Who to follow (on Twitter)
Twitter is the best. Calling it a“social platform” doesn’t do the justice. I like thinking about it as about media/news aggregator. If you don’t know how to start, reading this great WSJ article from Joanna Stern should help. It’s the only place where you can directly communicate with people you will probably never meet. I said people. Follow people, not brands — it’s probably the best advice about Twitter I can give you.
Michael Bierut— I “discovered” Michael Bierut recently because of his book How to Use Graphic Design to Sell Things, Explain Things, Make Things Look Better, Make People Laugh, Make People Cry, and (Every Once in a While) Change the World. Decades of experience in design and typography made him the guru in the business. Want to know what makes a truly great logo? Watch Michael Bierut explaining it to you.
Gabriel Aul — In update trouble? Better call Aul! You definitely should follow him for news and updates on the Windows Insider program for Windows 10. Gabe is really active on Twitter and if you’re lucky, he will answer your questions directly. Give it a try! A must-follow for all Windows fans out there.
Wes Miller — Wes Miller is making licensing great again! If you think that software licensing is boring, Wes will prove you… you’re completely right. He’s Research VP at Directions on Microsoft, but tweets a lot about software, security, operating systems and current technology issues daily.
Rudy Huyn — Heard of recent Microsoft buy of synthetic DNA? What if is to clone Rudy — probably the most recognized Windows developer out there? He is really dedicated to Windows platform and Windows Phone community. Many third party WP apps (for Tinder, Vine or Instagram) were made by him single-handedly. Follow Rudy for latest news and thoughts on Universal Windows Platform.
Peter Skillman — It’s great to have a chance to exchange ideas with people who have direct impact on products you use daily. Peter is a General Manager of Core User Experience team for Windows desktop, tablets and phones. And hey, he will probably answer your tweets! Some of them.
Dina Bass — If you’re interested not only on technical, but also business part of the technology world, Dina Bass is the person you should follow. Deep analysis of recent earning calls, interesting links and more. Of course if you don’t mind football (soccer) tweetstorms every Sunday. There’s always a mute button!
Scott Hanselman — Software engineering, open source, parenting, equality, gadgets, hardware. Works for Microsoft, but opinions are his own. Really. Scott is a very positive person. His tweets are clever and to the point. Must-have on your Twitter’s followers list. Your Words Are Wasted — did you know that?
Mary Jo Foley — Want to read about Microsoft products without click-baitish headlines, fancy photos and sensational tone? About products that matter, not only the consumer stuff? MJF is the writer of your choice. Covering Microsoft news for decades with deep company knowledge, proven internal sources and class. You can see her also on Windows Weekly with Paul Thurrott.
UX Launchpad — I told you not to follow brands/companies, but UX Launchpad is different. Behind that project you’ll find Jon Bell, former Windows Phone designer, currently working for… yes, Twitter. This account is a source of links to some great articles like: Material Design’s Bob Dylan Moment, Design Explosions #4: Office Mobile, I Am Confused By How I Feel About iPad Pro.
Joanna Stern — I don’t always agree with Joana but it’s nice to have someone to challenge your opinions and point of view. Joanna covers consumer side of technology world with comprehensive articles and fun to watch videos. You will find her on Wall Street Journal. Follow her on Twitter to be always up to date with latest tech and social media news.
Bill Buxton — Designer, author, researcher, lecturer. Decades in Microsoft Research. Inspiring opinions and speeches on natural interfaces and future of computing. It’s not about screen sizes anymore, guys. Did you know about Cracker Jack Principle?
WalkingCat — Probably the best source of early leaks about Microsoft, focusing on programming languages, software tools and new projects. If you want to know thinks days or hours before anybody else — WalkingCat is the right user to follow. His tweets were an inspiration for a lot of mainstream news articles many times.
Steven Sinofsky — Former Office and Windows chief. Strong opinions on mobile computing, platforms, security and work environment. And the best thing — he is really active and down to earth on Twitter. You will disagree with him many times. But at the end of the day, it will be him who’s right.
