Detroit social media community gathers for 'Tweetup' to meet in person

Southfield, Mich. (WXYZ) - Twitter has changed the way we learn about, share and discuss the news of Detroit. As we’ve spent more time tweeting, we’ve met some amazing new friends and we’re proud to be part of a growing social media community in Detroit.

Tuesday night, a few hundred metro Detroiters gathered in Southfield for a “tweetup.” Many of them are familiar with each other from their conversations online, but have never actually met in person.

For some who read about this, there are two immediate questions: What is Twitter? And what is a Tweetup?

Twitter is an online tool for sharing short updates. Those might be news headlines and links to articles or they might be an opinion about the morning weather.

These updates really are short – only 140 characters or less – and they’re called “tweets.”

A tweetup is just what it sounds like: A meet-up of people who tweet.

Many of the anchors and reporters you see here on WXYZ.com and on Channel 7 are also on Twitter each and every day. They are part of the conversation that grows up around the news of Detroit.

While we’re pleased to be a part of it, much of that conversation happens without us. A real community has developed here. In the morning, metro Detroiters are tagging their tweets with an #earlyrisers hashtag. At night, they’re using #backchannel. These act like keywords for those who want to be a part of the conversation.

Tuesday night, the community came together at Copper Canyon Brewery in Southfield.

Over the past several weeks the event has been organized by members of the community and Twitter users went online to RSVP .

For those who have not yet followed us on Twitter, we invite you to join us .