CommonPlaces Beginner's 
Guide to Twitter
Twitter
A free, online microblogging service started in 2006, where users can share thoughts and experiences, 140 characters at a time. 
Tweet
A post on Twitter. Tweets are limited to 140 characters, including spaces and URLs.
Twoosh
A tweet of exactly 140 characters, Twitter’s limit.
@Reply
A tweet directed to another user that is visible on their public profile (not a private message).
Direct Message
A private message intended only for the user you’re sending it to, not publicly visible to other Twitter users.  Activated by placing a "d" before their username.
Hash tag (#)
An optional method of tagging any term within a tweet to make it easy for other users to find tweets based on certain topics (e.g. “Ben Bassi will be speaking at the next #CEANSTweet”)
Event tag
A predetermined hash tag to identify tweets discussing a conference, seminar, or other event.
Ustream
A live, streaming video service that is integrated with Twitter to allow for real time commentary.
TwitPic
A fast and easy way to include an image or images in your tweets.
Following
The Twitter users whose tweets you are subscribed to. These users’ tweets are the ones that appear on your Home page.
Followers
The Twitter users that have subscribed to your tweets. When you post a new tweet, it will appear on these users’ Home pages.
Trending Topics
The most popular topics of discussion on Twitter at any given time.
Picture (Avatar)
The icon that is associated with your twitter account. (Uploading one is HIGHLY recommended, rather than using the default o_0 icon.)
Twitter Search
The integrated search engine within Twitter, located at search.twitter.com and linked to from the Twitter footer.
Twitter friendly devices
You don’t need to be near a computer to post an update to Twitter. You can send a tweet from your phone or other mobile device by sending it to the number 40404. Note: you must first set up your Twitter account to take advantage of this feature, which includes entering your phone number so Twitter knows who is tweeting. 
Updates
A running tally of how many tweets a given user has posted. 
Home
Your Twitter dashboard. This is the page you will see when you log in to Twitter. 
Profile
Your public Twitter page as other users see it, located at www.twitter.com/[username].
Bio
A short description of yourself, limited to 160 characters, that appears in the top right corner of your profile. (Filling this in is HIGHLY recommended, so people like you can find and follow you.)
TinyURL/Bit.ly
Two popular URL shortening services used inside tweets to minimize the characters required to include a link in a tweet
Getting Started
To get started on Twitter, go to Twitter.com and select a unique username and password. Once you’ve created your Twitter account, it’s time to make your first “tweet.”  In the large field at the top of the page, write a little bit about yourself, what you’re doing at the moment, what you hope to get out of Twitter, or anything else you’d like (as long as it’s under 140 characters!). Press the Update button, and your first tweet will be published to the world.
Get Connected
Once the excitement of making your first post to Twitter winds down, you may be wondering what you should do next. Since Twitter is first and foremost about connecting with others, start by following people that interest you.  Try searching for friends and family members on Twitter. Click the Find People link to search for Twitter users by first or last name. You can also try searching Twitter for subjects that interest you, or visit third-party Twitter sites such as Twibes.com or Twellow.com to find like-minded individuals.
Here’s a list of Twitter folks that you might like to follow:
EnterpriseCTR – The latest news from the Enterprise Center at Salem State College
CeansTweet – Tweets about CEANS meetings and events
CommonPlaces – Interesting news and information from CommonPlaces e-Solutions
MarketingProfs – Marketing tidbits and knowledge from a trusted online source
LisaBarone – Tweets from an online marketer
TechCrunch – Online technology news
CopyBlogger – Web copywriting tips and techniques
AdRants – Commentary on advertising campaigns from around the world
Wrap Up
Now you know how to get started with Twitter and have a basic understanding of Twitter tools.  The next step is to start interacting with Twitter on a frequent basis.  As with most things, the more you put into Twitter the more you’ll get out of it.  Whether you’re looking for the latest information, entertainment, or business intelligence Twitter is a great resource. 
Next Steps…
Make sure you sign up and attend CEANS’ Big Tweet event on June 17th at the Art Center at Endicott College.  The networking event will feature an overview of Twitter and other social networking tools by Ben Bassi, CEO of CommonPlaces e-Solutions, LLC.