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Twitter ‘writers’ get their Pulitzers

By Gersh Kuntzman
The Brooklyn Paper
CNN’s Rick Sanchez will host the first annual Shorty Awards, a gathering of Twitter users, at Galapagos Art Space in DUMBO on Feb. 11.

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This article is too long to win a Shorty Award.

Yes, nowadays, even a 194-word brief is too long for bloggers who are so busy that they now communicate in 140-character (that’s about 28 words, folks) Twitter blasts.

And now these “writers” are getting their honors.

On Feb. 11, the best Twitterers will gather — out of their pajamas, mind you — for the “Shorty Awards,” a celebration of the “best” short writing from last year.

But isn’t 140 characters too short for substance?

“You can pack a lot of punch,” said Greg Galant, who is overseeing the awards. “Each of the 10 Commandments is under 140. Ben Franklin’s aphorism are under 140. Fifty short ‘Twits’ can be worth more than a 500-word story hours after the event.”

Also more annoying. Consider these posts on Tuesday from Shireen, a finalist in the “Politics” writing category: “the ice just melted not really happy about the snow today” was followed a few minutes later by, “Tom Daschle withdraws as HHS nominee. See? Pay your taxes.”

CNN’s Rick Sanchez (pictured), a famous Twitterer, will host the mock award show.

The good news? The winning speeches certainly won’t drag on.

Rico Furniture

Shorty Awards at Galapagos Art Space [16 Main St., between Plymouth and Water streets in DUMBO, (718) 782-5188]. Feb. 11, 8 pm. Tickets, $60. For info, visit shortyawards.com.

©2009 The Brooklyn Paper

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