Fast Talk

I could see the value, in that you would know immediately when new articles had been written. Of course, the same is true of subscribing to an RSS feed and getting a new article update that way. I don't know how much value an application that allows only 140 words can be to the publishing industry. I'm not arguing that great thoughts can't be less than 140 words, they can. My problem is I haven't seen any great thoughts on Twitter. All I seem to find is updates on where people ate, who they are talking to on Twitter and other valueless ramblings. Small talk is painful enough in person. While I have read much about the business value of Twitter I haven't yet found the value in it for my own business. As you might of guessed, I'm still on the fence as to whether Twitter is a waste of time period, not just for publishers.

Sure, why not? Many people already subscribe to a daily email update system from their favorite news sources or magazines. The New York Times apparently "has been on a Twitter tear lately" - I think it's smart (http://blog.twitter.com/2008/08/gray-lady-is-all-twitter.html). It's just like that relatively new "old" saying goes: Facebook, Twitter, and blogs aren't Old Media's competitors, they're the new methods of delivery.

I tend to share Tara's skepticism of the business value of Twitter, there's definitely some good stuff on it, although "good" is subjective. In publishing, I supposed Twitter could help engage subscribers (the ones who want to be engaged) with short bursts of content (don't forget, you can provide links in Twitter), and maybe some "hooks" to get readers excited about the next issue (& generate some WOM in the process).

I wouldn't follow them.

Waste of time.

Updates with a free "tracker" service (with subscription) I think would be value-adding and worth gaining time on the information circuit.

I could see the value in it for headlines of breaking stories

yes I would. It would follow them.

Probably not. I have four email accounts and keep up with the news on Newsmap. I use twitter for socializing and diversion.

I certainly would, and not just of my favorite magazine and newspaper. Right now, before everyone joins the fray, I give special attention to news outlets that are savvy enough to participate in the web 2.0 communities in which I reside. You may be interested in my post from this morning about journalism in a world of social media: http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/dj-francis/onlinemarketerblogcom/journal... It turns out the two are quite complimentary.

I like the idea because I'm a real Twitterhead and I'd try it, but I think it would end up being a lot of noise. I get my favorite magazines and newspapers via RSS feed already. 140 characters couldn't provide more than a headline, a short blurb, and a link, which is less than RSS offers.

A number of newspapers -- more than 300, actually -- already have Twitter feeds, and some have hundreds (or thousands, like The New York Times or USA Today) of followers. Interested in the stats? Go to www.graphicdesignr.net.