What’s all the fuss about Twitter? It’s become somewhat of a social media phenomenon, at least in the US, and it’s slowly gaining momentum around the world. I recently started using Twitter and I’m hooked. I’ve had a dormant twitter account for almost two years now and I posted my first tweet back in 2007. It read: “I’m having a bagel with cream cheese and scallions.” Must have been one heck of a bagel! But nowadays my strategy has changed. I don’t tweet about what I eat anymore. In fact I don’t tweet that often. About once a day maybe. But I think I’m addicted to Twitter because of the access it provides. Access to other individuals who I like to listen to. It’s great to be at tweeting distance from people like @kevinrose, or follow @tferris, who usually provide tidbits of web, tech, and business knowledge. It’s probably the simplest informational channel online and helps to keep me in the loop with short bursts of information.

But of course the medium is only as good as the messenger. It’s as valuable as the people you follow, or the information being exchanged. Otherwise it becomes a big chat room with nothing but noise. Some people simply use this medium as a plug to sell their wares and nothing more. But the real benefit lies in the constant give and take of valuable insight and information. So I found that choosing a topic or focus that interests me is key. I think there are still many avenues for exploration in its application. To those sitting on the sidelines I say don’t rule it out just yet. Most people are barely scratching the surface. Even Google is finding value in Twitter and there are rumors that they might just buy the company out. My only suggestion is don’t follow people who tweet about what they’re having for lunch.