New to Twitter? Meet 15 People Media Students Should Follow

For those of you already immersed in the parallel universe that is the Twittersphere, this post will  simply reiterate your state of coolness.  For the newbie Tweepsters out there, this is an introduction to 15 people you should be following on Twitter, especially if you are a student in communications.  These are media types, covering a broad spectrum of topics, from public relations to journalism to social media.

In a later posts, I might break it down more specifically by media niches.  But for now, these folks are great accounts to follow on your path to understanding this whole Twitter thing.  Check ‘em out: here’s the link to @COM130′s public list of essential follows. And below, a little introduction.  Certainly, this list will grow.  In the meantime, here are 15 people to find on Twitter to get you started.  Soon enough, you’ll be in the know.

#1 @Mashable

Mashable.com emerged on the scene recently as the must-read website for all things Web 2.0.   From Facebook to Twitter, to new websites you’ve never heard of, Mashable is where it’s at for students of new media.

#2 @TechCrunch

And on the subject of new media items you’ve never heard of, TechCrunch is another place to catch what everyone’s talking about.  Apple and Google never cease to make headlines, and when tech news breaks on the Web, you can find it there.

#3 @RWW

In COM130, we just can’t get enough of new media news.  Why?  Because our textbooks are often already dated by the time they head to print after we we spend boo koo bucks on them.  ReadWriteWeb.com is yet another place to stay on top of the digital trends.

#4 @AdAge

So you want to go into advertising?  Or, maybe you don’t.  Either way, in our culture, there’s no escaping Madison Avenue’s influence.  AdAge.com publishes updates and analyses about an industry trying to find its way in the new media landscape.

#5 @MediaBistro

This sounds like a place I’d want to hang out for sure.  MediaBistro.com aggregates clippings and infobits about media happenings from all around the Web.  They have a fantastic blog network, and often post media job openings.

#6 @UnMarketing

Scott Stratten’s UnMarketing tagline is, “stop marketing, start engaging”, and there’s no better way to do that than by using Web 2.0 tools. He’s a Twilebrety for sure, and someone media students should know.  I got to see Scott speak in St. Louis on his UnMarketing UnBook Tour, and found he’s a pretty cool dude in real life too.

#7 @ChrisBrogan

Since we’re talking “Twilebrities”, we can’t leave out the next few on our list.  Next is, Chris Brogan. He wrote a blog about gatekeepers v. gatejumpers that I use in my first lecture about defining mass communication.  He’s on the forefront of changing media, and a known entity in the Twittersphere for his knowledge on making new media work for businesses while providing a human connection.

#8 @BrianSolis

You can’t mention public relations and Web 2.0 without mentioning Brian Solis.  He’s a guru of sorts, when it comes to navigating how convergence changes the way we spread and receive messages.  And, this famous photo about Web 2.0 called The Conversion Prism? Yeah, it’s from him.

#9 @DavidArmano

Visuals are everything nowadays in interactive media circles.  Who can leave out the creative designs of new media thinker David Armano from his blog Logic + Emotion?  He’s the go-to guy for the visual learners.  A company’s ability to brand, to reach and to influence intersects and changes rapidly, David lays it all out in colorful imagery.

#10 @Poynter

Moving from twelebrities, to the reasons we can speak freely and openly on the Internet.  The next three must-follow folks on Twitter are essential for journalists, and for anyone who cares about the state of our news media.  The Poynter Institute serves as a rich resource for journalists navigating the evolving media platforms.  Also good to follow–tweets by Poynter leaders like @Romenesko and @MediaSpy.

#11 @NiemanLab

The Twitter bio for Harvard’s Nieman Journalism Lab says, “trying to figure out the future of news”.  Yes, thankfully, someone is!  Whether it’s analysis about Wikileaks, Patch, or Tumblr, the folks at Nieman Lab are investigating and providing an in-depth look at the state of journalism’s affairs.

#12 @PBSMediaShift

You probably recognize the letters PBS, but the name MediaShift is new addition to the family.  Launching in 2006, the multimedia site calls itself, “your guide to the digital media revolution”.  Its leadership on pressing media issues like net neutrality and mobile journalism are just two reasons students of media should take notice.

#13 @ProBlogger

Darren Rowse’s website, Problogger.net, is the authority when it comes to know-hows for creating standout online content.  His site offers a wealth of inspirational advice on how to make your blog posts sing.  (And, then there’s that whole how to make money thing that he talks about.)  This Aussie is a good one for newbie media creators to get to know.  @CopyBlogger deserves honorable mention here too.

#14 @DanSchawbel

My Twitter bio says I have an interest in #personalbranding.  So, naturally, all roads lead to this guy, Dan Schawbel, who wrote the book on something he calls, Me 2.0.  Communications students should care about personal branding because as future media creators, job competition is fierce, and you’ll need to know how to “brand” yourself as an authority in your field.  Follow Dan for innovative ways to make your mark.

#15 @BrazenCareerist

Not only should you follow #Brazen because it’s got a cool name, but also because BrazenCareerist.com is a networking community made just for Millennials.  Their blogging rockstars talk about issues facing GenY.  But, the best part is, you can join them and begin networking!

Well, there you go.  Those are the the first 15 Twitter profiles communications students new to Twitter should follow.  It is my hope this list helps you get started on your way to maximizing your Twitter experience and staying on top of new media trends.

Certainly, this list will continue to grow.  Who would you like to see added and why?

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