When I first heard about Twitter, I blew it off as a time-wasting site lacking functionality. Then I realized that it was the perfect opportunity to stay in contact with my many friends going to SXSW. For the first two days, Twitter could do no wrong. If I needed Redbull, I'd put out the SOS and receive a timely response as to where to get it. If I wanted to know where the hottest SXSW parties were, I'd consult with my Twitter.

By the following Monday, however, it had tapered off quite a bit, with many attendees going back to their day jobs. In the end, I really believe that it's only effective in large group settings, such as conferences. It enables people to let their friends know where they are without having to call in a noisy bar or restaurant. Otherwise, it's just another flashy website that we're forced to refresh throughout the day. If I want to read about your life, I'm going to want a summary, not a blow by blow.

Sometimes Twitter can take you by surprise, though ...

A funny thing actually happened tonight on Twitter. Spin Martin was on the subway and thought he was lost, so he described his location on Twitter. Prokofy Neva informed him that he was headed for Harlem and gave him some assistance in getting back to where he wanted to be. Spin, however, did not check back in. 30 minutes went by ... An hour ... Nothing.

Friends began frantically calling him to make sure he was okay. He showed up within five or ten minutes of the calls, letting everyone know that he was safe, alive, and that he's learned his lesson, while thanking us for the calls. If he's ever lost in a potentially dangerous neighborhood again, he'll post that he's okay. It was nice to see a little Twitter committee band together out of concern for him, though.