WONDERING what Miss Universe 2007 second runner-up Christabel Campbell is up to these days?

She is slugging it out with nine other models to be Asia's next big modelling sensation - but on a reality TV programme.

It is for an Internet-only contest called Supermodelme.tv.

The 20-episode, twice-weekly series, will launch later this month, but if you cannot wait to find out what Christabel and company are up to, search for their tweets.

While tweeting does not directly contribute to their scores, the models will be using Twitter to get more votes during the knock-out phases of the online reality TV show.

Unlike modelling reality shows on TV, the online programme will allow readers to react.

Hyperspot technology, for instance, gives viewers immediate access to the brands, prices and stocklists of the outfits the models are wearing in one mouse click.

Another click and viewers can find out who styled the models' hair, what make-up they are wearing and even get exclusive beauty tips from stylemeisters.

Christabel is currently tweeting on the account @christabel_SMM, but for the contest, she has started her Twitter adventure under the moniker @christabellove and a blog: http://christabelcampbell.blogspot.com/.

How has tweeting changed her Internet postings?

"Nowadays, all my thoughts are Twitter-fied," said Christabel.

"I think in summarised, concise, 140-character sentences. Can't help it. Must tweet it."

Said in true 140-character twitter fashion.

Other home-grown celebs have also caught on.

Irene Ang, popularly known as Mrs Phua Chu Kang, tweets at www.twitter.com /flyirene of her daily activities and insights on the entertainment industry.

MediaCorp celebrities like Joanne Peh also tweet about their celebrity lifestyle.

There is also Joe Augustin. Since Joe left Power 98's Morning Jam in February, he has started his own podcast with co-host Shareen Wong, also a former Power98 deejay, and is tapping Twitter to drive more listeners to his programme at morningjam.com.

Joe currently has 762 followers who read his tweets faithfully, but it is the multiplier effect of a retweet (RT) - a quick cut-and-paste from fellow tweeters - that ups MorningJam's reach to the masses.

"Twitter is important because it is an endorsement medium," said Joe.

"If people like you or what you do, they retweet you. And that widens the circle."

Tweeting - the Internet's answer to SMS - has allowed fans and friends to ask him questions and give him feedback @JoeAugustin to spice up his show.

"From a podcaster's point of view, replying to the @ replies is a great way to stay in touch," said Joe.

By Aaron Koh, a social media consultant at Brandtology, who can be found tweeting at twitter.com/socialpr

This story was first published in The Straits Times Digital Life.

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