Kaidoku #69 & Expanding the Twitterverse

Kaidoku #69(PDF) | Java applet | JPZ (get Crossword Solver)

I am late to the game, I know, but I finally got a Twitter account. And you know who convinced me it was a good idea? Bill Simmons (The Sports Guy of ESPN), of all people. Here’s his take on Twitter:

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: Facebook is a social network. Twitter is a media/marketing vehicle disguised as a social network. Big difference. And if you don’t think it’s changing the way information is dispersed, for good and bad, you’re insane.

A “good” example: Kevin Love spilling the beans that Kevin McHale wasn’t returning as Timberwolves coach. A watershed moment for sports journalism, in my opinion. We skipped the middleman and went right from the team to the fans for a breaking story. Won’t be the last time.

A “bad” example: Finding out from T.J. Ford’s Twitter feed July 14 that he was “Up early.. Takin a dump then wash my hands brush my grill & off to be the best PG.. Doubt me if u want. Hard work pays off.” You know what, T.J.? I will continue to have my doubts. No offense.

Twitter works when you have something to sell. Twitter kinda sucks when you’re just detailing the boring ins and outs of your everyday life. I was telling this to someone recently and then it dawned on me … hey, I have something to sell! I have a website, and I can announce when I have new crosswords published … etc. I might throw in an occasional one-liner or trivia question to keep things interesting, but it will mostly be updates about my crossword work. So if you want to follow me: http://twitter.com/alexword.

Enjoy the puzzle! See you Monday.