#Blogchat – A Blogger’s Hidden Twitter Resource!
If like me, your new new to twitter, it may seem strange to you to discover that beneath the surface of what appears like waves of disconnected comments, there is “threads” that act like a “old-fashioned” chat room! I had heard rumor of this exotic creature but it wasn’t until tonight that I stumbled into being able to observe it first hand!
All of this centers around hashtags, those #words, which can be used to join seemingly disjointed comments. I’m uncertain how using this as a chat room works in the traditional twitter browser page, but I did find two methods where it works very easily.
In either Hootsuite or Tweetdeck (these are twitter utilities, see their links for more information), you can create columns and filter for words, phrases, lists etc. Well the magic happens when you filter a column for a hashtag. In Hootsuite this is (+) add tab (optional) -> (+ add column) -> then “Keyword Tracking” tab ->type #blogchat in the text box -> Click Add -> Click Create Column. (Now, if a hashtag isn’t currently active, i.e. no ones using it at the moment, you may not have anything show up for a while.) You want these kinds of infrequently used columns on a tab that doesn’t update too often, or you will run out of “API” (communication) cycles too often. When the chat is active you can always manually refresh the column more often.
Another, must more “chat room” approach is to go to TweetChat and put the hashtag in question in the # box. In our case, that takes us to: http://tweetchat.com/room/blogchat Suddenly you have what for all intents and purposes resembles a traditional chat room.
Just remember though, that in both cases, any reply you make, you must manually type #blogchat (or your particular hashtag) into the message.
One note is that sometimes, when used during a live event, for question & answer etc, these threads are known as “backchannels”. A twitter backchannel is nothing more than a hashtag discussion thread that happens at the same time a live presentation or webinar (web-based seminar/lecture) is going on. When the live presentation is absent, its just a chat!
So what is this hidden resource for bloggers? Well Every Sunday night, at 8pm CST, there is a #blogchat chat hosted by @MarkCollier for
bloggers to exchange ideas. One Sunday a night its open-mic, the others are generally kept on a related topic. Even open mic was pretty much on topic although a lot of related more brief topic. It was definitely a fun crowd!
If you enjoy an active exchange of ideas with like-minded people, I highly suggest you check out #blogchat or a variety of other chats relevant to your interests! What are your favorite twitter channels and favorite twitter channel chat secrets? Let me know!
Kimberly
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{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Kimberly,
Great up to date info. Twitter has so… many different ways for us to utilize it for our marketing/connection with our niche’s.
We need regular updates just to maintain some semblance of being a part or in the loop.
A little in the loop separates us from the uninitiated.
Thanks for helping to keep me in the loop.
.-= william´s last blog ..Gregg Braden Explains the Interconnectedness =-.
Kimberly,
I was wondering what #… meant. I certainly appreciate all your knowledge!
Blessings,
Rebecca
Hello!
THE # means you tagged the word as in it can be searchable whenever that person puts on that word, he will find the tweet that the word has got the #
Hi Kimberly,
Once again you are providing such great content. This is really helpful and informative thanks. I’ve just started using #words and I’m finding great for connecting with others.
Thanks Kimberly
Sally
.-= Sally Bath´s last blog ..The Power Of Positive Thinking =-.
Kimberly,
You always remind me of things I’m not doing. You’re just awesome, my friend! Thanks for the reminder to use hashtags, TweetChat, and filtering columns for hashtags.
#blogchat is such a great idea. See you there Sunday.
Your content is pure GOLD!
.-= Darlene Davis´s last blog ..Mega Lessons From Ted Turner =-.
You’re an absolute fountain of knowledge Kimberly. Some of what you discuss is still foreign to me at the moment, however I know this will not always be the case. Cheers Toni
.-= Toni King´s last blog ..It’s All Good =-.
Hi Kimberly
There is so much to keep up with these days and your posts provide awesome relevant info and this one does not disappoint. Thanks for laying it out there with Twitter, i am still working out tweetdeck and cant wait to use your tips!
Thanks,
Matt
.-= Matt Jones´s last blog ..5 Steps To Realising Your Goal – Part 2 =-.
I am a writer so I do enjoy spending Sunday afternoons at 3 pm talking to other writers on #writechat. There are questions for discussion, though one can bring up anything to the table.
Then later at 8 pm, there’s #scriptchat for people to support/discuss/learn issues involved with writing for film and television.
.-= Marisa Birns´s last blog ..Dear Jesus Box =-.
I use Tweetdeck and it is great for keeping me organized for both twitter and facebook.
As usual, valuable post Kimberly!
Thanks Kim! This was very helpful. The Sunday night blog chat is a great idea. I’ll try to tune in!
Although i am not new to twitter i love #blogchat. Great way to meet and engage with other bloggers. Isn’t that one of the reasons you are on twitter in the first place
Hi Kim,
I have not attended #blogchat yet. But I read the transcript of the last chat and came up with a great post idea. In fact the post has generated some really unexpected traffic and links to my site.
I have been going to a new chat called #wpbchat. It is held on Wednesdays at 7:00 it is a good way to get your WordPress questions answered. It is hosted by @wpbeginner.
I love TweetDeck. It is easy to learn and fits all of my needs.
I like using the TweetChat room personally – it’s nice to be able to pause the updates and have it add in the hashtag for you while counting the right amount of characters for the tweet!
I like using the TweetChat room personally – it’s nice to be able to pause the updates and have it add in the hashtag for you while counting the right amount of characters for the tweet!