Twitter has increasingly become a part of my life. In fact, I would say that it is almost more important than email. I find myself using it for nearly everything. In addition, it is fast becoming the center of our social marketing hub here at Thomas Nelson.
Since I have several thousand followers and am following several thousand, it is critical that I have a Twitter program that helps me manage my Twitter stream (which Twitter refers to as a “timeline”). I can’t afford to give the same amount of attention to all followers. Instead, I have to be able to segment them into distinct groups: family, friends, co-workers, authors, gurus, etc.For the past few months, I have been using TweetDeck. It has the ability to create and manage groups. The interface is simple and straght-forward. It has multiple URL shorteners, including my favorite, tr.im, built in. The program makes it very easy to reply, DM, re-tweet (i.e., “RT”), and even shorten tweets. And, the developers are updating it on a fairly regular basis.
The problem is that you can’t manage multiple Twitter accounts. And lately it seems to be dropping tweets. I have an RSS feed set up of my tweets that picks up everything. Some of my tweets just aren’t showing up on TweetDeck. Others have told me that the program starts missing tweets after you hit about 5,000 users. This may be an issue with my settings, but I am not sure. Regardless, it has shaken my confidence in TweetDeck.
As a result, I started looking for another Twitter solution. I started with PeopleBrowsr. There is both an online, browser version and a downloadable application. I opted for the downloadable version. Like TweetDeck, PeopleBrowsr sports groups (which it calls “Stacks”). It has all the features of TweetDeck, plus scores more, including the ability to manage multiple accounts. But therein lies the problem.
I found the PeopleBrowsr interface overwhelming, complex, and bloated. I got lost in all the features. It was just too much of a good thing. Rather than being designed by a developer with a singular vision, the program seems to be designed by a committee who couldn’t say “no.” Having said that, if you are a Twitter power user and yearning for a specific feature, there’s a good chance you will find it—or can get it—in PeopleBrowsr.
That led me to Seesmic Desktop. For me, it is just the right balance between power and elegance. The program does everything I want a Twitter program to do without getting in the way. I found the user interface simple and intuitive. It also has some very subtle design elements built-in, like shading the tweets you have responded to in a slightly different color.
Seesmic allows you to create groups (which it calls “user lists”) and manage multiple accounts, including Facebook. It provides a handy URL shortener, image integration (including the ability to use your web cam), and tweet shrinker. It also provides the usual ability to reply, DM, and re-tweet a message. In fact, that interface is almost identical to TweetDeck—you mouse over the user’s avatar and the options appear.
So for now, I am going to stick with Seesmic. I am also hoping that they will also develop a version for iPhone.
Update: I have run into problems with Seesmic, too. It seems to be missing tweets. Perhaps this is a Twitter problem; I don’t know. I am taking another look at PeopleBrowsr. It actually comes in three flavors: Lite, Advanced, and Business. As it turns out, I tested the most complex of the three. I am now working with the Lite version and really like it. My favorite features is “threaded conversations,” so I can keep track of the money threads.
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I'm going to check out Seismic based upon your recommendation and my friend @redclaydiaries. I can't even keep up with 200+ followers, let alone thousands! But I use twitter more as an outlet for my randomness than anything else. Me after 140 characters can become terribly annoying – or so I've been told…
Seesmic is great! I have been using it for about a month. I love the new features, supports multiple accounts, and they regularly update the program. Easy to use and does everything I need it to do.
Hi, Mr. Hyatt,
Thank you for blogging about technology. You provide just the right balance between knowledge and encouragement. Since I have been moving at a slow pace to move into the various formats, I am glad I can come here and just read. I really learn by reading things over several times, and it is nice to have one place I can come to and just browse around. I just set up my Facebook account in order to reconnect with my high school class–our fortieth year reunion is this summer. Since I also am working on a book, I will be doing much more technological "stuff" in the near future. Thanks again for taking the time to share your knowledge–I appreciate it.
You're welcome.
Would love to see a follow up on how you like it after using it for a few weeks. Have you found a similar option that works on your phone? It sounds like you have an iPhone. I'm on the Blackberry Curve. Does your phone app give you the same level of control as Tweetdeck or Seesmic?
I don't have a good iPhone option right now. However, the Seesmic developers have told me they're working on one. I need one that will manage thousands of followers and allow me to create groups. Right now, I use Twittelator Pro, so that I can at least see my replies and DMs.
Thanks for this informative post. I just started tweeting a few weeks ago, and now is a good time to organize those I follow while the list manageable! Will check out Seesmic and TweetDeck
Fir Nac users and/or Iphone users, Tweetie is the perfect balance of effeciancy and clean opperation. I’ve been using it for several weeks. Also, the facebook app called Selective Twitter Status helps integrate fb and twitter, but only the tweets you want to show up in your fb news feed.
And, apparently one should proof read the iphone automatic spelling before posting. Instead of Nac, I meant to say "For Mac."
I figured that was probably what you meant. I have the same problem with iPhone. Whenever I type "for," it converts it to "fir." Annoyiong!
Ha, ha! So it's not our fingers–texting my daughters is quite a challenge for me at times.
I switched from Tweetdeck to Nambu and really like it so far. It threads conversations when you are following both people which is a nice way to quickly follow a conversation.
For those of you using multiple twitter accounts, how or why do you do this?
Nambu does look interesting. I kept trying to download it this morning and couldn't get it to work. I like the idea of threaded conversations. That's one of the things I did like about PeopleBrowsr.
Lindsey – I have my personal account, plus I manage two Twitter accounts for my company (1 for an event and the other for corporate communications).
I have my personal account and I have one for my business. I am a bookkeeper and try to orient my business account strictly to business information. Tips, suggestions, etc. My personal account is for friends, authors I enjoy, and personal entertainment and learning.
I tried all of these and currently prefer Eventbox.
It lets me organise people into smart folders and do profile peeks without automatically following tweeters.
Well worth a download.
I haven't even heard of this one! Does it allow you to group followers?
It does. I like the different options it offers and the fact the developers are constantly rolling out improvements.
I use Nambu for client accounts as well but Eventbox for my own twitter account + facebook friends.
Downloaded EventBox to give it a try, but don't see how you can manage multiple Twitter accounts. Do you know if it does this?
I have been using TweetDeck and just downloaded Seesmic. Unless I'm missing something, I noticed 2 things with Seesmic that TweetDeck has and I like. The first is a column for my Favorite tweets since I like to save tweets with helpful links or photos. The second is so that you can see which tweets are unread or read. I don't know…I may end up going back to TweetDeck…we'll see. :)
Yes, I miss both of those from TweetDeck. They would be good additions.
Hi Michael,
"Unrestricted System access" would be a red flag in my mind when installing Seesmic. If you have sensitive information and files your I.T. staff would call this a potential breach of security.
Something to consider.
-Eric
I did not see that. Where did you get this message?
It comes up during the install process.
Hi, Eric.
Thanks for the comment, as well as sharing your valid concern.
You're referring to when you first install the Seesmic Desktop, you get a dialog box asking confirmation about installing the application into the Mac (OSX) system.
In order to ensure that the Seesmic Desktop is working to its full functionality, it is the nature of the Adobe AIR application (the platform that the Seesmic Desktop is based on) to have system access in order to provide a successful experience for you as the user.
Other reputable companies that use the Adobe AIR platform will also ask for similar requirements, most recently the New York Times.
https://timesreader.nytimes.com/
If you'd like more information regarding the safety and security of the Adobe AIR platform you can download the following white paper.
http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/air/air_s...
You'll also note that we're a verified publisher, compared to other applications where they are not verified.
Also, Loic Le Meur, our CEO, can assure you, as he assures his friends who use the application that "we are not evil, we won't do anything on your computer…"
At Seesmic, we will do our best to listen, learn and adapt to provide the best product and service to our users, and we definitely appreciate your concern.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Peace,
Yama
John Yamasaki | Community Evangelist
Seesmic
1550 Bryant, Suite 890, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
email/gtalk: yama@seesmic.com | twitter: @jyamasaki | skype: jyamasakisf | mobile: 1.415.254.2204
http://desktop.seesmic.com/ | http://help.seesmic.com/ | twitter: @askseesmic
I use Tweetie for Mac and the iPhone. It doesn't do groups, although it is a power-tool if you are a keyboard-shortcut-lover. It allows you to open multiple tweet-boxes, which I have found helpful when Twittering at conferences. It manages multiple accounts. It's elegant and doesn't take up the entire screen. It has it's own pop-out window for twitpics. I am feeling the need for the group functionality. I tried Seesmic when it first launched, but found that it was just too much.
A key thing you said Mike was that you find Twitter nearly replacing e-mail. I guess I'm not there yet, in my role there are far too many people who don't use Twitter that I communicate with, I need e-mail (using G-mail), so it's not practical. Also, I would like to know how Twitter fits into your workflow, if I'm not careful it becomes a distraction, and now I find myself digest reading during down times. Thoughts?:)
I am still experimenting on workflow. It can definitely be a distraction if you let it, particularly if you feel you must respond to every reply and DM (which I try to do).
I'm also a Tweetie fan. I use multiple accounts to create "groups".
The UI on Tweetie is elegant, definitely in the "more with less" school. Their iPhone app is top notch.
Give it a try.
For an un-power Twitter user like me, TweetDeck is all I need. Installing it made me realize that the secret of Twitter is all the cool aps that are out there. Thanks for showing us more of them!
Thanks Michael .. you always give me ideas for new twittter tools. I'm going to try out Seemic (esp since an iphone version is soon to come)
Interesting that Twitter is almost as important as email. I've only used twitter as a secondary resource. Facebook, ShoutLife, and even MySpace seemed more relevant to me. I'd better take a closer look at Twitter's power. Thanks for the info.
Donald James Parker
Author of Love Waits
Michael, I have tried both or atleast trying tweetdeck now. I liked seemic and I like td too. I may switchback or try the downloaded version of the other one instead of the online version.
I had heard that tweetdeck uses alot of memory and makes the computer slower. Have you noticed that with any of the apps you used?
Also just wanted to say thank you for this. I'm also in the group that likes Twitter quite a bit, but I've not had a good way to separate and keep track of smaller groups. I've heard Tweetdeck is a memory hog, hoping that is not the case with either Seesmic or Nambu (open to trying either one at this point).
Again, appreciate the insight very much.
I'm sorry, but I think twitter is a huge waste of time. I mean…. who really cares when so-and-so is going to eat, or where, or if they ordered a lobster feast? It seems like just another tool to keep people wasting precious time.
Some people think reading and commenting on blogs is a waste of time. ;-)
Mike, you're hilarious.
I really want to like Seesmic. But I'm loosing lots of tweets. When it loads, it oftentimes won't pull up the latest tweets. Sometimes they are over a day old. Not sure if it's a Seesmic problem, a Twitter problem, or something else. But I've not put it on auto pilot yet. Still trying.
I think it is a Twitter problem. I have sent a note to the Seesmic engineers, hoping they can enlighten us.
Seesmic i think is the best to manage groups.
I just switched to Seesmic from Nambu. For me, Nambu on my Mac was great. But the updates for Nambu seem to be lagging behind Seesmic and Tweetdeck. And the integration with Facebook is great for me, because otherwise I don't use Facebook. The ability to see what tweets you haven't read and the autocomplete for usernames on Nambu still make me want to go back once Nambu upgrades to that. Plus, Nambu only takes up half the memory of Seesmic.
I'll have to try this one! I've used PeopleBrowsr and TweetDeck. TweetDeck used to freeze all the time but they seem to have fixed that. I wish there were a decent app for the iPhone that let you manage groups. Haven't found one yet though.
I have tried a few that were supposed to be able to manage groups, but they didn't work. I think the Seesmic iPhone app will be the ticket.
You should warn everyone to read the fine print on the Seesmic site so they know they're giving away all rights to their content forever! Here's that the text says: … you hereby grant us, our licensees of the Applications and business partners a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable, perpetual and irrevocable right and license to use and exploit your User-Generated Content for any purpose. Furthermore, you hereby grant us, our licensees of the Applications and business partners the right to publicly exhibit, display, reproduce, store, distribute, ALTER or make other use of videos, photographs, images or likenesses of you, or in which you may be included with others. You consent to such uses in any medium now known or developed in the future, including photographs, video, slide shows, Internet images or other mediums, means of storage or distribution. You agree that such images and likenesses of you can be used with or without your name. You give this permission without any limitation whatsoever. It goes on to basically say you can't sue them for libel either…
The key is the word, NON-EXCLUSIVE. If you don't grant them this right, then they do not have the right to re-publish your tweets on the web or inside anyone else's Seesmic application.
Yes, I guess I understood that. But it's that "alter" word and the rest of it that sort of worries me. Similar to issue with FaceBook re: who owns what rights. These just seems a bit Draconian.
Hi,
I believe I may have replied to your email trying to address your concern (please let me know if I'm wrong with humble apologies). Bottom line: Michael is correct. Our CEO, Loic Le Mur, has always believed that he wouldn't want to do anything or provide a product or service that his friends would not want to use or do. Please feel free to contact me at any time. yama [at] seesmic [dot] com or @askseemic.
What do think is the best Twitter app for BlackBerry?
Unfortunately, I don't know of any apps to the Blackberry, because I use the iPhone. Maybe someone else can chime in.
Lance Armstrong (the cyclist), @lancearmstrong, tweeted exactly the same question today, so if you check out his tweets you may find your answer …
Michael,
Just wanted to say thank you for your post and your support for the Seesmic Desktop. It's still in it's early stages, but we're working hard to listen to feedback and adapt to provide the best product that will help users create or take part in building their community. If anyone has any questions, we have a help site and a feedback site or they can go to @askseesmic
You're welcome. I am really liking it. I would also like to have a "badge" that shows the number of unread messages in each list and then the ability to mark each message as read.
Thanks for a great program.
Just curious… you say you wanted the ability to manage multiple Twitter accounts… what other accounts do you have? Do you have some super secret account where you share the inner most secrets of Thomas Nelson’s success with the world? :)
Actually, I manage @ThomasNelson, along with several co-workers.
I agree that Seesmic is really powerful. I love it for the same reasons. Since several weeks I am testing CoTweet. A great tool as well. The advantage of CoTweet is that it is easy to share f.e. a company account with some cowriters. Anyhow grouping the people and following what they are sending is for sure a lot easier with Seesmic. On the iPhone I did not find anything better than Tweetie. I really love that app.
Yes, I have heard good things about Co-Tweet. I guess I'll have to check it out.
I've been planning a pro-Seesmic post myself, but I think you've been either stealing my notes or reading my mind. :-)
I've been using Seesmic for a few weeks. Never thought I'd leave TweetDeck, but I keep finding myself going back to Seesmic. Like you, I attempted PeopleBrowsr and came to the same conclusion you did.
Any suggestions for what I write about now?
I just downloaded Seesmic. Only downside I see is it doesn't seem to have the function of making a subject search a column so you are able to see all tweets regarding the subject. (similar to Google alert) That is something I use frequently with Tweetdeck.
Look in the upper right-hand corner. There's a search box there.
Hey Mike,
Great reviews. I've worked closely with the team at PeopleBrowsr since the beginning.
Let me toss out a couple of other reasons people might want to consider PeopleBrowsr:
1. No API limits (this is something that most power users have bumped into with other clients)
2. Unlimited stacks
3. Cloud based, so you have exactly the same stacks at every computer you use and (fingers crossed) hopefully one day soon an iPhone app.
You're right, PeopleBrowsr was primarily designed as a power user tool. And as such can be a little overwhelming.
To help address this, they've just started offering three different modes: Lite, Advanced and Business. My suggestion, start with the Lite Mode. Jumping into the advanced or business mode can be a little like sitting in cockpit of a jet. It looks really cool, but there's a reason they usually teach people to fly in a small Cessna :-).
Keep up the great work!
Jon, I actually am giving PeopleBrowsr another look. (See my update in the last paragraph of the article.) I am having some issues with Seesmic as well. It seems to be dropping Tweets. The developers have been very responsive, but the issues are still unresolved. Thanks for dropping by.
Michael,
Thanks very much for this review.
We're happy that you like the three PeopleBrowsr modes.
There's also a very simple version of PeopleBrowsr http://search.peoplebrowsr.com/ for quick searching and conversation.
You can find several PeopleBrowsr options on http://peoplebrowsr.com/
Best browsers for PB are Chrome2 and Safari4.
Thanks for your feedback – welcome your suggestions.
Cheers,
Priscilla
PeopleBrowsr Product Manager
hi, great tips brother. its very helpful, thanks for share.