The brave new twitter world: Is it worth it?

by Bob in Boulder on Oct 19, 2009 4:45 PM MDT Comment 39 comments

Fellow Av fans and MHHers, I have a personal dilemma and am looking for some advice. This post is mostly OT, but I can tie it in with the Avs to a degree.

My cell phone service, via Qwest, is about to go silent at of the end of this month. With it, I would imagine, would be my circa 1995 cell phone that does little else other than make and receive calls. So I'm thinking of taking the plunge into one of those fancy phones that everyone else has, a crackberry or an iphone or some other such thing.

But I'm still kind of cheap, so have been looking into my service options. Seems like no matter what company you go through, for a plan with two phones someone's going to dig into your pocket each month of a minimum of around $70. Without bells and whistles. So, if I'm going to take the plunge and get a fancy phone, I'd be looking at extra money for web access, and extra money for messaging, etc. etc.

So, how does this tie into the Avs? Well, if I pay up the wazzoo for unlimited web access and unlimited messaging, I guess I could start twittering or tweeting or whatever the hell you call it. I know some of you folks have dabbled with this, and Dater is now dabbling as well. I would imagine that if I take the full plunge I would end up using the messaging capability, tied in with twitter or whatever, to obsess over the Avs like I do with web access now. Is it worth it? Do you end up linked in with other tweeters so that you get instant phone updates from them based on whatever their twittering on about? And while I'm asking questions, what are good phones and providers?

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My super quick thoughts:

I hate twitter and never use it.

I love the fancy phones. Since you can check actual sites, skip twitter and just check up here more often :D

iPhone is great, AT&T is not. To the point where I cannot even recommend getting one until it’s available on another network.

Take a serious look at any of the new Android phones.

Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

by Aph on Oct 19, 2009 5:01 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Android is good

I do love my Palm Pre as well.
Dunno what provider it has for the US.

And FYI, if you want to go the slightly illegal, possibly expensive route, you could jailbreak an iphone so it works on any provider

by Drakenlot on Oct 19, 2009 5:52 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Palm Pre is on Sprint in the US. I’m with T-Mobile right now and I’m considering making the jump when my contract runs out next May.

Colorado Avalanche Prospects (www.avsprospects.blogspot.com)

by Angélique C. Murray on Oct 19, 2009 7:35 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’ve heard nothing but bad things about Sprint FWIW

The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time

by Jibblescribbits on Oct 19, 2009 7:51 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I use Sprint, have for years. It’s awesome. I have an old Palm Centro, but my buddy recently upgraded to a Palm Pre and he has no complaints at all.

Sprint service with 500 minutes per month and unlimited web and texting runs me about $80 a month. I never lose service or calls and the web is fast on my older phone.

The Avs may (or may not) suck now, but they've still won a Cup more recently than 75% of the NHL.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 19, 2009 7:59 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I live in KC

Sprints headquarters…and sprint service here sucks, my fiance has it, I have tmobile, tmobile is cheaper for minutes, messaging, and internet, and has so pretty solid phones coming out soon with the “bells and whistles”

Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat

by DESTROYER on Oct 20, 2009 6:19 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

When we looked into this stuff a couple of years ago, Sprint had horrible coverage here in OKC. We ended up with Verizon/Alltel and couldn’t be happier. Great coverage, I can even get calls in the basement here at my office. I think in the 2 years we’ve had the service I’ve had 1 dropped call.

by Mrs @ MHH on Oct 20, 2009 7:37 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Verizon and the Storm is what I have. I switched from AT&T and iPhone due to coverage. I liked the iPhone better, but the Blackberry Storm has some great apps too… It’s just more complicated.

There is basically a cumulative Niagra Falls of shit happening right now.

by Pinchy The Lobster on Oct 19, 2009 6:01 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

My thoughts

I have Verizon.. and love the service. I have an enV3.. and love it.

I use twitter mainly to make fun of Eklund and today I had an outstanding twitter fight with iwo-c3p0 from EZ in which he was reduced to making fun of the Avs Quebec’s years as a counter to my relentless taunting.

Also Twitter’s pretty nice for breaking news. It spreads through the twitterverse pretty quickly. It was an absolute must for the trade deadline and July 1 last year.

I don’t like the iPhone because AT&T sucks, I might go with the Palm Pri, because I liked T-mobile when I had that service. The only reason I changed away was because I was going on my wife’s family plan.

In summary: T-mobile and Verizon are good. AT&T and Sprint sucks, Twitter’s a fun diversion.

The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time

by Jibblescribbits on Oct 19, 2009 6:10 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Ooh, can I read that without signing up for twitter?

Get rid of the loser point

09-10 Avs- Nowhere to go but up!

by TheRed on Oct 19, 2009 11:20 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

My twitter

The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time

by Jibblescribbits on Oct 20, 2009 6:40 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Blackberry...

is the house fav here. I have a Pearl that works great for Twitter, email and most internet works fine. It’s so-so as a phone, ironic, eh?
But i have it set up for three different email accounts each with a diff ring, seperate folders…
I get Dater’s tweets sent to the phone as a text message becaise (other than today, good grief) he is breaking Avs news. But all the rest I just use an app to follow.
The ESPN app works REALLY fast for scores when I’m at a game or that boring family wedding.
In other words, I’m addicted. It’s shamefull!
The better half has the new Curve and it pretty much kicks ass.

by From the Point on Oct 19, 2009 6:18 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

oh yeah

it’s T-mobile, not too expensive and decent coverage…

by From the Point on Oct 19, 2009 6:19 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have a Palm Pre on Sprint.

Love the phone, $70 data plan includes all the bells and whistles (unlimited texting, GPS, Sprint TV)

by arails4 on Oct 19, 2009 6:39 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Bob, seriously, Palm Pre with Sprint is the way to go.

The Avs may (or may not) suck now, but they've still won a Cup more recently than 75% of the NHL.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 19, 2009 8:00 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sprint is awesome.

Sprint has THE best plan feature for feature dollar for dollar. The “Everything Plan” just can not be beat.

That said, check with your co-workers, neighbors etc to see who has what and who gets good service where. Get the carrier that has the best coverage where you live. Make sure you get “3G” coverage with whatever service. (3G means Third Generation, and means way faster data service. Smart phones live and die by data service). It might also be worth stopping by each store to see where you get the best/worst customer service.

Don’t be drawn in by the hype. The iPhone has two things going for it: hype and the app store. Think very carefully before you pay the big bucks for that phone.

The Palm Pre and some of the Android phones are terrific phones and are worth a hard look. The Android app store will be hitting critical masses and taking off like the iPhone app store did soon. (More and more android phones out means more developers writing apps). If you use a lot of Googles services, android may be a great way to go. Also, check out the HTC Hero on Sprint for one of the best Android phones available.

Blackberries are also awesome, RIM recently put out there own app store as well. Many many many people love their crackberrys. Besides what better way to support 7 teams for Canada and blend in with the suits in the can’s lower bowl then to by a BB?

by GAPD on Oct 20, 2009 6:35 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dear God...

You barely ever blow the dust off your Facebook account – you think you’re going to actually start “tweeting”? (That’s what the kids and the Mac hipsters call it, “tweeting.”) Anyway, why don’t you just relax a bit, take it easy, throw out a few more posts on FB, and then see if you still want to wade feet first into Twitter.

By the way, look at AD’s Twitter activity to see what’s sort of worthless, and look at The Sportsguy’s Twitter to see what’s pretty good. AD spends too much time answering other people’s questions (including Eklund), which is annoying because I didn’t see what they wrote in the first place. (Adrian, ask Eklund how his e4 Hannan trade is going, I’m really still curious.)

And then AD blows his Beatles cred by “tweeting” that “Dear Prudence” is one of their best songs of all time, while I wouldn’t have it ranked in their top 250. So that’s troublesome.

Meanwhile, the Sportsguy has all sorts of funny comments and cool links, so that’s a big plus on his side. Take a look and decide what kind of twit you want to be, BiB. Let us know how it works out for you.

by Dan Winkler on Oct 20, 2009 1:21 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs

Dear Dan,

First, quit calling me God. Second, it is true that I barely use facebook. I only joined to “meet” your better half. Having just joined twitter without cell access, I can see your points. I just don’t get it … but maybe it would be cool to get some updates on a cell while at a game? Or give people updates while at a game or other event? Don’t know.

Dear Prudence isn’t one of my Beatle faves either. I actually like Souixie’s remake better. And no, I’m not gay.

I used to really like the Sportsguy until it seemed like most of his columns were “Boston sports are great, and here’s why.” Has he came back to earth some?

Hey Peter McNab, I'm starting to see sunshine and rainbows here.

by Bob in Boulder on Oct 20, 2009 3:02 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I used to really like the Sportsguy until it seemed like most of his columns were "Boston sports are great, and here’s why." Has he came back to earth some?

Same reason I quit ridding him. For years it was about his struggles as a fan of some hard-luck franchises. He identified with everybody but Laker and Yankee fans. Then the Boston sports scene embraced winning and he had nothing to write about. Plus he turned into a typical east-coaster living on the west coast lamenting the left coast lifestyle.

"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 23, 2009 10:22 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bob, I will warn you about Twitter:

It’s easy for people, even serious journalists, to get sucked into petty pissing contests over the number of followers they have, to the extent that they start making bets with assholes and shilling shamelessly for attention across multiple platforms. Don’t let that happen to you.

The Avs may (or may not) suck now, but they've still won a Cup more recently than 75% of the NHL.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 20, 2009 7:20 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Twitter

is Latin for “brain fart”.

Other than the stuff this summer from Reznik (the Coyotes guy), I have hardly ever follow it. If you do go for the data plan, just get a phone that can do actual internet.

I don’t know much about the Alltel/Verizon data stuff, because I just have a Razor and Mike has some LG thing, but no data stuff yet. I imagine that he’ll be wanting to do this same thing in about 6 months though, so let us know how it turns out!

by Mrs @ MHH on Oct 20, 2009 7:41 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

DDC put up a poll on the front page to see if it’s worth it Bob. So far just 3 of us have voted though, so not much help yet.

by Mrs @ MHH on Oct 20, 2009 11:06 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I put up that poll, FWIW.

The Avs may (or may not) suck now, but they've still won a Cup more recently than 75% of the NHL.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 20, 2009 1:33 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry! I just assumed it was DD.

by Mrs @ MHH on Oct 20, 2009 1:34 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

just a comment, i always miss the poll. perhaps it should be higher, like right under the fan shots?

and this is something that has always irritated me about sb nation — the fan shots and fan posts shouldn’t be separate. they should be in the same queue. it would make it easier to check for new stuff by far.

by thedoctor on Oct 20, 2009 2:44 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

and less cluttered.

by thedoctor on Oct 20, 2009 2:44 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe I should post a poll about where the polls should be placed.

The Avs may (or may not) suck now, but they've still won a Cup more recently than 75% of the NHL.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 20, 2009 4:50 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

perfect.

by thedoctor on Oct 20, 2009 8:12 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

That’s full of win.

"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 23, 2009 10:22 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I run an iPhone with Twittering...

…but I never post anything up. I use it only to follow people, mostly Broncos beat writers, Avs bloggers, and the Westword.

In terms of service, the iPhone is awesome. AT&T sucks. My iphone plan requires a 20$ a month data fee on top of my minutes plan. I also have a package with the lowest number of texts allowed, and my part of the family plan tops 90$.

On top of that, AT&T coverage is terrible. They are struggling to keep their network in working order with all the iPhone internet traffic, and are mostly failing. Its better than it was a couple months ago when I would get 1 out of 3 calls dropped. Its still pretty bad.

Thanks Joe...

by mfured20 on Oct 20, 2009 11:57 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Twitter's pretty good for "following" famous people/journos etc.

But unless you’re famous, tweeting yourself is pretty useless.

Also:

“Veringular – we’re dropping your calls on purpose, and there ain’t sh*t you can do about it.”

[/Robot Chicken]

by eltharion_doa on Oct 20, 2009 1:14 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Twitter can be cool if you only follow your close friends and those friends are active Twatters, but only if you don’t also use Facebook. If you use Facebook on a regular basis and your friends do too, Twitter is pretty redundant.

The Avs may (or may not) suck now, but they've still won a Cup more recently than 75% of the NHL.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 20, 2009 1:34 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Twatters. You follow man-in-the-box?

"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 23, 2009 10:22 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

Maybe if you care about your friends’ terribly tough decisions about whether to have full or low fat creamer.

I think only one of my friends even has a Twitter account though. I don’t know if he uses it.

by eltharion_doa on Oct 23, 2009 11:03 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks all for the input

and for the poll, Joe. I actually joined twitter just so I could follow AD, but without a cell phone to hook up to, it seems pretty worthless. Even when I go look at someone’s page, like AD’s or Jibbles’, all I can see is one side of the conversations taking place … which is just weird.

I had a friend here who had Sprint and said their coverage in this area sucked. I’ve also heard about the problems folks have had with AT&T. Verizon seems to have the best coverage according to a lot of folks. Jib, you said you have an enV3? I’ve considered that, because for some reason data access is only $15 per month for that versus $30 per month for a crackberry. You don’t find it limiting in your web browsing or email connectivity?

Hey Peter McNab, I'm starting to see sunshine and rainbows here.

by Bob in Boulder on Oct 20, 2009 2:57 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Even when I go look at someone’s page, like AD’s or Jibbles’, all I can see is one side of the conversations taking place … which is just weird.

At the bottom of a “tweet” there should be a In reply to adater in small print. click on that and you can go back to the replied comment, and you can keep doing that.

The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time

by Jibblescribbits on Oct 20, 2009 3:56 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not seeing it

Is it because I haven’t taken the next step and signed up with a phone yet? Also, when I click on a lot of things, I get a “this site is trying to download or save a file” box and am pretty much hosed. Sometimes I get that just trying to go to the main page. It’s acting really strange.

So, do you like your enV3? And why is web access cheaper with it than with crackberries?

Hey Peter McNab, I'm starting to see sunshine and rainbows here.

by Bob in Boulder on Oct 20, 2009 5:34 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t know. I like the enV3, but I don’t use the web on it at all. I’m a phone luddite (or i just don’t see the point in paying for internet phone when I am around internet pretty much all day at work and home. )

But the enV3 is a really nice phone. I enjoy it immensely

The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time

by Jibblescribbits on Oct 20, 2009 5:46 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Half the fun of twitter

Is following random people so you can see the other half of the conversation.

Then you have more people of whom you are only seeing half the conversation, so follow more random people!

But if people do it wrong it sucks. #Tags and @replies are crucial. I can’t even explain how awkward it is watching my boss tweet to his 10 followers with no tags or replies and think he will get a reply from anyone….

Also, download a Twitter application like Tweetdeck to make twittering more fun. Keep a search like #avs open all the time. Follow people that seem interesting. Do the same for other hobbies/passions. It was great during rookie/training camp to get updates all day.

The absolute best part is giving random people shit. Like the NHL, Dater, or whoever else.

Also, I never use it via the phone. And I never use Facebook.

by GAPD on Oct 20, 2009 9:26 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs