News Services vs Twitter
Without realising it I’ve radically altered the way I get, and keep up to date with, day-to-day World news.
I’ve never been someone who goes out and buys a newspaper, although I’m partial to reading one if it’s been left on the train or in the coffee shop.
I used to make time to watch the 6PM BBC1 News, but even that annoys me these days; what with repeated technical problems, stupid questions in interviews, mis-information in the reporting by not looking at both sides of the story … and many more.
I tried subscribing to the RSS feed from the BBC News website, but I don’t always have my RSS ‘feed-demon’ open on the PC so often miss it completely for days on end.
Then I found Twitter, and then found the BBC News Twitter services:
BBC Breaking News- BBC Technology News
- BBC ‘Click’ Programme
- BBC Business News
- BBC Entertainment News
Times Online
Now I can get my News (often as it happens) on a multitude of different devices where I get my Twitter network updates.
PS. Yes, I know, I’m using the BBC News even though I slated them earlier. Thing is, the website is far better quality (but not perfect) news then other sources that I’ve tried.
If you’ve other News services that are on Twitter that you’d like to highlight for either good or bad service, then please share them below …
The other BIG question … is Twitter (and Social Media/Network sites like it) speeding the demise of traditional news services (printed media)?
The news source doesn’t even have to be on Twitter – I use regular RSS with Twitterfeed (see I’ve twitterised my blogroll.
But to answer your question, is Twitter speeding the demise of traditional news services? Yes, I think so. The simple availability of free news on the web was the start; social media is really moving it along.
Having said that, I don’t think print media will completely disappear. For example, I still enjoy reading the Sunday paper.
I still buy newspapers, but only when I have a train journey to make, and only because that’s the only way to get a cryptic crossword puzzle. Such a waste. I buy the paper, take out the puzzles and recycle the rest!
The Zune concentrates on being a Portable Media Player. Not a web browser. Not a game machine. Maybe in the future it’ll do even better in those areas, but for now it’s a fantastic way to organize and listen to your music and videos, and is without peer in that regard. The iPod’s strengths are its web browsing and apps. If those sound more compelling, perhaps it is your best choice.
I would like to stay in touch, What is your facebook page?
Jo – Thanks for the contact, and funny you should ask, but I’ve just created my Don’t Waste your Time Facebook Page here …
All the best, David