Twitter. It’s a silly name for a powerful tool we can use to keep in touch during these power outages and keeping informed during these tense times.
If you already Twitter, you may immediately receive information on the Gap Fire through your cell phone (as well as online) by following us at www.twitter.com/sbinde.
Anyone else can sign up by logging into www.twitter.com
Twitter is an free online service which will send you text messages from Independent.com. We have made this channel to filter all our Gap Fire updates to our Twitter followers. So, if the power goes out, you can stay up-to-date on our fire coverage and announcements.
You will need to create a free account, and from that account you will activate your phone number to receive the updates (you send a text message to the Twitter site). Once your account is activated, you can follow our feed though short text messages Twitter will send you every 30 minutes.
Eventually you will be following our Gap Fire feed at www.twitter.com/sbinde
That’s how you can stay hooked into Independent.com web information without carrying the web around. It doesn’t take expensive, ultra-modern phones: if you can send and receive text messages, you can get our short announcements.
And don’t forget to share this information with anyone who also might find this service useful
Here’s the website to visit to sign up: http://twitter.com/sbinde
The directions are pretty good. But if you need more information, here we go:
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What is Twitter?
Twitter is for staying in touch and keeping up with friends no matter where you are or what you’re doing. For some friends you might want instant mobile updates-for others, you can just check the web. Invite your friends to Twitter and decide how connected you want you to be.
How does Twitter work?
When you send in a mobile text (SMS), Twitter sends it out to your group of friends and posts it to your Twitter page. Your friends might not have phone alerts turned on so they may check your web page instead. Likewise, you receive your friends mobile updates on your phone.
Do I need anything special to use Twitter?
In order to use Twitter you will need one of these things: an internet connection or a mobile phone.
What does it mean to follow someone on Twitter?
Following someone simply means receiving their Twitter updates. How you receive the updates (on your phone, IM, or just on the web) is up to you. You can set your following preferences based on device, and then set notification preferences for each person you follow. Your followers are those who have elected to receive your twitters.
Does Twitter have a mobile site?
Yep! Check out m.twitter.com on your mobile web browser.
Can I use Twitter with Instant Messaging (IM)?
Yes. Visit your phone&IM Settings page, add and verify your IM address, and type ON; all of your Twitters and Direct Text messages will come to your chat window. Find out more about using Twitter with IM here.
Can I use the same phone number or IM address on multiple accounts?
No. You can only use one phone number or IM address for one account.
How do I stop getting ALL twitter notifications?
Send OFF from your phone, IM, or any other device to stop getting Twitter updates at any time.
How can I turn Twitter on again?
The best way to turn Twitter on is to send the ON command from the device. You can also turn your phone and chat updates on from the web from your home page or you can send ON to Twitter.
How much does it cost?
Twitter is a free service. At some point we may introduce optional, for-pay features or services but basic usage will remain free. Note: with phone alerts turned on, Twitter makes use of texting or SMS so check with your mobile provider to find out if this will cost you extra.
Will this affect my SMS plan?
If you have Twitter phone alerts turned on, you could end up texting more than usual. We recommend upgrading to an unlimited texting plan with your mobile provider.
Do you charge my phone bill?
Twitter does not charge your phone bill.
How do I stop the service?
If you want to turn off mobile updates but keep an active account on the web you can text “off” to 40404 or visit Twitter.com and turn off phone alerts. To delete your account text “delete me” to 40404 or visit your settings page and click “Delete your account.’
How can I invite my friends?
Click the “Add Friends” link at Twitter.com or add friends by sending a text message including their telephone and name to 40404 like this: add 212-867-5309 jennie
How do I get more help?
You can send a message saying, HELP to 40404. If you want personal attention visit our contact us page and get in touch.