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I tend to have a little problem with trying out new web start-ups. I just really find enjoyment in checking out new sites that try to offer a new service. While I like to try out lots of new sites, I tend to only stay loyal to the big ones like Facebook, meebo, and Digg.

In the last week, I have wanted to start a new blog post series while also jumping feet first into Twitter. I figured why not write about my time with the service as I try it out and thus what hopes to be a new blog post series is born. In this "A Week with..." series, I will focus on a different start-up for a week while trying to get three posts in during the week period. The first will typically be day one or so, where I give an inital impression of the service. The second post will be at day 3 or 4 where I give a half-way update and focus on the pros and cons of my time with the service so far. The last post will be a short review and retrospect on my time with the start-up.

So without any further ado, let's jump into my first look at Twitter.

For those of you unfamiliar with Twitter, it is a micro-blogging/social network where users post short "tweets" with what they are doing or thinking. I have had a couple friends ask me about the service over the last couple of days and the best way I have found to describe the service is as what would happen if Facebook statuses had a baby with text messages and that love child was as addictive as all hell.

In my early experiences, I have found Twitter to not be a killer app within itself. If you were to use Twitter on it's own, you would notice little difference between the service and Facebook's status feature. You may be asking yourself then, "Why would I use Twitter if all my friends have Facebook and I can just use that?" Twitter has found itself success because it takes the status concept and puts it on steroids.
Twitter gives you a multitude of ways to update your Twitter while also integrating it into other sites as well. It's really a power app for people who want to stay connected. The more and more I explain the concept, I find it more difficult to explain it's utility. Let's just use myself as an example and make this a case study.

I am a tech-connected guy with a fairly large circle of friends. I am a text message fiend and love keeping updated with people. Facebook is my primary means of staying connected with friends from college, high school, and the large number of really cool people I have met through Four48 and other internet projects. I use it as my primary source of personal information and social network for people who want to get connected to me. I tend to hate AIM because it is a hard platform to use on the go and when you don't have a lot of time, because it tends to lead into long conversations which I usually don't have time for during the day. Wall posts on Facebook are awesome because it gives me a chance to send short blurbs to keep in close contact with friends on what time we are going to the gym or where we are going to dinner, because all I have to do is post it and they can get back and reply whenever possible. I feel as if a majority of my college friends fit into a similar mindset.

Twitter lets me update my status to others while also letting me check in on the status of others easily, while also integrating itself into many other social apps which are important to me as well. Simply, it lets you connect with a broader range of friends quickly and more simply then what I have found to previously be possible.

Twitter easily sets up with my cell phone through text messaging. All I do is sent a quick text to the number 40404 and my status is updated instantaneously. I can also choose which of my Twitter friends I want to receive mobile updates on. Whenever Megan Lee or darwinblues updates their Twitter, it is sent to my phone. Whenever some of my favorite people in tech like Kevin Rose updates his twitter, I could find out about it on my phone. Websites have Twitter accounts. Presidential candidates have Twitter accounts. If you want updates on it, you can get it easily whenever and wherever.

Twitter also integrates well with devices like the iPhone or iPod Touch through applications like Twitterific. I have installed it on my Touch and have enjoyed what I use so far. The interface is simple and it gives me lots of information on people in my network at my fingertips. I use my Touch all the time at school or when away from the computer and this is just another great way to stay connected with friends.

However, what I have found to maybe be the biggest feature thus far is Twitter's integration with Facebook through it's Facebook app. Whenever I update my Twitter, my status is simultaneously updated on Facebook to match. Now I can easily update my friends on Twitter and Facebook at the same time. If you are the kind of guy who wants to stay as connected as I do, this should be pretty much on the same level as manna from heaven.

So far, this looks to be like a service I plan on keeping up with in the upcoming months. It's flexibility is key and I can't wait to learn more about it. I'll be back in a couple days to give my second part in this series as well as some pros and cons of Twitter as I see them.

What do you think about this service? Are you a huge twitter user? If so, please feel free to follow me at www.twitter.com/CameronBanga. Have another web start-up that you feel like I should check out in a future installment? Send me a quick e-mail about it at Cameron@CameronBanga.com.
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