Tweeting on Twitter

I'm sure you've heard of Twitter, just in case you haven't, you really need to read this blog, because Twitter is everywhere.

As before, we'll start with the official review from Wikipedia:

"Twitter is a social networking and micro-blogging service that allows its users to send and read other users' updates (otherwise known as tweets), which are text-based posts of up to 140 characters in length.

Micro-blogging is a form of multimedia blogging that allows users to send brief text updates (say, 140 characters or fewer) or micromedia such as photos or audio clips and publish them, either to be viewed by anyone or by a restricted group which can be chosen by the user. These messages can be submitted by a variety of means, including text messaging, instant messaging, email, digital audio or the web."

So, Twitter is a messaging service where your messages are limited to 140 characters. Period. It's not generally considered an instant messaging service (like ICQ, or AIM) where you can have one-on-one conversations with individuals (although it is possible to direct message or DM one individual on Twitter). Twitter is a messaging service that allows you to message all of people who are "following" you. There are some privacy settings on Twitter but most tweets (messages) are open for everyone to read.

Twitter in Health Care:
There has been some noise in the technology blogosphere about all of the usage of Twitter in health care. Now I can see many applications for e-health companies to use Twitter for marketing and community involvement, and on-line and real world patient communities to encourage members to keep in touch with each other. But I can't see immediate real world application for most hospitals, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies or health care professionals, beyond the reasons other people use Twitter: keeping in touch with friends, family; keeping up to date with news, cultural events (lots of twittering on inauguration day) and conferences.

Does Subject: Brilliant! twitter? Sure I do, so sign up for Twitter and follow me.

I think the 140 character restriction on Twitter is too limiting for most health care applications. Does anyone know of a great health care twitter usage? Let me know.