Maximizing Opportunities: Twitter's Open Archive and the Power of Asking

Hatched by Kazuki
Sep 26, 2023
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Maximizing Opportunities: Twitter's Open Archive and the Power of Asking
Introduction:
In a significant move, Twitter has announced that it will no longer require researchers to pay for premium or enterprise developer access. Instead, it will provide the full history of public conversations, known as its full-archive search endpoint, to academic researchers and developers who apply through its new academic research track. This decision is aimed at facilitating research on critical topics such as online misinformation, election interference, and hate speech, which have gained prominence in the wake of the 2020 US election. Additionally, Twitter has raised the monthly tweet volume cap to 10 million tweets, 20 times higher than the previous limit. However, it's important to note that data from suspended or banned accounts will not be accessible, which may pose challenges in studying certain conversations.
Connecting the Dots:
Twitter's initiative to open up its full tweet archive to academic researchers aligns with the concept of "Tell People What You Want." Just as Twitter is encouraging researchers to articulate their needs, it highlights the importance of expressing our desires and aspirations to others. By making our goals known, we give others the opportunity to support us and help us achieve what we seek. The adage "If you don't ask, you don't get" rings true here. People cannot read our minds, and assuming that they understand our wants is a recipe for missed opportunities.
Asking for What You Want:
The act of asking for what we want requires us to be proactive and explicit. It's not enough to assume that others will intuitively understand our desires. We must communicate our needs clearly and directly. Whether it's seeking career opportunities, feedback, or support, expressing our intentions enables others to assist us effectively. This principle holds true for both personal and professional contexts. Mentors, sponsors, and even colleagues may not always have our objectives at the forefront of their minds. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to vocalize our aspirations and ask for the help we need.
The Power of Specificity:
Merely expressing a desire without providing specific details can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities. Similar to how researchers need to define their research goals, we must clearly outline our intentions when seeking assistance. The process involves four key components: the desire, the why, the timing, and the invitation. Articulating what we want, explaining why we want it, ensuring the timing is appropriate, and specifying how others can contribute to our goals increases the likelihood of receiving the desired outcome. By eliminating ambiguity and providing a roadmap for support, we make it easier for others to lend a hand.
Actionable Advice:
- 1. Be explicit: Don't assume that others know what you want. Clearly communicate your desires and aspirations to increase the likelihood of receiving support.
- 2. Seek feedback: Solicit opinions and feedback on your goals. By demonstrating your willingness to listen and incorporate advice, you foster a collaborative environment that encourages others to provide valuable insights.
- 3. Embrace vulnerability: Putting yourself out there and asking for what you want can be intimidating. However, the potential rewards outweigh the fear of rejection. Take risks and venture into uncharted territory to maximize your chances of success.
Conclusion:
Twitter's decision to open its full tweet archive to academic researchers highlights the importance of accessible information in today's digital landscape. Simultaneously, the idea of "Tell People What You Want" emphasizes the significance of expressing our desires and aspirations to others in order to maximize opportunities. By being proactive, specific, and open to feedback, we increase our chances of achieving our goals. So, let us embrace the power of asking and venture into the realm of possibility. As the saying goes, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."
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