9to5Mac is reporting that Apple now has their own Twitter account. Problem is, this is what you see when visiting their page. (For those too lazy to check, the page does not exist.)
There is, however, a Twitter page for iTunes trailers.
Why the @apple page remains defunct is a mystery. Then again, what kinds of things would the most secretive technology company in the world Tweet about? “Working on something super-confidential, bbl”?
Another theory is that Apple has created the account to prevent a cybersquatter from masquerading, potentially sending fake Tweets (and false information) to thousands of people.
While waiting for Apple to utilize their Twitter account, us here at Macgasm put together a braintrust on ways Apple can improve their social media initiative. Here’s what we came up with:
- Use Facebook and Twitter for press releases. This can prevent Tweeps and other Internet denizens from dispelling false information.
- Create a Twitter account for every Apple product and post tips, tricks, and how-to’s. (Kind of like the ones displayed above the Genius Bar in Apple retail stores.) And with the advent of HootSuite, you only need one person for the job.
- Give Steve Jobs a formspring.me account. Kidding.
- Webcast their own media events, so more people can watch product announcements. It’ll make all those bloggers shut up and listen for once, too.
- Social media can be used to promote services and products most people haven’t heard of, such as their business team, MobileMe and in-store special events.
There’s a myriad of ways Apple can share info with their loyal fanbase and still maintain secrecy. They have received a lot of criticism for their lack of transparency, and becoming involved with social media would be a small gesture towards this.
But until that day, I’ll stick with Fake Steve Jobs.
