Google’s Thoughts on Twitter
Google, the creator of the e-mail god, Gmail, and tons of other useful web technology (including Google docs, a wiki; Google reader, an RSS feed, and Gchat, Google’s version of instant messenger) officially has a Twitter account. Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, spoke out about the success of Twitter recently at Morgan Stanley’s technology conference. Schmidt essentially said that he was pleased by the success of Twitter, but in comparison to e-mail, he found the technology to be lacking. I get the sense by some of Schmidt’s comments that he may be feeling a little threatened by the buzz about Twitter. I’m sure it will only be a matter of time before Google creates something similar!
As of today at 5:06 pm, Google has 70, 077 Twitter followers. I was also shocked by how many comments Google responds to. Tweets include everything from new Google applications to interesting and relevant articles. I think I may start following them!
For those of you who may not be familiar, or understand what all the hype is about, Twitter allows its users 140 characters to post updates, also known as “Tweets.” Users can follow others whose updates they care to read, and other users can follow them. Interactivity is promoted by tweeting at other users in response to their tweets. It sounds confusing, but the best way to understand it is to make an account and try it out.
From both a college student and corporate communications standpoint, I think Twitter is the social media to be a part of! It’s very accessible and it’s nice to read short posts. With any social media, there is a good, effective way to use the technology and there is the not so great way that lacks interaction. For some tips on how to use Twitter, see my post, “Social Media: Are you Using it For Conversation?”
Here’s a little more information on Twitter, for all the skeptics!
~ by Annie Blewett on March 6, 2009.
Posted in Social Media in Public Relations
Tags: Google, Twitter
I find it surprising that Google CEO, Eric Schmidt, would publicly say negative comments about the up and coming Twitter. Personally, I see Google as a company that is always wiling to further pursue technological advances in the computer industry so it comes off as a tad upsetting that he would try and belittle such a company with his remarks. I, as do many, hold Google in incredibly high esteem, but from his comments it seems as if he is trying to take a cheap shot at a company that is trying to make innovations in the way people communicate. Obviously he is a businessman and naturally a competitive person, but for a company as large as Google, you’d think that he would be a little more respectful when other companies are taking Google’s lead and trying to make the Internet a more widespread medium, better suited for communicating the thoughts of our oh so busy world. In addition, it only comes off as contradictory and childish when he off handedly bashes the company and then starts his own Twitter account Google.
I’m not sure about Google taking a cheap shot at Twitter, maybe they’re just being honest. But understandably their comments can be taken negatively. I do however, agree with you Annie that it’s shocking how Google actually responds to comments. I’m still struggling to jump on the Twitter bandwagon, but it’s good that Google sees an opportunity there to join the conversation!
Annie,
At first, I was very skeptical of the benefits of Twitter, but as I learn more about the uses of social media tools, I also agree that it may be the latest and greatest social network to join. In only 140 characters, a company can interact with a customer, offer advice, or help to solve a problem. This allows the customer to feel as if quick, direct interaction with the company is possible, and beneficial. Your Google example was interesting. As Twitter grows in popularity, other versions of the some tool will emerge, and I bet Google will be the first to launch a similar application.