What you need to know about social networking.

• Author: Dorsch, Megan
• Position: TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Blogging. Tweeting. Facebooking. If you think these are terms only teenagers are familiar with, think again.

The use of social media sites, or tools of Web 2.0, spans generations. The first social networking site, SixDegrees.com, was created in 1997, followed by sites such as BlackPlanet, Friendster and MySpace. But today, the most popular site is Facebook, with more than 200 million members worldwide.

In the United States, the number of adults with a profile on a social networking site has more than quadrupled in the past four years--from 8 percent in 2005 to 35 percent in December 2008--according to Pew Internet and American Life Project surveys. Time spent on social networking and blogging sites is growing at more than three times the rate of overall global Internet growth. And the fastest growing segment of users is women over age 55.

Candidates for school boards, city councils, state legislatures and even the president of the United States have used social networking tools.

More than 35 state legislative caucuses across the country are using social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. These new interactive communities allow politicians to have direct, unfiltered communication with voters and constituents. Legislators are also using social media as a campaign tool that can influence debate, help build name recognition, gain supporters and motivate volunteers around elections.

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Are social media for you? Below are eight things you should know before setting up your own site. These tips can help you successfully manage your site daily.

1

KNOW THE TOOLS

The number and types of tools in the social media arsenal are expanding each day. Remember when the term blogger was new? Knowing that the largest age demographic on Facebook currently is 18 to 24, and 35 to 49 on Twitter, may help you decide which tools to use.

Also keep in mind which tools are considered public and which ones can be picked up by search engines. On Twitter, postings are usually visible to anyone who wants to view them, although "followers" can post replies and are more likely to view updates. Texas Senator Dan Patrick's Twitter account includes frequent updates about what's happening on the floor, opinions on bills, notes about rallies or events, and references directing readers to his Facebook page for more details. Patrick's followers post thank yous, opinions on bills and a few jabs, as well. In contrast, Facebook and other social...