Jan. 31, 2011

Tweet

BERKELEY - This season, fans of the prestigious California softball team can get even closer to the Golden Bears - through Facebook and Twitter. Social media brings the fans closer to the teams, alerting followers to breaking news, photos and insider information. Facebook users can "like" Cal softball here while Twitter users can "follow" Cal softball here to get the latest information about the Bears.

Millions of people use Facebook everyday to keep up with friends, upload an unlimited number of photos, share links and videos and learn more about the people they meet.

The Cal Softball Facebook page will feature links to CalBears.com stories, polls, unique photos as well as a weekly video segment - Off-Speed With Jolene - with sophomore pitcher Jolene Henderson. Fans can comment on stories and have conversations with other fans.

Twitter is a real-time information network that connects you to the latest information about what you find interesting. Simply find the public streams you find most compelling and follow the conversations. At the heart of Twitter are small bursts of information called Tweets.

Cal Softball Twitter is the best place to find game results, links to stories as well as photos and other insider information. You can ask questions of the Cal Softball Twitter and communicate with others as well.

The Bears hope you will join them in social media to get even closer to the team!

Frequently Asked Questions About Facebook and Twitter:
Q: Why should I follow @CalSoftball?
A: To get current scores, play-by-play, links to CalBears.com releases, inside information and updates, photos, chances to win things and more!

Q: Do I have to join Twitter to access the Cal softball tweets?
A: Nope! Anyone can visit the Cal softball Twitter page, by clicking here and read the tweets and see photos. If you would like to send Cal softball a direct message or retweet the content, you have to create a Twitter account. Twitter accounts are free and easy to create. You can make one here.

Q: Do I have to join Facebook to access the Cal softball page?
A: No, you don't. Just like Twitter, anyone can look at the Cal softball Facebook page, which you can see by clicking here. If you want to leave comments or like anything on the page, you do have to join. Facebook is free to join and also easy to set up. To register, please click here.

Q: What in the world is a tweet?
A: A tweet is a 140-character or less statement that offers an opinion, information or photos.

Q: What does it mean to follow someone?
A: Following someone means their tweets will show up in your timeline. When you log onto Twitter, the tweets of those who you follow will be loaded in chronological order.

Q: Is Twitter a social network?
A: Kind of. Twitter is more of an information network as opposed to Facebook, which is a social network. You can still socialize and talk to people - including @CalSoftball - but Twitter is mainly used to share information.

Q: How do I know who is behind the Twitter account?
A: The Cal softball Facebook and Twitter pages are run by Anna Oleson-Wheeler, assistant media relations director for the softball team. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to drop her a line at aowheeler@berkeley.edu.

Q: Can I contact coaches or staff through Twitter/Facebook?
A: The best and fastest way to contact the coaches is through their e-mail addresses, which you can find listed here.

Q: Isn't Twitter just an overwhelming waste of time?
A: No way! Yes, there are a lot of people to follow and information being disseminated on Twitter, but you hold the power. You can pick and choose whom you would like to follow. The more advanced users can even build lists to easily manage whom they follow.