are interested in environmental history and historical geography, here are a list of people you might seek out and follow:

@NiCHE_Canada
@seankheraj
@naturespast
@activehist
@EH_Resources
@foresthistory

Just following @NiCHE_Canada alone will bring you news from our over 400 members as they post it to our site.

Give it a try for 2 weeks and see what you think. It's a great way to keep up to date with the field and to connect with scholars around the world without filling up your email box.

I've still never seen Titantic – I've thus far resisted – but I'm on Twitter and I've been reaping its benefits for over a year now. You can find me at @Adam_Crymble.