Just the basics of Twitter for complete newbies.

1. What is it, what you can do with it, and why you should care Mary Spiro ~ Science Writer/Media Relations Director Johns Hopkins University Engineering in Oncology Center April 7, 2010 First Annual NCI Physical Sciences – Oncology Centers (PS-OCs) Network Investigators’ Meeting

2. Twitter is like a…. Tavern/Office water cooler Swiftly flowing river Snapshot in time

3. 1.2 Billion Tweets per month 73.5 million users

7. What should you post? Press releases Announcements News clippings Photos (Twitpic) Requests for Information Publications Anything! (but use discretion)

10. What makes a good Tweet? < 140 characters Timely Active verbs Actionable links Photos Engaging or Provocative Makes reader want to find out more Consistent “voice”

12. Who should you follow?

13. Who will follow YOU? GOOD FOLLOWERS Other PS-Ocs Universities/Govt/Institutes Science Writers/Journalists Scientists and Engineers *Science Bloggers * Interested citizens (patients, amateur scientists, general public) BAD FOLLOWERS Social Marketing Gurus Porn sites Spammers of all kinds! DO NOT AUTO FOLLOW

17. What can you do with Twitter Branding Feedback Direct Traffic to sites Network/Make friends Keep up on news Hire People Live Coverage of Events Gather data

25. Give Twitter a shot! You won’t fail (whale).