How Twitter Saved Me $50
A few weeks ago, I was asked by one of my blog readers why on earth I “tweet” (a verb referring to the stream of consciousness micro-blogging on upstart social network Twitter). Truth be told, I didn’t have a great reason, other than it was the newest technology fad (this was pre-Iranian election solidarity-tweeting). And yet yesterday, Twitter literally allowed me to not spend $50 I had otherwise planned on spending!
Here it goes. Last night I returned from vacation in Costa Rica, and was scheduled to arrive at LAX at 12:30….A.M! I didn’t want to burden anyone with the responsibility of picking me up that late (it would have been about 1:30am after going through customs, etc…), and so I had simply planned on taking a taxi home. Yet as our plane descended into LAX, I had a thought…how about a low-pressure, non-invasive, mass shout out to everyone I know in LA! And best yet, no one would get woken up over it!
As the plane touched down, I whipped out my cell-phone, which mind you, doesn’t even have a data plan, and sent a simple text message to my Twitter account that went exactly like this:
Just landed at LAX! If anyone wants to give me a lift home, text or call by 1am or so. If not, no worries….I’ll cab it. See ya soon!
Now’s where it get’s cool! That simple message instantly updated my Facebook page as well, which during any given minute, is being used by 10-30 of my actual friends and acquaintances here in L.A. Seriously, within about 90 seconds (and while still taxiing) I received a phone call from my buddy Alex, who volunteered to pick me up from the airport! Thanks Alex! And thanks Twitter!
(As a post script, I should also mention that I subsequently had to turn down two more offers for a late night pickup from people who saw my post)..
Anyway, enough geeking out for now on technology. Here are my Costa Rica pics! Enjoy!
Trip to Costa Rica! from Kyle Hunsberger on Vimeo.
Filed under: summer, technology
Wow, Costa Rica looks so inviting. Glad you had a great time with your sis, and I’m glad to know that twitter helped you out. My favorite part of your slide show was the epic feeling I got from the music, thanks Sigur Ros! Good choice.
Yes! In fact, it was Carl Tullson who introduced me to them last summer. Amazing. I just wish I knew Icelandic.
Awesome, and awesome! So cool….I’m a tech nerd too Kyle ;)
So happy that you had a great time on your trip. The photo montage is beautiful.
Love you!
Yeah….and best of all…that montage literally took exactly 4 clicks with my mouse to make using Picasa!
Sounds like your vacation to Costa Rica was filled with great times, amazing views, awesome flora and fauna, interesting food and good times with Jenna and Jason. I’m jealous! Thanks for the pics! They are great!