I created my Twitter account sometime in 2009 but just couldn’t figure out what to do with it and what it was for. So I dropped the whole subject and fired up FaceBook.
2010 and WeekendTesting is gaining traction. In the process of getting involved I was confronted multiple times on how I could NOT have a twitter account. So in order to see what the fuss was about I re-activated twitter a couple of weeks back. Mainly for the whole testing scene thing.
This was during the same time the ugly FaceBook-privacy monster reared it’s head. So the motivation to look for an alternative communication channel was high.
After a few weeks of being tested-twitter-tester here’s my verdict: AWESOME!!!!
I have learned more about testing, test-tools, methodologies in about 3 weeks than in the last year (OK, I do exclude that dice-game-thing with James B. from that)! Twitter is like a huge meeting/melting of minds machine. I love it.
Unlike FaceBook it is focused. The 140 chars is annoying but extremely helpful in concentrating thought and communication. FaceBook is personal and tends to be mostly bla-bla. Cool for catching up with mom but not for debating testing or communicating information quickly. FaceBook is a wasteland when it comes to progressing your subject at hand. Twitter is the opposite.
I am encouraging the uptake of twitter as a tester. It helps the trade, it helps your know-how. FTW
Oh and my twitter account: @Oliver_NZ