The city of Boynton Beach is extending its reach through the use of new online social network media, including Twitter and a recently launched blog that allows two-way communication between the city and those that have an interest in the city.
City spokesman Wayne Segal said that technology has given Boynton Beach new tools that allow the city to invite conversation with the community.
“I went to a conference in December in Lakeland and one of the topics was Twitter,” Segal said. “I am still trying to understand it but it is very exciting.”
He said the social networking has potential for disseminating information, including emergency information, about the city and its services, for recruitment and for announcing special events.
The Twitter messages are short at 140 characters but enough to communicate with staff members. The 140-character messages get posted on the user’s wall.
“You get your message across,” Segal said.
Some Twitter messages have nothing to do with the city at all but are just conversational. One golf-related follower wrote that he was taking a shower on the Twitter board. The idea is to get residents talking to each other.
The city’s other main objective in creating a blog to open up an interactive channel with the local community, Segal said.
Residents can comment and add relevant content.
Staff members on the blog include Segal and Vicki Robertson, who works in the Art Center. The staff members post updates on trash collection, about local centers and city awards.
To receive the city’s frequent “tweets,” either on a computer or mobile device, it is necessary to sign up for a free Twitter account.
Visit http://twitter.com and after signing up, go to “Following” in the right hand column and click on “add.” Add “cityofboynton.”
To view the city’s blog at any time and read the updates, go to http://boyntoncityblog.wordpress.com.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com or followed on Twitter at rothman88.