OutTwit Replies and DMs
First up, how do I find replies and DMs quickly using OutTwit? The method to my madness begins with Outlook’s Search Folders. To speed up the process, if you created a new pst for receiving messages from Twitter, make sure to add them to your search index. In Outlook, Tools, Instant Search, Search Options. At the top of the dialog box that just opened, put a check mark next to the pst you just created. This will tell Outlook to index the messages for quickly finding them later.
Now, in the pst that you created, right click on the Search Folders, and select New Search Folder:
In the dialog box that opens, scroll all the way to the bottom and select Create a custom Search Folder:
This will open up a dialog box to create your search:
You can name the search query anything you’d like, I’ve named mine Twitter Replies. Hit the Criteria…button:
In the Search for the word(s):, I’ve entered my @jgormlyjr (Twitter speak for replies) and jgormlyjr (Twitter speak for DM) in the search criteria. Hit OK (verifying the In: line says subject field.
You should be taken back to the customize dialog box, click Browse, and ensure that the only folder checked is the folder your messages from Twitter are being sent to. No other check boxes. This will speed the search greatly.
Once you’ve verified the folder, click OK again, and the search will build. You don’t have to stay in this folder while it builds the search, you can click anywhere else, but once it completes, anyone who has replied to your messages, or sent you a direct message, will be available in this search folder. Just click the search folder (or do as I did, right click on the search folder, select Add to Favorites Folder, and only those messages that match your search criteria will be displayed.
This search will allow to to quickly find all messages that folks have sent directly to you. You’ll notice the “Importance” flag is also listed (red exclamation point). This will also allow you to quickly find them. @username are replies that show up in the public timeline (anyone on Twitter can see). username (in the form of d username) are direct messages and are private, sent only to you that others on Twitter can’t see, even if following you.
More tips and tricks later.