sending @messages to Lists?, Info page for each list, @messages to #tags rather than users, following #tags rather than just users...
Twitter recently added lists as a feature to enable users to group tweets from selected persons for a specific purpose. For instance, my interests are in technology, publishing, sports and travel. It obviously helps if I can, at times, 'listen' to a subset of tweets from friends who fit one of the above interest areas. Also, others can then follow one of my lists, as they find a group of persons which fit a context.
I would like to know if certain things are possible or have been so from third party services, which tap into twitter APIs.
1. Send a message to @username/myTechList?
So far posting a tweet which starts with @username will only appear on that user's twitter feed and to common friends of both. However, can I post in such a manner that only those on myTechList see a specific message? This way when I talk about say cricket, it will not be seen by those followers, who care about my views on iPhone or Macs.
Can it be done by starting the tweet as @username/myTechList? As far as I have tested it does not seem so.
2. For a List, can we have an info paragraph with an 'about this list' URL for that username/List page? (like the user's biography/link field)? This is perhaps needed by users who wish to follow a list, as they have a clear idea of what the purpose is.
3. Further, there are situations where conversations about a specific #tag such as say #ConfWEB09 for a web conference may need to be 'heard' by searching for that tag only, rather than on a default timeline.
Can we send a message to a @#tag, rather than to @username? So if we post starting with @#ConfWEB09 none of the followers can see it in their feed but those following the conference can search and track? Of course, if there is a major development in a conference, and a user wishes that it be seen by all followers, then #ConfWEB09 can be inserted inside the post.
4. #tags as 'context domains' within twitter
So far we follow other users. Can we extend point 3, and formalize it a step further- have a concept of following a #tag. Twitter can even sell or allow users to own specific (unique) #tags.
This will be groundbreaking development in twitter- till now you followed users, now you can follow #tags? If this is done, you need not search a #tag to track conversations, it will show up on your feed, even from strangers you do not follow
As of now, you can open a column in tweetdeck to track hastags or searches. However, by formalizing a 'follow' this hashtag, even for a temporary purpose, will make it cleaner for those who follow you as such, but are not very keen on micro-conversations about a conference or specific topic discussions.
More later
@saumilzx
These are just some suggestions from someone who has actively used twitter since 2 months only. Its still like a beginner's mind, as they say in zen- before habit takes over and questions do not come as naturally. Also, do not expect me to calculate any exponential impact it may have on twitter servers.
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