So, when I last posted, I had joined Twitter after a long period of resistance.

Wow, do I regret that now or what?

Within two weeks, I’ve managed to network out farther than I think I could have via any other method (besides SXSW! This Friday! YES!) There is a thriving, tech-oriented, youthful, and professional community out there, just waiting to hear your opinions on what people are tweeting about. I think this is what surprised me most: I really did expect Twitter to be similar to Facebook’s statuses or MySpace’s messages in terms of maturity and relevance. Instead, I’ve found about a dozen new blogs to follow that are very interesting. I’d like to recommend Mike Rickard’s (Re-)Learning Web Design, which gives very in-depth analyses of topics ranging from client-designer preconceptions, to the inherent challenges to the medium. Diego Aguilar’s FlyLyf drips with style – it highlights awesome cars, gorgeous portfolios of graphic design and art, and fashionable apparel.

Another thing I’ve learned is that by taking the extra step to put your honest two cents in on a topic that you know something about, or even just want to learn more about, will garner you more followers. I’ve asked a lot of questions, and it seems people like others who want to learn from them. I’ve linked up with a variety of developers, all of whom have given me some insight that have updated my opinions on a variety of backends. I’ve also sought out user experience and usability analysis experts, and have been shown some really great blogs and posts on related topics.

Twitter rocks. Go figure.