For one, I can provide fuller commentary on the tweet I just sent you; so that if we find a topic worthy of discussion, we can have a more complete one over here on FriendFeed. - phil baumann

Two, FriendFeed and Twitter complement each other imo. Twitter's advantage is its simplicity and ambient intimacy. But FF offers far more features (and more reliable architecture) than Twitter. - phil baumann

Three - the conversations here can be more focused, while allowing for latitude in expressing and exchanging ideas. On Twitter, the conversations are more like skipping stones across a creek. On FF, the streams can get deeper. - phil baumann

Four - you can use FF as a dynamic repository of items that you not only want to share with others, but also for future use, since you can search for items. Which brings us to the next point. - phil baumann

Five - the Search feature on FF is far superior to Twitters (FF, like any service, sometimes has issues), but it's much richer and more useful. I've always been able to find old tweets here on FF that are just gone on Search.Twitter. - phil baumann

Six - You can use FF to post to Twitter and bring conversation over here. FF uses OAuth (which I believe is currently off due to the DoS attack on Twitter). FF can be used (to an extent) as a Twitter client. - phil baumann

Note - there's an interesting dynamic between Twitter users and FF users. Most of the Twitter users I know don't like FF - I suspect there are many reasons for that, one being that maybe the features here aren't obvious. FF takes a little more time to "learn" than Twitter; but just like Twitter, once you "get it", you appreciate it - and that understanding actually extends your appreciation for Twitter. - phil baumann

Seven - I can embed a FF post anywhere. This commentary, for example, is practically a blog post in itself, which I will embed on my blog over here in a few moments - http://philbaumann.com/2009... - phil baumann

Well said my friend. Well said. I have never explored the search feature on here - I may have to try that. I agree, it takes a lil more getting used to- but well worth the time. The conversations are so much more 'active'. Your skipping stones analogy hit the nail on the head. Yep! I actually have started embedding conversation threads from FF in my blog posts! Thanks again. - Sean

Oh that is great, I have felt a need for more expansion/indepth writing... I already, just before I read your message signed up. - Bonnie Kavanagh

Oh wow, we are having a dialogue that a 1,000 plus people do not have access to... I set my reading for friends access only. Is that best? - Bonnie Kavanagh

It is more like IM or permanent messages that can be limited access. - Bonnie Kavanagh

Bonnie - Welcome. I'd love to see more healthcare professionals (especially nurses) because we can explore ideas more fully here. Also, I think FF's interface would be a more responsible platform for ePatients. Twitter travels only so far when it comes to healthcare topics. I don't know if FF itself is the best place, but the format certainly is imo. - phil baumann

So, I signed up, and limited access. I will ask questions when I need to and thank you both for exposing me to this new thing. - Bonnie Kavanagh

and it is potentially more private, dependent upon your settings? - Bonnie Kavanagh

so, do yuo post through FF first to post on twitter? that is what it looks like... - Bonnie Kavanagh

Bonnie - you can set your feed to Private (but I find a public feed more valuable). You could have two - one private, one public to take advantage of both settings. - phil baumann

Bonnie - yes, you can post from FF to Twitter (there's a box cc: Twitter which you can check to post to Twitter on an individual basis, or use the settings to post FF to Twitter by default. I don't set it as a default, because that could overwhelm my Twitter followers. FF gives you plenty of options & they keep adding more. - phil baumann

Right now, I'm typing this from the embed on my blog, the post of which is coming up. [Update: here's the post: http://philbaumann.com/2009... ] - phil baumann

Oh wow, it sounds like much more valuable settings... I will reset to public - Bonnie Kavanagh

I am sure I have posted to much "bantar" on Twitter... lol - Bonnie Kavanagh

embedded blog... I will have to ask my IT guy about that one.... - Bonnie Kavanagh

So how do you know that I have posted here? do you have to look at this page? - Bonnie Kavanagh

oh wow, that embedded feature is incredible.... - Bonnie Kavanagh

I can post right from FF. I can also post from email. I can also post via IM. Go to settings and review your options. I can also post from my blog, which is what I'm doing right now from here: http://philbaumann.com/2009... - phil baumann

It is confusing... so do you keep your following open? Is there a big risk of spam or nonsense and than can you block an individual poster if it is open? or do you just keep following to those you select? - Bonnie Kavanagh

@bonnie you can customize all the above. posts from and to FF and Twitter. You can go private or public. Customize your friend settings, etc. The embed function is something you can do to share a conversation. At the title of the conversation - click share - then copy the embed into any blog post. You of course have to copy the HTML. But it's a great tool. I have embedded a number of convo's into my blog - Sean

@ bonnie - I keep mine open. And the spam is nowhere near the twitter spam. Almost nill. - Sean

I keep my following open as well. Sean's right, the spam isn't nearly the problem it is on Twitter. You can block users too (which I rarely need to do - on Twitter I block everyday because Twitter doesn't seem to do anything about spam). - phil baumann

wow... more expansion of thoughts in conversation abilities to share... amazing stuff... I have deffinitely felt limited in Twitter so this is perfect timing in finding FF. do I have to show the @ feature to talk with each individual? or is that a courtesy call by the poster? - Bonnie Kavanagh

Oh, and you can shut down Comments if you have to for whatever reason. Try to do that on Twitter if you had to. - phil baumann

lol... I know what you mean... - Bonnie Kavanagh

Bonnie - you can use the @user (it's not a function like it is on Twitter) - usually address the person by name like I'm doing with this comment. ...There is a Direct Message feature on FF that you can use to send private comments - like Twitter, the other person has to follow you. - phil baumann

I love it! This is great, thank you / you two. - Bonnie Kavanagh

yeah.. I use the @ as a courtesy. Otherwise no need. Especially if you're just answering or responding to the posted message. Good stuff. - Sean

@ Bonnie BTW.. I sent you a DM on FriendFeed just so you got to see it. - Sean

It is always a good day when you can learn something of great value.. and gives a positive force to communication. - Bonnie Kavanagh

Oh.. and if you noticed.. this convo string just keeps moving. Stay on the page.. and as the convo develops.. the new messages appear in realtime. quite cool. - Sean

amazing... I love this.... - Bonnie Kavanagh

As a side note.. if you're interested. You can set up BackType to notify you of any new messages to a conversation. It's what I use. There are a plethora of ways to be notified of conversations.. through FF or via Backtype. You're options are endless. LOL - Sean

OH.. and you can go back and edit any piece of the convo you contributed to. OR you can delete them. Heh heh. - Sean

what is BackType? another program? - Bonnie Kavanagh

yes. Backtype is a way of following all the conversations you have on the internet. http://www.backtype.com/ check it out. - Sean

I will wait a bit on the back type and think some more about it. First, I want to get a feel for FF. This is incredible and powerfull control... - Bonnie Kavanagh

yes it is. Good luck! Spread the word! - Sean

Phil - I love your Twitter landing page; I have been thinking about that. - Bonnie Kavanagh

Bonnie - Glad you see the value. Agree with Sean: spread the word. - phil baumann

Bonnie - thanks. I may have to do one evangelizing FriendFeed now. :) - phil baumann

Than you both.. of great value... I must RT this note... I now like you Phil.... and Sean, well, you have been such a dear friend and good to to start my day with a smile... - Bonnie Kavanagh

Sure, no problem. - phil baumann

...More - With FriendFeed, there's a lot more meta-data (likes, comments) than Twitter (Retweets and favorites are pretty much it). - phil baumann

Phil it's true FriendFeed has it's merits. - Seth Goldstein