Social Media 101

Perhaps you've heard the names of popular applications like Twitter and Facebook, but aren't really sure what they're all about. Here's a quick overview of the sites and applications making the headlines:

Blogs

Examples: Blogger, Livejournal, TypePad, WordPress, Vox

Blogs (or weblogs) got their start as online diaries, but this self-publishing media has taken off since its debut in the mid 1990s. Yes, people still use them to share what's going on in their lives -- but the applications of this technology go even farther. Many writers use them as a way to explore their thoughts on certain topics, and to demonstrate their expertise and skills. Companies use them to promote their products and services, and to provide a personal connection with clients. Some writers even blur the line between online magazine and blog by using them as a publishing medium for topics like personal finance and travel.

If you want to start a blog for business or personal purposes, the process is fairly straight forward -- sign up for one of the free services (which you can use alone or build into your website), customize your settings and write. Depending on your tech-savvy and ambition, you can completely redesign your blog and add video, photos, audio and animations. Maintaining the blog won't be so easy -- you'll need plenty of time, interesting topics, marketing know-how and good writing skills to make it a success.

Not interested in writing? Reading other people's comments and posting your own thoughts is part of the fun -- and it's also a good way to promote your business or website.

Micro-blogging

Examples: Twitter, Plurk, Jaiku

The premise: you get a short amount of space to update what you're doing, message others, participate in a discussion or share a link. The messages are short and sweet -- often as brief as 140 characters -- and they don't require a big time commitment or technical skills.

How can you take advantage of these applications? Post messages and your "followers" will see them instantaneously. You can follow your favourite celebrities, businesses and publications. Some businesses even use Twitter as part of their customer service plan by letting you ask questions or get online help. Many media publications use these services to keep their audience up-to-date on what's going on, and to link to popular stories and hot topics. (Yes, you can follow 50Plus on Twitter too). Many writers, editors, producers and on-air personalities use Twitter to ask their audiences questions or get feedback.

And if you like celebrity news and gossip, you can keep up with celebrity "tweets" too.