links for 2009-08-19

Ultimately, it's likely the difference comes down to simple matters of functionality and application. Twitter's real-time nature and culture of link-posting lends itself to current affairs and news-related content — a phenomenon demonstrated during the Iran election earlier this year. Older users are perhaps more likely to find value in that type of experience, whereas interaction surrounding photos, games and other third-party applications via Facebook may appeal more to a younger demographic.

As it declined, the Echo withdrew from its office in the middle of town and trimmed its coverage of local affairs. By the end it was hardly an effective watchdog. “We used to nearly write the stories for the journalists,” says Richard Chattaway, a county councillor. Not surprisingly, the newspaper’s circulation more than halved between 2001 and 2008.