It’s taken a little time to understand, but I’ve finally started to use Twitter effectively. Well, as effectively as being myself can be. Twitter can be terribly time consuming and just a little bit overwhelming at first blush. So why do so many A list bloggers, regular old bloggers, and industry leaders use the service? Well, because it’s appealing.

The Twitter folks have created a platform where you can write 140 characters and then update your followers with your activity. Those who follow you will see your updates in their Twitter dashboard or through their standalone Twitter application. It’s micro-blogging to some, a new chatroom to others, or simply a place to promote. It really can be used for any number of things. Many bloggers have written posts about effectively marketing yourself through Twitter.

Through fear of breaking unwritten rules, in the beginning I simply sat back in the Twitterosphere to watch others’ activities. I followed a few people, began to follow some of those they talked to regularly (using the @ function), and then I started to interact.

At first, I marketed the posts on my blog, but then I realized Twitter occupies more space than simple link exchange. It’s an open dialog with multiple followers. By participating we can gain more than a small influx of readers, we can begin to network.

I’ve never been one to undervalue networking. The practice leads to business, success, and, well, traffic. Twitter differs from other networking sites I’ve joined. For instance, Entrecard has forums and a message system where I can interact with users. I’m not one for forums because I have to keep track of the different threads and I’m usually too busy to check back often enough to see who’s responded. Twitter allows me to catch up in one place, and use multiple tools to keep updated.

Everytime I log into Twitter I can see who’s messaged me directly – who’s writing about what – and I can choose to update everyone on my current thoughts or simply browse the messages of users I’m following. It’s made the act of networking so much more simple than following multiple threads in a forum or accumulating friends in a social network. It’s started a conversation.

I follow quite a few outspoken individuals. I enjoy reading their rants and their debates on branding, blog etiquette, and media networks. It’s also been a place where I can talk about other issues I enjoy, like politics, gaming, movies, and everyday stuff. But I’m still a newbie with the service.  

What do you think of Twitter? Do you think its valuable a valuable tool for developing your brand? Do you use it for fun? Or have you not succumbed to the Twitter bug…yet?

My Twitter Account

Have you every just wanted to take a break? Maybe have a Second Life? You can! Many of you may have already heard of the metaverse being built by Linden Labs. Second Life may have been a social outlet years ago, but its quickly growing to be a medium for all things artistic, including the art of making money. Big names like IBM and CNN have stepped into the virtual world lugging their brands along behind them. What if your blog brand was to find its way into the virtual world?

First Chance at a Second Life
I’ve explored Second Life in the past. However, I haven’t logged on since they were around 100 thousand users. The numbers today are closer to half a million users. And why not? To begin using Second Life, you only need to be 18 years old and have a computer with an internet connection.

Marketing your blog in Second Life is not something that would be a breeze. It would require lots of communication just like any other social networking site.

To know what it would take to market your blog in Second Life, I conducted an interview with a well known Second Lifer - Kabalyero. He runs a blog that offers news and information on Second Life.

Can you describe to my readers, who may not be familiar with Second Life, what it is?

At first, I also didn’t understand what Second Life really is and different people have different definition of what it is. What I am sure about is that, Second Life is not a game. It’s a world of its own. A virtual world where you shape your own existence. A place to learn, build and meet different personalities. A place where you can become what you are not in real life. Real Life businesses like IBM, Sony & BMG and others use Second Life as a new medium to promote and market themselves. The possibilities are many and what you make out of it is really up to you.

Do you actively promote your blog inside the virtual world?

Unfortunately, NO! I do my marketing on the web through Second Life related blogs, websites, forums and social networks.

Do you see a chance for bloggers or affiliates to make money in Second Life?

Yes! Actually, I make some money in Second Life through affiliates and referral programs. I blog about opportunities that comes along then earn from people who sign up.

Have you seen active campaigns in the virtual world for websites and the like?

CNN actively promotes their in-world media bureau in Second Life. Evian water uses their virtual water dispenser to direct Second Life residents to their website. At my place, residents who visit can touch or click some of the displays which opens in a web browser.

What’s the best way to get started in Second Life? Does it take money, friends, experience, a good computer?

Just sign-up and have an open mind about what it is. Newbies tend to get frustrated easy. I know I did! It’s not a game and will take some learning. Spend some time in the Orientation and Help Islands and don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are Helpers or Mentors around the newbie islands to help newbies. You don’t have to pay anything to enjoy Second Life but a good computer with a decent connection is recommended. You see, in Second Life, the world is downloaded into your computer.

Anything else you liked to share about promoting a site, blog, or service in Second Life?

You can definitely gain some following by promoting through Second Life but like with everything else you’ll have to do some work. I suggest that you join various business groups and network with the many personalities within Second Life. Honestly, I haven’t done many of that since I’m always caught up with my real life responsibilities.

Thanks to Kabalyero for his insightful answers. Everyone should go read his blog to get a better perspective on what Second Life is all about.

Conclusion
From what I know of Second Life, you can pay a small monthly fee to own land in the world. You then buy the plot and use the tools of the world to create a house, shop, artistic spire to the gods, or whatever you like. Then, like Kabalyero, you script into the experience your own blog. This can be a boom for many bloggers, introducing the right service or blog through the Second Life experience may net several hundred RSS subscribers. It may even result in sales.

Whatever the case, it appears like it would be a fun experience, and I’m sure it would be one worth having.