Facebook and Twitter applications will make texting obsolete sooner rather than later. At least that is how I see it. Why text when you can tweet?

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   kjohngamblino #ihatefemaleswho talk on twitter an wen u see them they face in their  blackberry like a drone. 01 Jun 2010 from UberTwitter

Mobile communication is growing and if you are not connected, then you may be left behind.

Practically everyone is walking around with a smart phone these days. It is a constant sight to see people glued to their Blackberry, iPhone or other mobile device.I recently downloaded the new “trial” Twitter for Blackberry application.

Here are some of my initial reactions to Twitter for Blackberry that I tweeted while using the application.

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   leesy_ Finally got the twitter app to download. Let’s see if this works out. 21 May 2010 from Twitter for BlackBerry®
2. 
   leesy_ Twitter for Blackberry- Day 1. Took forever to accept first tweet. Hope that is not a reg thing. 21 May 2010 from Twitter for BlackBerry®
3. 
   leesy_ Twitter services r always busy. How am I supposed to tweet as it happens if it can’t keep up? Twitter needs an upgrade. 27 May 2010 from Twitter for BlackBerry®
4. 
   leesy_ Rate limited. #Twitter #Fail 27 May 2010 from Twitter for BlackBerry®

Not too long after that, I was no longer able to access the Twitter for Blackberry application. As of today, each time I try to enter the application, I am presented with a clock symbol that means “processing” and my phone proceeds to lock up. I will attempt to download the application again and see what happens, but right now I am not impressed.

How do others feel about Twitter for Blackberry?

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   jodierog oooh crap, someone with a blackberry help, I clicked on my sisters twitter app but now it’s deleted facebook and she isn’t happy 29 May 2010 from web
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   ohbbyoh Twitter for BlackBerry SUCKS! 01 Jun 2010 from Twitter for BlackBerry®
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   NoKA_ENCORE @itiombe and u should get ubertwitter cause twitter for blackberry is #whack 01 Jun 2010 from UberTwitter in reply to itiombe
4. 
   EricAsafailo Just downloaded a New twitter app for my blackberry. So far its working good 01 Jun 2010 from Twitter for BlackBerry®
5. 
   tbooog I’m now using Twitter for blackberry lol welcome welcomed 01 Jun 2010 from Twitter for BlackBerry®
6. 
   Melissag03 This twitter for blackberry had spellcheck…idk if I like that. 01 Jun 2010 from Twitter for BlackBerry®
7. 
   pinkymomo1978 HELP!! i downloaded di appli of twitter for blackberry and can fill in comment but it can’t be reflected on da screen! WHY? 01 Jun 2010 from web

Obviously there are a few bugs Twitter for Blackberry needs to work out. Once those issues are addressed, I think Twitter for Blackberry could be great. I will even tweet more often as long as I am not rate limited. Facebook lets me post away, so Twitter needs to compete with that.

I have been using Facebook for Blackberry for a few months. The only complaint I have is how long it takes for me to be able to views photos, if at all. Plus the multiple posting of comments is an annoying bug that needs to be erased. Aside from that, I can almost say I love it.

Individual tweets on Twitter about Facebook for Blackberry lean more towards the negative, but I was able to find a couple of positive reactions.

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   FreshoXpresso I’m lovin this app where I can IM on Facebook..Blackbery, Blackberry!!! I wanna be yo man!(U.T.F.O. voice) OldSchool know that group 28 May 2010 from UberTwitter
2. 
   loganwright Just got the new facebook app for blackberry. Not bad much better than before. 31 May 2010 from web

Many individuals used Twitter as a vehicle to express their dissatisfaction with Facebook for Blackberry.

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   kebs0716 Just redownloaded facebook app for my blackberry cause the old one was so useless! It took forever to refresh stream! 30 May 2010 from UberTwitter
2. 
   hurknet The iphone really does have a better application base then BlackBerry. And the Facebook app for the BB really sucks! 30 May 2010 from Twitter for BlackBerry®
3. 
   LivingLifeMobil Facebook for BlackBerry app just sent me a notification from 2009 #wtf 30 May 2010 from SocialScope
4. 
   NinoPunchlines Yeah I wished Facebook had a better App for Blackberry’s cause Facebook for Blackberry makes my BlackBerry Freeze! @shurekas 30 May 2010 from web
5. 
   StevenfRESCO I HATE the facebook app for blackberry. Like a lot. 31 May 2010 from UberTwitter
6. 
   kevin_choo Socialscope is getting my facebook notifications faster the native facebook app for blackberry.. 31 May 2010 from SocialScope
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   shinyshughes Keep giggling at ‘refreshing stream’ and ‘fetching photos’ on blackberry facebook app 31 May 2010 from Twitter for BlackBerry®
8. 
   soneyehmoneye I officially have deleted Facebook app from my BlackBerry. 31 May 2010 from web
9. 
   chungkuo The Facebook app on my blackberry deleted EVERY CONTACT when I removed it. 31 May 2010 from Spaz
10. 
    mackjagger_102 Blackberry needs a new facebook app… 31 May 2010 from UberTwitter

Despite the many flaws of each application, I appreciate having Facebook for Blackberry. I cannot comment further on Twitter for Blackberry until it is functional for me. The Blackberry applications, in theory, should make access more convenient.

Note: Expletives were deleted from applicable tweets.

Twitter or Facebook? Twitpic by @Danny1989Pup #Poll: Facebook or Twitter? TWITTER TWITTER TWITTER!!

What suits your social networking requirements better, Twitter or Facebook? Or is your answer “none of the above?”

Twitterers gauge at the social networking options weighing in their likes and dislikes.

PollPigeon facilitates the research with the following opinion poll:

Screen snapshot by Maria Khan

Here’s a roundup of Twitterers who vote in favor of Twitter for its “wider audience” and “fun” element.

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   sandyfussell Twitter is a wider audience than Facebook. Its easier to find people I don’t know (or know thru friends) who share same interests #ewfchat 26 May 2010 from TweetDeck
2. 
   happyyoumin twitter’s more fun than facebook or cyworld. But still, Koreans live in Korea. Won’t b able to replace that http://twitpic.com/1r64fx 26 May 2010 from Twitpic
3. 
   FernandoMoniaga From every aspects, twitter stands out! RT @YudhiEman: What’s better TWITTER or FACEBOOK??
   rep fart guys 26 May 2010 from Gravity
4. 
   chaarleeee Is it just me or is there something closer about following someone on twitter as oppose to adding them on facebook? 26 May 2010 from UberTwitter
5. 
   vany1994 just voted “TWITTER” on “What is better FRIENDSTER, FACEBOOK ,TWITTER or MULTIPLY?” vote too ➔ http://cli.gs/WvUqu 26 May 2010 from POLLpigeon
6. 
   RobbiiCaldwell just deactivated Facebook till june 25th or 23rd or later tonight , but I think Twitter will survive, time now 2 study in the sun time 26 May 2010 from web

However, some Twitterers are averse to the whole notion of social networking for eroding the traditional, face-to-face communication platform that seems to have disappeared with time.

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   WTFrROMPERS I’m starting to think that tumblr may be better than Twitter or Facebook. Text, pic, quote, link, chat, audio, and vid on nice interface! 26 May 2010 from Echofon
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   The_Real_CA Sometimes, I wish people would call [or visit] to tell things to my face. I hate the fact that people hide behind Facebook or Twitter. :-/ 26 May 2010 from web
3. 
   SwiftDaTruth Hmmm… Is it just me or is Twitter and facebook an insecure persons playground? *Raises Eyebrow* #Truth #profound 26 May 2010 from UberTwitter

@jazzytrash tweets about the darker side of social networking.

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   jazzytrash i officially have a stalker, and its clearly someone on my facebook or someone lurking my twitter. #sketchy 26 May 2010 from mobile web

Twitter or Facebook? Twitpic posted by @Danny1989Pup "Class today we re talking about facebook and twitter! Lol so funny"

Yet, there are others who swear by both Facebook and Twitter, as a means of “modern communication”, a “personal” communication channel, as well as for “business” use.

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   IDoThat2 When something scary or awesome happens to me, the first thing I do is post it on Facebook or Twitter. #idothat2 16 May 2010 from web
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   BelindaNealMP @Simon_Cullen Modern communication doesn’t mean twitter or facebook is exclusive of personal communication. 26 May 2010 from web in reply to Simon_Cullen
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   nataliemoo @urbancreature oh no are we talking facebook or twitter, twitter is easy.. facebook alot more personal 26 May 2010 from web in reply to urbancreature
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   vascellari Twitter or Facebook: Which Is Right for Your Business? http://bit.ly/6T8Kot 26 May 2010 from TweetDeck

This very liquid nature of Facebook and Twitter sometimes works against them.

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   zimbizforums England players will not be allowed to post comments on Twitter or Facebook or write articles for newspapers during the World Cup-BBC Sport 26 May 2010 from web

While opinions remain divided on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Tumblr, it’s not the quantity of available social networking sites, but the quality that makes for loyal consumers.

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   Edrowan We are in 2010 and the LinkedIn contacts, Facebook friends or Twitter followers number game still lingers on. Quality or quantity? 26 May 2010 from TweetDeck

Twitter or Facebook? Twitpic posted by @AngelinaMunaret "Suesan just brought in facebook and twitter cupcakes for her last day with us. #ccobcc #gc20 #w2p"

#Pakistan Facebook YouTube Ban -Twitpic posted by @ Pakblogger: "Islamic parties/organizations/groups united and on roads to get Facebook banned in Pakistan"

Pakistan blocked access to Facebook on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 following the highly controversial “Everybody draw Muhammad Day” Facebook group, and one day later YouTube is shut down as well.

The blanket ban on social media comes a day before the Everybody Draw Mohammed Day, May 20, 2010, which is being celebrated today on Facebook.

Twitter is going abuzz with a multitude of opinions over the controversial debate between religion and freedom of speech.

While some are criticizing the government of Pakistan for unfairly reacting and declaring a war on social media.

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   Faisal1982 Pakistan’s banning of #facebook to me isn’t a solution. They did an offense and the muslims replied it with a meelad-mehfeel on the 20th May 20 May 2010 from web
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   ahimsa86 Pakistan’s censorhip of facebook and YouTube brings to light the need for more (culturally sensitive) secularism..still a lot of work to do 20 May 2010 from Echofon
3. 
   sloanb What happened to choice? “After Facebook, Pakistan Blocks YouTube Over Sacrilegious Content” http://viigo.im/3zPX 20 May 2010 from Viigo

Others are simply amused.

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   thetanmay Facebook shouldn’t have suggested “India” as a friend to Pakistan. Now look what happened. 20 May 2010 from web
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   GenniferwithaG Brilliant. RT @haydenblack: Pakistan blocks Facebook. Apparently Musharraf was sick of getting poked by the White House. 20 May 2010 from UberTwitter
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   abidifactor @RaxaXaidi They wont unban until facebook has removed Pervez Musharraf’s fan page too #Facebook #Pakistan 20 May 2010 from TweetDeck in reply to RaxaXaidi

While some are dissecting the possible consequences.

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   TimKalyegira China blocked Facebook & Twitter, Pakistan has now blocked Facebook & YouTube and these are large population markets that can’t be ignored. 20 May 2010 from web

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   SlickSalmon #SMM Facebook may make prophet page inaccessible in Pakistan: Facebook is disappointed at being blocked in Pakista… http://bit.ly/aItVCs 20 May 2010 from twitterfeed

“Obviously (the blocking of Facebook) is related to the objectionable material that was placed on Facebook. That is why it is blocked…We have blocked it for an indefinite amount of time. We are just following the government’s instructions and the ruling of the Lahore High Court. If the government decides to unblock it, then that’s what we will do” (Khoram Ali Mehran, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, CNN)

Drawing Prophet Muhammad seems to be the going trend these days.

• Muslims consider it offensive to visually represent Prophet Muhammad.
• Anti-Muslim parties are well aware of this fact, and gladly abuse it.
• The result: Newton’s third law, To every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction.

Mimi Sulpovar started the Facebook group in the aftermath of the South Park Bleeps Prophet Muhammad incident. She defends her group with the following statement on CNN.

“Hate speech is wanting a group eradicated, physically harmed or dead. I don’t think drawing Mohammed falls under that category…Islam is not above criticism or cartoons. I believe in equality, and censoring Mohammed while we can draw every other figure in the world does not equal equality”

Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations explains the rage over the group.

“Islam discourages any visual representations of the prophets of God — Jesus, Moses, Mohammed, anybody — because we believe it can lead to a form of idol worship…The majority of Muslims worldwide object to any representation of a prophet of God.”

Mocking a religion to exercise your Freedom of Speech is bound to come under fire.

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   WaqarRiaz If u know something will trigger a reaction not very positive – why do it anyways? so, wat shud b done with Facebook & Youtube in Pakistan? 20 May 2010 from web
2. 
   RAGreeneCNN Good morning from London. For better or for worse, it is “Draw Mohammed Day.” Many people are angry. http://bit.ly/9yewaU 20 May 2010 from web

Former Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin is being harshly criticized for her support of former Hewlett-Packard executive Carly Fiorina for the GOP’s U.S. Senate primary in California. Palin publicly endorsed Fiorina on her own Facebook page.

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   gedeon Favorite headline of the day: “Facebook turns on Sarah Palin” 09 May 2010 from Twitterrific

Word of Facebooks users disgust over Palin’s actions spread faster than the actual disgust. In the midst of the news, there were a few people who shared their opinions on Twitter.

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   AatRB Sarah Palin wants to run the US by Biblical laws? She wouldn’t be allowed in politics & her daughter would have been stoned to death. Nice. 09 May 2010 from TweetDeck
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   AnyStreet RT @prismsinc: Sarah Palin’s endorsement of Carly Fiorina appears sexist to me #tcot #teaparty #twisters < Or just a bad move, a la Newt 10 May 2010 from TweetDeck
3. 
   TheKansan @VeteranAirborne The best Republican, Abe Lincoln, wouldn’t want anything to do with Sarah Palin. The real RINOS are the right wing nut jobs 10 May 2010 from UberTwitter in reply to VeteranAirborne

On Sunday, Palin was only spared the wrath of angry tweets when her supporters became the subject of criticism.

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   michaelsumo If you support Sarah Palin, I don’t know who’s stoopider – you or Sarah Palin. 09 May 2010 from txt
2. 
   edwardomondo Are people crazy in this country to support anything Palin recommends. She’ll do anything for money, thats why she quit Alaska, for Money! 10 May 2010 from web

High school student rejected from Harvard after an alleged Facebook status demeaning the school.  A  high school  student name Jacob, posted the following on his Facebook account:

“I just got my admittance letters into Yale, Duke, Northwestern, Penn, and Columbia. Now Harvard is begging my a– to go to their school. FULLY PAID SCHOLARSHIP. LOL. Hmmmm…. Ahahahaha naw kiss my a–. F— Harvard! I don’t need no harvard or no scholarship HAHA! No really though, I’m going to harvard guys. Wooooooo! =D”

Apparently Jacob might have initially been accepted into Harvard but went to far by pretending he did not get in and then posting it on Facebook.

The news became a hot trend via google and trendytwit. Many of the stories written about the status were indicating that it was a hoaxed gone too far. Questions that have yet to be answered regarding the situation that caused the trend to spread like fire on various websites except Twitter.

On Twitter there were over two dozens tweets saying the same thing about the Facebook status and but none of the tweets reacting to the news.

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   AmandaCherrypie The Facebook Status Update Got Student Rejected from Harvard: There have been recent rumors about a Facebook Statu… http://bit.ly/acammo 26 Apr 2010 from twitterfeed
2. 
   lucentmediallc The Facebook Status Update Got Student Rejected from Harvard http://bit.ly/9arEtb 26 Apr 2010 from Ping.fm
3. 
   meghatpr The Facebook Status Update Got Student Rejected from Harvard University http://bit.ly/bqHVra 26 Apr 2010 from twitterfeed
4. 
   musikcommunity The Facebook Status Update Got Student Rejected from Harvard http://bit.ly/dD5tsF 26 Apr 2010 from twitterfeed

– this quote was brought to you by quoteurl

Jacob the high school student rejected from Harvard, allegedly posted the demeaning status was actually warned by a friend not to post the comment.  The websites Infoclickz and gather posted an article ousting the Jacob, images blurred of him, however his last name and location was not released.

Either way if the status was a hoaxed, you would think he would clear  his name. It makes you wonder what was he thinking? Many colleges, organizations and jobs check Facebook accounts to find out who they are hiring, accepting into their schools and letting into their organizations.

Harvard has yet to confirm the story and Jacob has not spoken out on the Facebook status.

Tonight I had the chance to meet Rick Murray, president of Edelman Digital, a division of Edelman that specializes in digital communication and social media outreach. He says there’s a new 24-hour news cycle and media companies must adapt.

“Today news is broken on Twitter, guaranteed. Then it goes to the Web site, and then the newspaper,” he said. “You have to know this because this is where things are going.”

He stressed that companies of all kinds, especially media companies, need to be on Twitter and frequently use Twitter Search to see what people are saying about them. Some companies may have hundreds of mentions every day and it’s important they monitor their brand and interact with users. Only a human can do this job, he says, but it might just be one human to start.

He also said media companies should have a Facebook presence and they need to “master Google because Google is the world’s operating system.”

Murray said that anyone on Twitter can learn from Scott Monty (@ScottMonty), head of social media at Ford, who has helped launch Ford as the No. 1 most respected brand in social media today. Monty takes the time to interact with users, answer questions, talk about what he’s doing, and not just talk about Ford all the time. It’s been a mix that’s been quite well received.

Follow Murray on Twitter: @rickmurray.