04 Nov Twitter, Guns, & The @ajc | thx2 @tiwaworks @attacksevenfour @photosbyslp @stefanturk

Twitter as an information tool is phenomenal.  Recent first-hand experience got me the information I needed within 20 minutes (or less).

A similar inquiry via phone or email, would have resulted in either:

• not having the correct party to make such an inquiry
• long wait times
• possibility of a phone message not being answered
• possibility that my email lands in the spam box of a particular party

Oh, and that is even AFTER me taking the time to research who to call or email.

In this case, I was driving down to the corner of Lenox and Peachtree.  I looked over in the Ritz Carlton hotel parking lot and saw at least 2 Black Suburbans with tinted windows and guys in camoflauge garb with guns that looked like M-16s.

1.  My Original Tweet was sent directly to @ajc. (Do a search for the company or entity that you think would have the information you need.  Then, you have their Twitter name and can engage them.  If they are on top of their game like the @ajc, then you will get an answer)

It was retweeted within minutes by @tiwaworks

2.  @AJC responds.  And they responded QUICKLY! (Kudos to them for extending the possibility of virtual news reporting to their Twitter base.  Many future defunct newspapers are not doing this. )

3.  @attacksevenfour has seen lots of  movies or has seen the DEA do a bust…. hmmm… (although that is similar to one of the 10 things that went through my mind LOL)

4.  @AJC did their research. And just like a great news portal… reported back!

5.  @photosbyslp pipes in describing the caravan that she saw. I received this tweet and was happy that it was not me being delusional or needing coffee.

6.  @photosbyslp hypothesizes…

7.  @stefanturk helps us conclude that the Dalai Lama had the security and even lets us know that it was unrelated (No DEA), to the Sizzurp pharmacy breakins that were happening in Midtown during the same time frame.

Later, I was able to confirm that the Dalai Lama was definitely in town and making appearances at Emory and other places.

My own personal research uncovered the fact that Diplomatic Security Specialists are normally ex- special forces military guys who work in private or governmental protection agencies for high ranking officials.  THAT would explain 6 guys in a Suburban with Uzi looking, M-16 looking ‘gats’.

So many people think that Twitter is a platform to let others know that one is doing mundane activities like baking cookies or preparing to take a shower.  As this example shows, some of Twitter’s attributes are:

• Easy to reach information resources
• Collective community problem-solving and/or discussion
• Viral dissemination via ReTweets
• Humor 🙂
• Speedy answers

Now… go TWEET this article to your friends and comment below of Twitter experiences that have shown the power of the platform.