For Subscribers

Tweet vs. Tweet Two authors face off on the merits of microblogging.

By Regina Schrambling

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

The world seems to be dividing into those who live on Twitter and those who twitch at the very mention of social media. Now two books are attempting to codify each side.

Dom Sagolla, one of the masterminds behind Twitter, has produced 140 Characters: A Style Guide for the Short Form, while Janelle Randazza, a journalist and recovering tweeter, is countering with Go Tweet Yourself: 365 Reasons Why Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and Other Social Networking Sites Suck. Each book is about 200 pages--which is a little like having encyclopedias devoted to haiku.

But both have much to impart to anyone starting or building a business today. Randazza generally pooh-poohs the concept of connecting online; she knows it can easily devolve into a pointless time suck. Sagolla can't tout the possibilities enough; what better cost-free way is there to track what consumers say about your product, to resolve disputes and to promote yourself?

140 is a nuts-and-bolts guide, complete with warnings about speaking too freely and advice on targeting an audience. Go Tweet mostly worries that "Twitter has inspired people to talk about the stupid."

Ultimately, both books are the equivalent of sex manuals when "just do it" is the best learning experience. Look at it that way, and the more incisive guide is, ironically enough, Go Tweet Yourself. Take the rants as advice, and you have a pretty good rulebook on making the most of Twitter--in fewer words than 140 Characters needs.

Regina Schrambling is a writer in New York City.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Buying / Investing in Business

Former Zillow Execs Target $1.3T Market

Co-ownership is creating big opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Science & Technology

7 AI Tools to Build a Profitable One-Person Business That Runs While You Sleep

Smart systems to help solo founders scale fast.

Business News

Most Major Retailers Are Open on Memorial Day, Except One. Here's What's Open and Closed This Monday.

From grocery stores to warehouse retailers, here's what to know about Memorial Day closures.

Buying / Investing in Business

Simplify Investing With Personalized Stock Recommendations From This $55 App

Build your stock portfolio and get lifetime investing support from Sterling Stock Picker for only $55.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

'I Run My House Like a Military Operation': Skims Chief Emma Grede Says This Is Her Precise Daily Routine

Grede is a CEO, founder, and serial entrepreneur. Here's how she prioritizes her day.