Using TweetGrid for Edchat
Edchat is FAST -- too fast to follow all the conversations at the same time. It helps to use TweetDeck or TweetGrid while participating in edchat. You still won't get all the content until you review the transcript, but it helps make participation more interactive and meaningful. [Thank you, @Jswiatek for always providing the transcript!] I use TweetDeck regularly for tweeting, but have found I prefer TweetGrid for edchat. Below is how I set up my TweetGrid:
1. Go to tweetgrid.com and open the 2 X 3 grid.
2. Begin setting up the columns by entering topics or usernames in the search window above each column of who/what I want to follow during the chat.
3. Type edchat in the #hashtag space to the right of the "tweet" window then my username and password in the appropriate boxes. Type my first tweet in the tweet window then click the Tweet button. TweetGrid debits the characters in the hashtag from your 140 characters and counts down the characters remaining as you type your tweet. You only have to enter the hashtag and username/password once. From that point, you just type your tweets and click Tweet.
My search columns:
Column 1: #edchat
Column 2: the Twitter IDs for the moderators using OR between names
Column 3: my name
Column 4: Twitter IDs of a few of the "regulars" that I like to follow what they say
Column 5: a key word related to an element of the topic for the evening (kind of a sub-thread)
Column 6: I add stuff here as the conversation develops and may change it throughout the evening. If someone or something in the #edchat column catches my eye, I'll add it here and follow that for awhile.
I like TweetGrid for several reasons:
1. I don't have to remember to add the hashtag. I know you can automatically add the hashtag to TweetDeck tweets, too, but you have to remember to remove it after edchat. When edchat ends for the evening, I just close the TweetGrid window and the auto-hashtag is gone.
2. I can use Boolean Search Operators within columns and organize the massive conversation into more manageable chunks. This way, I can put two or three people in each column. (I suppose this can also be done in TweetDeck, but I've never tried it.)
3. I can rapidly change search categories on the fly as the conversation develops and keep all the searches in easy view within the grid. I don't have to scroll between columns in TweetDeck or move columns around while the conversation is swirling.
4. TweetGrid updates continuously instead of on a time-delay. In TweetDeck, I have to adjust the refresh rate or continually hit the refresh button.
TweetGrid is very simple to use. There are FAQs at http://tweetgrid.com/faq that will answer many of your questions. If you have TweetDeck or whatever program you usually use to follow edchat running in the background, you can always just flip back if TweetGrid doesn't work for you.
See you during #edchat!
