On Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:52:10 -0400, hk
wrote:

OK...I'm an old fogey, so, someone who isn't, please explain the
attraction of tweeting, instant messaging, et cetera, to those who do
not indulge.

I'm not talking about those who use the medium to exchange the
occasional bit of info, such as "got home from school safely," or "Hi,
Grandma!", but those who apparently spend a good part of the day sending
or receiving hundreds of messages to their friends, relatives, and even
perfect strangers.

Tweeting is realtime info. You can follow fave celebs, talking heads,
savants or whomever and know their thoughts without the filter of the
media apparatus. It's text broadcast.

Texting or instant messaging is point to point which is good for
getting a hold of people no matter where they are. I can IM with a
collegue when I'm in a meeting or on the phone. Quite efficient,
actually.

Not so interested in the tweet thing but IM and texting are good
tools. Excellent if you want to stay in touch with your teen kids
while they're out in the world.