Kevin Simler

Personally, I don't want to run this kind of program. (I'll explain why in a minute.) But if I were to run one, here's what I'd do:

1. Post about the program on my blog and mailing list. Explain the value I get from using Twitter, and why others might be interested too (especially if they've been considering it but don't know how to get started).

2. Provide a curated list of Twitter accounts I think the new users might like to follow. These would be accounts I find interesting + are good role models for how to do Twitter well.

2.5. Maybe sketch a map of the parts of the Twittersphere I inhabit, to help orient new users.

3. Write a short guide to good Twitter usage + etiquette. Explain the basics (likes, RTs, quote-tweets, replies, DMs) as well as higher-level use cases (asking questions, having conversations, sharing screenshots, meeting up with people IRL).

4. Collect new user info with a Google form. Require people to actually make an account + add a profile and profile photo.

Now the key to the whole thing.... 5. Get all new users to _follow each other_. That way they don't start at 0. That way they can post top-level tweets and actually have an audience. That way they can like and reply to each other.

So that's the basic idea. Now, why don't *I* run this kind of program? In short: I'm bad at facilitating community. I could probably make a decent stab at it, but it would take me a lot of emotional energy that I just don't have these days. But I do think it's a great idea!