Facebook vs Twitter

[Mike McDowell]

Hey everybody. I guess we went dark over the summer. There hasn't been a lot of chatter here on New Media Crusaders lately. I'll take responsibility for not fostering this space more. I think we have some smart people in this group, and I'd like to see us re-connect.

At any rate, I bring up this discussion topic because I have been hearing questions about Twitter lately, and I'd like to get your thoughts, or links to any articles/blogs that have already started this same conversation:
Twitter seems like it is the same thing as the Facebook status update. Is Twitter on its way to becoming extinct? Facebook can offer so much more.

Thoughts? Insights? Is Twitter nothing more than a FB status update? Is it only a matter of time before Facebook crushes Twitter?

[Larry D]

Hey Mike,

Thanks for keeping this going. I think it's a great dialogue if members are willing to participate.

As to your question - I think Twitter has a very specific place in B to B and Self-branding campaigns. I've heard of several people that have had success with Twitter and their blog - which is their business base.

I've also found it really helpful for quick informal polls - very unscientific, but very fast. Facebook, at least to me, is really a very different demographic - but I think that depends, in part, on how and why you're using both Twitter and Facebook.

What's been your experience using it for yourself, or for your clients so far?

[Mike McDowell]

Personally, I tend to gravitate toward Twitter over Facebook, but I understand why individuals and clients prefer Facebook. This is the genesis for this discussion. It has been challenging lately to explain how Twitter can offer a client something more than Facebook. They see Twitter as nothing more than a Facebook Update (but with fewer characters). Plus, I continue to see businesses/orgs use their Twitter as nothing more than a syndicate for their Facebook page, or of their blog. It's difficult to emphasize the quickness of Twitter, when it's easy to see a dozen responses on Facebook within minutes, as well.

So, I'm looking for a better way to help explain the value of Twitter (esp for business) that people aren't getting without using it first. Who, among us, has been in this same position and feels like they've nailed it? Thoughts?

I LOVE Twitter. But, it feels like the Facebook Status Update is really challenging what makes Twitter special.

Larry D said:

Hey Mike,

Thanks for keeping this going. I think it's a great dialogue if members are willing to participate.

As to your question - I think Twitter has a very specific place in B to B and Self-branding campaigns. I've heard of several people that have had success with Twitter and their blog - which is their business base.

I've also found it really helpful for quick informal polls - very unscientific, but very fast. Facebook, at least to me, is really a very different demographic - but I think that depends, in part, on how and why you're using both Twitter and Facebook.

What's been your experience using it for yourself, or for your clients so far?

[Elisa Maser]

I use Twitter a lot more often ... it's just easier to do on my dumbphone.

I agree w/ Larry - Twitter is great for quick questions. One of my friends likens Twitter to telepathy. If that's the case, then Facebook is closer to a vulcan mind-meld.

Facebook goes into much more in depth, and of course, its terms of service put some real limits on it for businesses and organizations.

I see a place for both.

[Wolfy]

Twitter is a better instant response network. If I'm looking to promote a link or get instant action to something, Twitter is the place.

Having the same messages go to Facebook can generate more interaction and a more threaded "discussion."

I also find that different people will respond differently on the different channels. It's not just a platform, it's a network.

-M