January 21, 2010 | Read Time: 1 minute
Bill Gates: Software mogul, philanthropist, blogger?
Indeed, to discuss his charitable work, the world’s wealthiest man has started a new Web site known as Gates Notes.
It includes discussions about public education, climate change, and even a travel diary.
What’s more, he is sending messages through the popular social-networking site Twitter.
People can see his messages at http://twitter.com/BillGates. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation confirmed that it is indeed the real Bill Gates.
So far, he has not said much. He thanked the American Idol host Ryan Seacrest for his efforts to help Haiti and thanked actor Aston Kutcher for welcoming him to Twitter. (Mr. Kutcher responded: “I’m happy to give you a tutorial, but I charge by the hour. We can discuss rates offline.”)
Celebrity chit-chat aside, Mr. Gates said he will use Twitter to discuss his foundation’s work. In his inaugural message he said he is writing his annual letter about grant making in 2010, a tradition he started last year. The letter is expected to be made public January 25. (Read The Chronicle’s article about Mr. Gates’s 2009 letter.)
To be sure, other philanthropy leaders beat Mr. Gates to the Twitter craze. Alberto Ibarguen, head of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, uses it, as does Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, chief executive of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. And Steve and Jean Case, founders of the Case Foundation, are two of the most active Twitter users in philanthropy.
What do you think? What would you like Mr. Gates to discuss on Twitter or his new Web site? Click on the comment button below to share your views.
