I'm new to Twitter and I need some pointers on how to get started?

[DoktarZues]

Twitter (by far) has the steepest learning curve and most difficult introduction. I.e., how to get friends. Honestly I think the most effective way is to "just do it." Don't be impatient and explore the features one by one. Ask yourself how are YOU seeing THEIR messages? (Like non sport/celebrity/famous people, I mean).

YES talk to strangers. You will occasionally cross paths with some stuck up teenage hipster but most people are as interested in gaining followers as you are.

Ask questions. People love questions and the Internet is mostly subject matter experts.

Follow people and "Favorite" their tweets if it's interesting in any way (including strangers). Most will follow back.

There's many more subtle things that piece together the twitter puzzle but I want to re-iterate what I said up top, just get out there and do it. It's hard work getting a decent twitter base off the ground but doable.