YDR Insider

If you had told me a year ago that social media would have such an important role in the way people communicate, I probably wouldn’t have been the only journalist — or regular person — to laugh in your face.

But when the great York County earthquake of 2011 occurred a few months ago, my first thought (after am I crazy?) was to I grab my phone and check my Twitter feed. Turns out I wasn’t the only one who felt the jolt. And when I got a new apartment Monday, I may have Tweeted it before I called my parents. If anyone tells them, I’ll deny it.

But it’s impossible to deny that social media has changed the way we report, as well as the way we live our lives. I sleep with my phone next to my bed (don’t judge). And when I left my phone at home the other day while I ran errands, I shuddered at the Foursquare check-ins I was missing.

I know I’m not alone when I say I text my family before I call. Why call my friends when I can text? And I’ll Tweet if I know you’ll respond there first. So why not have our YDR contact list change to embrace all the ways you can find us? It may be easier (and less intimidating) to Tweet at someone than to pick up a phone and call the newsroom.

So for the past month or so (when I’m not working on elections, a post to come another day) I’ve been compiling a list of YDR staff Twitter accounts. Now, you, the lucky reader, can go to one page and follow as many staffers as your heart desires. I’m still working out the best way to link Facebook profiles, but eventually you’ll be able to do that, too… .

So, if you’ve got a tip, shoot it to the reporter who likely is just as attached to his or her phone as I am. Tweet that picture of something you think is newsworthy. Or just use those 140 characters to say hi. We want to make it easier for you to find us in this social-media driven world. Anyone have any other tips or suggestions?