If you’re like me then you’re using Twitter for a lot more than social networking. Sure, I use the service for what it was intended for but I use it for more than following what personal friends are doing. I follow a lot of people that have great advice on life, coding and so much more. Below is a list of the top ten people that I follow on Twitter and why. Oh, and they’re in no particular order.
Ben Popken
URL: http://www.twitter.com/bpopken
Why: Ben Popken is the creator of The Consumerist and is always posting great financial advice. I turned my financial situation around about a year ago based on advice from his website.
Smashing Magazine
URL: http://www.twitter.com/smashingmag
Why: Smashing Magazine is an amazing source for design techniques, inspiration and new lines of code. They’re always updating their Twitter with not only site updates but also useful posts from around the web. Following them has helped me improve my design skill and coding ability a lot.
LogoMotives / Jeff Fisher
URL: http://www.twitter.com/logomotives
Why: LogoMotives is the Twitter account for Portland, Oregon based designer and author Jeff Fisher. Jeff’s creations have been an inspiration for me since I started following him on Twitter and watching what he does has definitely helped me improve with my logo design.
Unmarketing / Scott Stratten
URL: http://www.twitter.com/unmarketing
Why: Unmarketing is the Twitter account for Toronto based marketing and social media guru Scott Stratten. Scott is always giving great advice on new social media trends.
TimCAD / Tim Absath
URL: http://www.twitter.com/timcad
Why: TimCAD is the official Twitter account for web based comic series CTRL+ALT+DEL and its creator Tim Absath. Not only do I follow Tim because I’m a fan of his comic but he also has a lot of insight into a lot of great games coming to both PC and consoles… not that I do much gaming anymore… but he’s still interesting to follow.
Matt Good
URL: http://www.twitter.com/mattgood
Why: Matt Good is a fantastic Canadian musician. I’ve been a fan of him for well over a decade and not much is going to change that. Good uses his Twitter to keep follows up to date with his music and website updates. While on tour he updates quite frequently as well which can get really interesting.
CBC News
URL: http://www.twitter.com/cbcnews
Why: CBC News is putting Twitter to good use by posting breaking news as it happens. Their Tweets link back to the full story on the CBC website and it’s a great way to keep informed with what’s happening around the world as well as Canada.
Mashable / Pete Cashmore
URL: http://www.twitter.com/mashable
Why: Mashable’s CEO Pete Cashmore is a social media/networking guru. Following him as helped me improve my knowledge of the industry(?) ten fold. With over 1.3 million followers, the guy definitely knows what he’s talking about. If you want to learn anything about Twitter and/or social media, this is the guy to follow.
Colorburned / Grant Friedman
URL: http://www.twitter.com/colorburned
Why: Colorburned is the Twitter home of the website of the same name as well as owner/creator Grant Friedman. Colorburned is a great design resource featuring tips, tricks and tutorials. If you want to learn any of the new design techniques floating around the web, chances are that these guys can help. Check them out.
Chris Brogan
URL: http://www.twitter.com/chrisbrogan
Why: Chris Brogan is a marketing savant based out of Boston, Mass. He doesn’t reveal all of his good tips on his Twitter account, and rightfully so, but you can pick up a lot of good tips and tricks by following him. I’ve always found what he’s talking about to be interesting and helps me as a designer/marketer.
Honourable Mentions
Wil Wheaton @ http://www.twitter.com/wilw
Daiv Russell @ http://www.twitter.com/daivrawks
Nathan Fillion @ http://www.twitter.com/nathanfillion
Radian6 @ http://www.twitter.com/radian6
Oh, and don’t forget to follow me @ http://www.twitter.com/robbclarke.
Did I miss anyone? Thoughts? Feedback?
About Robb
Hi, I'm Robb Clarke - a Fredericton, New Brunswick based Web Designer and Developer. I'm currently working with OrangeSprocket as one of their Front End Developers. Please take a look around my site and give the Blog a read (or the Shorts if you're looking for a shorter read about none industry related stuff) or stop by my Portfolio to see what I've been up to lately. Most importantly - don't be a stranger.