6 Twitter Web Apps to Ask Questions & Get Answers

The Power of Collective Wisdom: Q&A on Twitter

It’s fortunate that foundational questions, like Newton’s inquiries into gravity, weren’t left to public opinion. However, in today’s Web 2.0 environment, we benefit from a wealth of Question & Answer platforms designed to address everything from simple issues to complex problems.

While dedicated community forums and Q&A websites are valuable resources, the rise of microblogging through Twitter has introduced another avenue for seeking assistance.

Just how effective are these Q&A web services?

Considering our readership exceeds 200,000, and Twitter boasts 50 to 60 million monthly users, even a small percentage of these individuals can contribute solutions. Naturally, responses are typically limited to 140 characters or less.

Don't hesitate to solicit input from your followers when facing a challenge. Should that prove unsuccessful, explore these six Twitter-based question and answer applications that tap into Twitter’s extensive knowledge base.

TwitQA

TwitQA is a web application built around Twitter, enabling users to post questions limited to 140 characters. These questions are categorized for better context and organization.

The platform also highlights the most insightful questions and their corresponding answers. Additional features, such as Question Spy, allow users to find relevant conversations using keywords like Who, When, How, and Why, alongside specific hashtags.

Twitter facilitates real-time conversation tracking. Create a Poll offers a way to gather opinions quickly and efficiently, leveraging Twitter’s speed.

LazyTweet

Simply tweet your question, incorporating the terms "˜lazytweet' or "˜lazyweb'. This can be done as a hashtag (#lazytweet or #lazyweb), a reply (@lazytweet or @lazyweb), or by including the words directly in your tweet.

LazyTweet monitors Twitter streams, identifies these queries, and makes them accessible to users following the LazyTweet account. Using tags also simplifies question tracking.

TweetBrain

Log in with your Twitter account and submit your question. TweetBrain distinguishes itself by allowing you to offer a reward for a correct answer.

You can categorize your question and set a deadline for responses. Both the questioner and responder have the option to protect answers, limiting visibility to only the two parties involved.

As TweetBrain’s FAQ explains, you benefit from a wider audience. Questions posted on Twitter with hashtags like #help, #needhelp, or #question, or containing the phrase "˜anybody knows', are often picked up and displayed on the site.

The reward aspect is particularly appealing; TweetBrain credits your account and notifies you via Twitter.

TweetRSVP

TweetRSVP functions as a specialized search engine. It identifies tweets requesting assistance and those offering resources, such as jobs, rewards, or free items.

The platform presents queries as Questions Tweeted and offers as Offers Tweeted. A search box allows for targeted searches.

TweetRSVP enables direct replies through Twitter.com or your preferred Twitter client. You can also register to receive email alerts based on selected keywords.

Twook4It

Twook4It doesn’t allow you to post a question directly; instead, it searches Twitter for tweets indicating a need or desire. This could range from a medical solution to finding an apartment or simply seeking happiness.

If you possess a relevant answer, you can offer assistance. Searching past tweets may reveal solutions applicable to your own situation.

Twttrstrm

Developed as an extension of Squidoo, Twttrstrm allows you to create a Squidoo lens (a webpage) centered around the answers received to your query.

The service generates a hashtag for each question, and all replies using that hashtag are compiled on a dedicated page. This effectively threads responses together in a single location.

This functions similarly to a standard Squidoo lens, allowing integration of other Squidoo modules and potential monetization.

Social networks are fundamentally about connection. However, on a more profound level, they are proving to be powerful digital assistants. While they may not fulfill every wish, they certainly provide guidance and support.

Twitter is inspiring numerous tools designed to harness collective intelligence. These six applications represent examples of how we can reach beyond our immediate network and connect with a broader range of Twitter users. The benefit lies in obtaining solutions and forging connections within the 140-character limit.

Do you actively seek or provide answers on Twitter? Perhaps a combination of both? If so, are there any Twitter tools you find particularly useful?