Twitter or Spoink?

For about the last week I've been playing around with two microblogging applications: Twitter and Spoink. While I'm not yet sure how their use might be beneficial in the classroom I have been able to come to some conclusions about their use in general.

I certainly found it to be a lot easier to get going with Twitter - mostly because you aren't overwhelmed with options while setting up your account. There are two main ways to update your status: through the webpage or by text from your mobile phone. The privacy settings are also a definite bonus! You have the option of only letting approved "followers" see your updates. With all the instances of cyber-stalking out there I appreciate that - and if you were using Twitter in the classroom this feature would be a definite MUST to protect your students. There is also an option block people if you find it necessary. It was challanging at first to figure out how to follow other people's accounts but not overly taxing at all. However, even over on Facebook I don't avidly follow my friends' status updates so I'm not sure I will continue to use Twitter after this course has finished.

Then there is Spoink. I was overwhelmed at first by all the information they wanted from me! I could choose to enter multiple phone numbers, email addresses and screen names from which to remotely update my profile. There was even an option to enter my Twitter handle and password so that any spoink updates would be automatically posted there too; I didn't take advantage of this though as part of my assignment was to compare these two sites. Again, you have privacy options here, but even after enabling them I found my picture and most recent post in the user map when I signed off! That was rather unpleasant if you ask me! However, I like the greater variety in costomizing the appearance of the site as well as the option to upload files though I didn't take advantage of it at this time. I did call in and leave spoink podcasts twice. Though I hate to hear recordings of my voice it made it much easier - I didn't have to run to a computer to update what I was doing, I just had to pick up my cell phone.

If people are looking for a simple interface and easy way to let people know what they are up to, I would recommend Twitter. But I can also see where some people would find the 500 word limit on Spoink of more use than Twitter's 140 - there was one time I had to reword my post to make it fit on Twitter. While it did take a little more time and use for me to be comfortable with it, if for some reason I had to continue with one of these sites for an extended period of time I would choose Spoink.