Love it, hate it or simply don’t understand it, Twitter has become a force to be reckoned with when it comes to social media. Celebrities use it to make announcements or public apologies. News spreads across the “Twitterverse” faster than it could ever do on television. And, if you want the entire world to know that you’re buying pants at J.C. Penny, well, this is the place to do it.
Seeing as how Twitter was unveiled to the world right here in Austin during South By Southwest Interactive 2007 (although it was launched a year earlier), Austinites have made good – or, at the very least, interesting – use of the microblogging service. With that in mind, we’d like to share fifteen of our favorite local Twitter accounts. Of course, there are many more than these, but we only have so much space.
To narrow it down, we’ve avoided accounts run by businesses. These are accounts for either individuals or publications. You’ll see what we mean as we go along.
If you’re fans of Texas sports…
Cedric Golden and Kirk Bohls are two sports writers for the Austin American-Statesman. They know their stuff and they’re also quite interactive with their readers online.
Need something to do?
Well, if you’re not looking at Austin.com (and shame on you if you’re not!), try these out:
Do512.com is a great resource to find when great bands and other acts are in town. They also, every once in a while, offer contests for free tickets both on their site and their Twitter accounts.
Looking to network with other professionals?
Lani Rosales isn’t just a social media wizard and a brilliant real estate blogger. She and her husband Benn are also the driving force behind Austin’s monthly #BASHH (“Big Ass Social Happy Hour”) parties, where folks from all walks of life can meet up, connect, have a drink and relax. It’s one of Austin’s finest uses of social media to bring professional people together without it feeling overly professional.
Love music on television?
Leslie Nichols (who was the “other” Leslie in Austin for years until Leslie Cochran passed away) is the producer for Austin institution and PBS’s long running “Austin City Limits”.
Do you enjoy alcoholic beverages?
@beerdygeek (Evan Sanders)
Whether you enjoy wine, craft beer or booze, these three accounts are run by Austin natives who know what they’re talking about.
Want to make sure you eat healthier?
While Austin is hardly Southern California (and thank goodness), we are a city that takes pride in being healthy. If that describes you then you may want to give this account a follow.
Want to follow the mayor? Or the city government?
Like any other politician not stuck between the 1950s and the 1970s, Austin’s mayor, Lee Leffingwell, has a Twitter account. Follow this and the official account of the city government to find out what else besides single use bags they plan on banning.
How do you like your news?
Stephen C. Webster is the executive editor of Austin.com, so of course you’ve got to get him in there. Omar Gallaga is a technology writer for the Statesman who also has an amazing sense of humor. A must follow. Andrea Grimes is a firebrand, a true journalist and a hilarious comedian.
(In the original post on our old website, the comments section was loaded with other great suggestions. However, with the switch to our new design, we weren’t able to copy those comments over. We encourage your suggestions, so send them over to our Twitter account, @Austin.)
