What better way to reach a multi-tasking, short-attention-spanned Gen Yer than to limit your messages to 140 characters?
I think my favorite NASA Baby Boomer reaction to Twitter (a micro blogging tool that lets you send 140 characters to subscriber’s Instant Messaging programs or cell phones) is, “Well, there is a technology that solves a problem I don’t have.” Of course, NASA does have a problem– making space, exploration and science exciting and participatory for a new generation (heck, the old generation won’t mind being included either). That is why the @MarsPhoenix Twitter stream is such genius. Each tweet @MarsPhoenix sends is inherently bite sized. It is 140 characters of wit, science, facts, humor, engineering or play. The spacecraft even ‘types’ its own messages in the first person to save space- remember 140 characters is not a lot! Writing in the first person, while born of necessity only reinforces Twitter as a way to help humans connect with the mission in a very personal way- directly with the spacecraft. It also does it in easily digestible, complete 140 character episodes! Some examples
