New Service: Twitter (UtahAlerts) to E-mail

ryanisflyboy · #1 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 06:05 PM

There has been some confusion regarding how people get alerts from twitter that:

1) Don't have a mobile device (or don't want to get updates to one).
2) Don't want to use a widget/rss reader.
3) Would like to receive alerts via e-mail.

Of course, twitter does NOT support the ability to follow a feed via e-mail. Why, exactly, escapes me. However - there is a basic solution. I have set up a process on the utahradio.org server that takes the twitter feed, and turns it in to e-mail. If anyone would like to use this feature, please PM me your e-mail address. I'll put it in the system for you.

Right now this is just a test service, but it appears very functional from initial testing.

kf7yn · #2 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 07:06 PM

I tried signing up for Twitter alerts but the whole process is confusing. My problem is I am out of town a lot and didn't see anything on how to do this to begin with so I'm way behind the curve. Anyone care to help me get set up for texts? Thanks

bneilson · #3 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 11:58 AM

Hey Jon.. .

I assume you looked at the directions in THIS posting?

Maybe you can post some specific questions and we can help answer. Twitter is a great service for this type of thing.

ryanisflyboy · #4 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 03:22 PM

Did everyone on the list get the alert about the man being trapped under Trax?

Utah_Viper · #5 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanisflyboy

Did everyone on the list get the alert about the man being trapped under Trax?

I sent out the Alert. It is posted on the Twitter feed. Hope the e-mail part is working as well.

qlajlu · #6 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanisflyboy

Did everyone on the list get the alert about the man being trapped under Trax?

Nope. Did not happen.

Highpockets · #7 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qlajlu

Nope. Did not happen.

It's just not in the cards!

bneilson · #8 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 04:56 PM

I got the tweet to my phone but I did not get an email...

shadowerr · #9 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 06:38 PM

I didn't recieve an SMS or email.

-Mike

N7YUO · #10 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 01:44 AM

I received the txt on Verizon cell phone

shootinnews · #11 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 09:45 AM

Make sure your device updates and stuff are on, also Google search twitter 3rd party apps there's plenty out there that will help you get your updates in a variety of ways.

By the way, who's the admin for Utah Alerts Twitter? I'd like to see about being added to submit updates, especially once at scene, working for the News I'm usually on scene before the updates are even sent, but once at scene I could give updates, photos and the likes!

PM me....

Thanks

ryanisflyboy · #12 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 03:37 PM

Whooops. Did everyone just get spammed with a whole bunch of alert e-mails?

qlajlu · #13 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanisflyboy

Whooops. Did everyone just get spammed with a whole bunch of alert e-mails?

I wouldn't call it "spammed," but I did get six alerts in my Inbox all at one time. Does this mean the thing is working now for e-mail?

Utah_Viper · #14 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 03:55 PM

Got 21

Hopefully were up to date and will get them when sent now.

ryanisflyboy · #15 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 03:59 PM

I'm hoping this is all I need to do to make it work. Viper - would you mind sending out a test alert?

Utah_Viper · #16 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanisflyboy

I'm hoping this is all I need to do to make it work. Viper - would you mind sending out a test alert?

Test sent out at 1408. It did post to the twitter feed. waiting to confirm e-mail

ryanisflyboy · #17 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 04:16 PM

Looking at the server logs, everyone should have gotten this. Thank you Viper.

qlajlu · #18 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 04:18 PM

It seems to be working. I just got the test alert in my Inbox. This will be great. Finally. Thanks.

Has anyone answered shootinnews on his offer?

Utah_Viper · #19 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 04:21 PM

By Jove I think we've got it!!

Looks like it works. there is a slight delay but still better then having to manually check the board, or even a Twitter APP. I have also set up my e-mail to forward the alerts to my phone

I now can get updates even when on the go.

(Twitter normally allows SMS Text message but was not compatible with my phone company)

qlajlu · #20 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Utah_Viper

By Jove I think we've got it!!

Looks like it works. there is a slight delay [...]

The delay on my end might be my e-mail program. When I'm on the computer (all day, everyday, it seems) my e-mail program runs in the background. I have it set to query the e-mail server every 10 minutes. So depending on when the alert actually gets submitted to the Twitter system, I should receive it no longer than 10 minutes afterwards; 20 minutes at the outside.