Facebook and Twitter For Seniors For Dummies by Marsha Collier

by Marsha Collier

A fun and easy social media guide for the over-55 set

People over 55 were the fastest-growing user group on Facebook in the first half of 2009, and they're flocking to Twitter at a faster rate than their under-20 grandchildren. From basic information about establishing an Internet connection to rediscovering old friends, sharing messages and photos, and keeping in touch instantly with Twitter, this book by online expert Marsha Collier helps seniors jump right into social media.Seniors are recognizing the communication possibilities of Facebook and Twitter and are signing up in record numbersThis plain-English guide explains how to get online, set up a Facebook profile, locate friends, post public and private messages, share photos, create events, follow local businesses and friends on Twitter, create a blog, play games, and moreMarsha Collier explains every step with the same friendly, comfortable style that has made her "eBay For Dummies" books bestsellers

"Facebook & Twitter For Seniors For Dummies" supplies everything seniors need to function confidently on these two social media platforms.

Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Skip · Rating 5 out of 5]

another excellent book by Marsha - and not just for seniors. By the time you finish chapter 1, it feels like she's writing one-on-one and not a "general" book. Whenever I give local Social Media talks/workshops this is one of the books I mention as a must read!

[Dave Beeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical "Dummies" book,; full of lots of good information on how to become proficient in the use of
Facebook and Twitter. If your not the techno-savvy type this is the book for you. You can't go wrong with a "for Dummies" publication.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving this book 3 stars because I believe the book did a pretty good job of helping novice users understand and use Facebook and Twitter in 2010. However, being 2 years old, the book is somewhat out of date. Because of that, the book will sometimes confuse rather than aid its intended audience.

The author really covers more than just Facebook and Twitter. The first 1/3 of the book deals with extreme basics like buying an internet-capable computer, setting up your home network, and stuff like that. The final third covers conceptually-related web sites like twub, twitpic, bit.ly, blogger, and so on. Again, some of the information in the book is likely out of date 2 years after being published.

I have a couple of small bones to pick. The author Marsha Collier refers to a Mack Collier a few times, citing him as an expert in one area or another. I assume this is her husband, but she never mentions a relationship. In the interest of journalistic integrity, she should reveal that. Or use someone else in her examples.

The other small bone is that the book ends very abruptly after discussing how to set yourself up in blogger.com. I was expecting some sort of wrap up or summation.

Bottom line, the book is helpful for novices or somewhat timid users, but some of the information is out of date and might confuse rather than help. It's time for a new edition.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Web sites, including social media sites, change so often that books such as these become outdated soon after they are published. The information in this particular book is still, as of March, 2013, fairly useful, though, if the reader makes some intuitive leaps about where a particular feature of the site might be located now. Getting the book from a public library is a good idea unless there's a compelling reason to own a copy, since the book will need to be updated soon.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I think Dummies books are a great series. This one was okay but not entirely what I had expected.

It is best for anyone who does not already own a computer. The first few chapters deal with buying computers, getting online for the first time, setting up email, etc. I had anticipated it would give more hints about Facebook. I did not read the Twitter section.

For complete novices who need to buy a computer, I'm sure you'd find this book more helpful than I did.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

numbersThis plain-English guide explains how to get online, set up a Facebook profile, locate friends, post public and private messages, share photos, create events, follow local businesses and friends on Twitter, create a blog, play games, and moreMarsha Collier explains every step with the same friendly, comfortable style that has made her "eBay For Dummies" books bestsellers

[Grazyna Nawrocka · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing is simple, informative and friendly. I enjoyed reading this book, and expanded my knowledge sufficiently to use Twitter and do some blogging.