From an avid Twitterer, I agree that Twitter is not the end all of our new technological discoveries regarding social media, but it is not suppose to be. Twitter will not change the world as we know it, nor replace all reliable methods of journalism but there is some value in this type of communication, however dubious. It was once described as attending the worlds largest cocktail party, seeing old and news friends, exchanging stories, gossiping, talking business and finance, as well as finding the quieter, kind compassionate souls who want to make their world a better place to live in. Initially, everyone despises Twitter. It appears to be like once massive chat room with ramblings that, at times, seem incoherent. Most people walk away from it. But if you stay long enough, and start meeting like minded people (whatever the topic), you start to form connections. As this process continues, if you hang in there…you will start to connect with folks from all walks of life and develop followers (those akin to your interests) and you follow those who you are interested in. Most times the lists are identical.  Interests can range from exchanging ideas of marketing strategies, coming together to promote  service oriented non-profit organizations, philanthropic efforts for various charities, posting political view, religious/spiritual differences, emphasizing human rights, displaying art work, music, poetry, the release of a book, or simple things like posting an everyday blog that you would like people to read. A little story about yourself, average Joe. Whatever the cause, you find support and at times you can feel inspired by the positive feedback that you attain from others. This is the humanitarian side of Twitter. On the other side, products are being pitched, adolescent chit chat takes place, get rich quick schemes are posted, celebrities are conversing with other celebrities about themselves (and only themselves) and there is a multitude of other spam like junk mail just like we get in our everyday lives. Regarding news, people do not necessarily drone on and on about their particular views. They are more likely to post links for web based news stories that are of interest to them to share with other users. To be truthful, the Iran situation had so many different links, articles, gossip, pleas, statements, that they all soon merged into one singular mass of confusion. At this point, Twitter stopped being an effective means of providing news coverage. Out of sheer exhaustion, people soon moved on. I am of the belief that Twitter has its place in society. At some point, most people get hooked and look forward to posting ‘Tweets’ (tiny messages) to their friends and followers, catching up with each other about their lives. There is a family like feeling that emerges and this, in itself, makes for a pleasant experience. Like most things, it is not for everyone but the unity I have had the pleasure of participating in makes Twitter an important part of my (now) everyday life. 

As I posted in the general comment section, social networks provide an alternate avenue for communication to travel. In the sense that they can help undermine Iran’s propaganda machine, they are invaluable.

But the downside is that many people are no longer drawing distinctions between professional journalism and blogging. Professional journalists receive special training and education. They should strive to present multiple viewpoints, and see things through a broader scope than the average citizen.

That delineation between quality journalism and opinion-offering has been blurred, not only by social blogging, but by the ratings-driven media conglomerates that promulgate biased reporting at the expensive of journalistic integrity (which is fast becoming an oxymoron).

So much for journalistic integrity when I don’t even proof-read my own copy! Ha! I meant "expense", obviously, not "expensive". But let’s call it a Freudian-slip commentary about the media money machine, then it fits just fine.

I despise Twitter, Facebook and Myspace.  what started out as simple program has over taken the lives and time of young people. I got on myspace to communicate with my kids and now I can’t figure out how to delete my account, or close it.

I wonder when if at all what was the last time a person between 13-25 read a paper, a book, watched news on the TV? 

Communication is an Art! I argee with Liz when it comes to too much technology is not always a good thing. I spent four years in college and yrs working in the military/gov’t duty using that knowledge of being a Journalist.

It’s easier to steal a persons identiy, break into their bank accounts, credit accounts.  Professional thiefs are mastering the internet and technology to steal and take advantage of others.

Just like with any new advancements we need to take it slow and learn before we put it out there for all to see.

If it weren’t for the powers that be, we probably would have had an electric car on the market decades ago, but oil is big money, and money talks.

So in my opinion between the "talking money" and "technology" this world has shot its’ self in the foot yet again.

The internet is as far as I go, no twitter, no text messaging while driving, no cell phone use when driving. Anything to save a life I’m all for, but not at the cost of another.

Everything has become sensationalism and not journalism. It is that simple. We are a society of sound bites and instant pictures.The good guys may have twitter ,Facebook etc but the bad guys can access it too. I think there is a lot to be said for knowledge and research before you speak or write. I do love technology and at the same time hate it. I am concerned though I see people who will read one thing and buy it no questions ask. I hope the sensationalism dies away and real journalism returns in a new and better form.

""I see the technological revolution as negative when it comes to considered judgment and true reporting and editorial honesty and something one can actually believe in""""

 Actually—-those comments are similar to my opinion of media today, in general…..even the so-called ‘reporters’ on TV, in the newspapers, et al, consider ‘gossip’ as ‘true reporting’……as opposed to hype to keep the ratings up….

Editorial Honesty is not considered to be a necessary component—just ask Fox news!  they recently won a court ruling that essentially said…’media does have the right, protected by the First Amendment’ to ‘free speech’, and therefore do have have the obligation to tell the truth!    

Those folks in Iran who twittered those pictures had a lot more credibility to me, than the ones who interpreted the pictures with a slant toward ‘what we wanted to hear’….

Liz, Twitter doesn’t replace reporters, it can direct people to their work. I just read that Karl Malden died from a New York Times tweet and linked to the story.

I predict that people who abuse social networking tools by sending personal spam to inappropriate followers will soon end up communicating exclusively with parents, close friends and siblings.

I’d rather twitter. It is alot easier on getting the news out. I don’t see it replacing the news media the way it is as we are used to it.