8 Essential Technology Journalists To Follow On Twitter

The Tech Enthusiast's Guide to Twitter

For those engaging with this content, a pre-existing interest in technology is highly probable. The very nature of MakeUseOf as a tech-focused platform, coupled with its branding, suggests an audience keen on topics like hardware, software, and internet trends.

Furthermore, it's assumed that individuals passionate about technology are likely active on Twitter. While some, like James Bruce, may resist, the platform has become a central hub for discussion and information.

Essential Tech Journalists to Follow on Twitter

Identifying valuable sources amidst the noise on Twitter can be challenging. Therefore, a curated list of eight key technology journalists is presented below, offering a focused stream of insightful commentary.

• Staying informed about the latest developments requires following the right people.
• This selection represents a diverse range of expertise within the tech industry.
• Prioritizing these accounts will enhance your understanding of current trends.

The following journalists consistently deliver high-quality analysis and reporting. Their perspectives are invaluable for anyone seeking to remain current in the rapidly evolving world of technology.

Don't delay – begin following these accounts now to enrich your Twitter experience. However, feel free to finish reading this article first before taking action!

Seth Weintraub @llsethj

A tweet from Seth Weintraub expressed a desire for expedited proceedings in the Apple versus Samsung legal battle. He specifically requested the presentation of additional prototypes for review.

Wish there were a fast forward button on this Apple vs. Samsung trial.More prototypes please!

— Seth Weintraub (@llsethj) August 2, 2012

Background and Affiliations

Seth Weintraub is an experienced writer who has contributed to prominent tech news sources like Fortune and Computerworld.

He is most recognized as the co-founder of 9to5Mac, a website dedicated to Apple news and analysis, to which he continues to be a contributor.

While traditionally focused on Apple, Weintraub’s reporting has expanded to include coverage of Google in recent times.

Social Media Presence

Weintraub’s Twitter activity is characterized by frequent sharing of links and active engagement in conversations.

His style involves substantial interaction with other users and the dissemination of relevant articles and information.

This approach fosters a dynamic online presence and facilitates real-time discussion within the tech community.

Josh Topolsky: A Digital Media Leader

Josh Topolsky, known on Twitter as @joshuatopolsky, once posed a thought-provoking question regarding products that, despite innovation, didn't achieve mainstream success. He specifically referenced the TurboGrafx-16, Atari Lynx, Dreamcast, HD-DVD, and webOS.

This query, shared on August 20, 2012, playfully questioned whether his affinity for these platforms indicated a pattern of supporting underdogs.

Career Highlights

Prior to his current role, Topolsky served as the editor-in-chief for Engadget. He subsequently transitioned to co-founding The Verge, where he presently holds the position of editor-in-chief.

While some might characterize Topolsky as possessing a hipster sensibility, his expertise and leadership skills within the digital media landscape are undeniable.

Social Media Presence

Topolsky’s Twitter feed is characterized by a distinct style. It can be described as:

• Energetic
• Rapid-paced
• Comprehensive

His posts are consistently engaging and provide a window into his perspectives on technology and culture.

Nilay Patel's Perspective on Criticism

A discussion initiated by Nilay Patel, known as @reckless on Twitter, highlights a situation where he faced criticism. The core of the issue revolved around perceptions of his review of Samsung's Note device.

Initial Tweet and Subsequent Commentary

Patel addressed claims that his critiques stemmed from a perceived inadequate assessment of the Note's camera features. He specifically pointed out the focus on the camera, given it was integrated into a tablet.

Individuals expressing disapproval have reached a point of asserting that my criticism of Samsung is rooted in a failure to adequately evaluate the Note's photographic capabilities.

— nilay patel (@reckless) August 16, 2012

Patel is a managing editor at The Verge, a prominent technology news and review website. His role involves forming and articulating views on a wide range of technological subjects.

Characteristics of Patel's Online Presence

Due to his willingness to share his perspectives, Patel has cultivated a substantial following, alongside a corresponding number of detractors. The nature of online writing often leads to polarized reactions.

Communication Style: Patel’s online communication is characterized by being forthright and observant.

His approach on Twitter is notably direct and focused on providing commentary on current events and trends within the technology industry.

Om Malik's Observation on iPhone Voice Memos

A particularly frustrating experience was highlighted by Om Malik, a veteran technology commentator. He likened the difficulty of retrieving voice memos from an iPhone to the discomfort of removing a bandage from a fresh wound.

Malik's Background and Contributions

For more than ten years, Om Malik has consistently provided insightful commentary on the technology landscape.

His work has appeared in prominent publications such as Forbes and Red Herring, establishing him as a respected voice in the industry.

Malik’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish GigaOM, a network of blogs that continues to expand its reach and influence.

Characterizing Malik's Twitter Presence

Malik’s Twitter feed is consistently noted for its captivating and thought-provoking content.

His posts are invariably interesting and designed to actively engage his audience.

The original tweet, dating back to August 22, 2012, demonstrates his ability to succinctly capture a common user frustration.

He frames the issue in a relatable way, making it immediately understandable and shareable.

Charles Arthur: A Critical Voice in Technology Journalism

A notable observation by Charles Arthur, shared on August 21, 2012, suggests that many emerging web services appear to be primarily platforms for self-obsession.

He posited that these services often lack genuine value creation or exchange, functioning instead as veiled opportunities for users to focus on themselves.

Background and Expertise

Charles Arthur currently serves as the technology editor for The Guardian, a prominent British newspaper.

Beyond his journalistic work, Arthur is also an author, having penned a book that examines the development of major technology companies – Apple, Google, and Microsoft – over the past twenty years.

He is recognized within the tech journalism community as one of the few reporters who consistently avoids adopting a biased or overly enthusiastic perspective.

Defining His Online Persona

Arthur’s presence on Twitter is characterized by a distinct style.

• Intelligence: His commentary demonstrates a deep understanding of the technological landscape.
• Inclusivity: He fosters a conversational tone, welcoming diverse viewpoints.

This approach contributes to his reputation as a thoughtful and objective analyst in the field of technology.

Nick Bilton's Observation on Autocorrect

Technology columnist Nick Bilton shared a humorous anecdote regarding iPhone's autocorrect feature.

He noted that typing the word "highfalutin" resulted in an autocorrection to "high-flatulence."

I just typed highfalutin & the iPhone autocorrected it to high-flatulence. Sounds about right.

— Nick Bilton (@nickbilton) August 14, 2012

About Nick Bilton

Nick Bilton currently works as a technology columnist for The New York Times.

He also serves as the lead blogger for the publication's Bits blog.

Bilton’s primary focus is to discuss technology in a way that is easily understood by a wide audience.

He is widely recognized for his ability to communicate complex technological concepts with clarity and accessibility.

Characteristics of Bilton's Communication

Twitter Style: Bilton’s communication is characterized by its expansive nature, boldness, and consistent engagement.

His approach is anything but dull, offering a dynamic and captivating perspective on the tech world.

Ed Bott's Observation on Apple's Market Cap

A noteworthy observation regarding Apple's market capitalization was made by Ed Bott, a respected technology commentator.

In 2012, Bott congratulated Apple on surpassing Microsoft’s 1999 record for the largest public company by market cap.

A Historical Perspective

However, Bott also appended a cautionary note, suggesting consideration of the events that followed Microsoft’s achievement of a similar milestone.

This tweet, shared on August 20, 2012, highlights a pattern of insightful commentary from Bott.

Ed Bott's Background and Focus

Ed Bott has been a prominent voice in technology journalism throughout my education and beyond.

He primarily contributes to ZDNet, with a consistent focus on Microsoft and the Windows operating system.

Individuals with a strong allegiance to Apple might find Bott’s perspectives challenging, as he is known for his direct and critical analysis.

Characterizing Bott's Online Persona

Bott’s Twitter presence is characterized by a distinctive style.

• It is frequently both humorous and sharply critical.
• His commentary often delivers a potent combination of amusement and directness.

This blend makes his online contributions particularly engaging and thought-provoking.

Farhad Manjoo's Commentary on the Twitter API

A query was posed by Farhad Manjoo regarding the lack of critical analysis surrounding changes to the Twitter API. He specifically requested someone publish a critique with a headline indicating a technical issue.

This observation was initially shared via Twitter on August 17, 2012, under his handle, @fmanjoo.

Background on Farhad Manjoo

Prior to his current role, Farhad Manjoo contributed articles to both Wired and Salon. He presently serves as the technology columnist for Slate.

Additionally, Manjoo occasionally publishes content on PandoDaily, expanding his reach within the technology journalism landscape.

An earlier incident involved Manjoo being labeled a "hater" by the CEO of Cuil, alongside Louis Gray and Dave Parrack.

Characteristics of Manjoo's Writing

Twitter Style: Manjoo’s communication is characterized by its directness and lack of embellishment.

His approach is generally straightforward, sober, and focused on delivering information to-the-point.

Final Thoughts

Several prominent figures in technology journalism were not included in the preceding list. The process of narrowing down the selection from an initial pool of twenty individuals to just eight proved challenging. Even with this reduced number, many deserving professionals remained unmentioned.

However, the eight journalists highlighted consistently demonstrate both insightful writing and a genuine enthusiasm for technology. Furthermore, they actively engage on Twitter, sharing compelling content on a daily basis.

The Importance of Engagement

It's crucial for journalists to be engaging and informative to maintain audience interest, wouldn't you agree?

Should you know of other technology journalists, bloggers, columnists, or writers who merit recognition, please share their names in the comments section below.

We highly recommend following all contributors to MakeUseOf; their usernames are conveniently linked within @makeuseof tweets.