Twitter is getting popular. There is no denying that. A couple weeks ago, I blogged my opinion about the primary source of it’s popularity, I think it’s because of the surge of people who already are thought influencers, large companies or celebrities — they have starting using Twitter (e.g. Shaq, Obama, CNN, Lance Armstrong).

On my Twitter stream today — I shared my blunt realization regarding these “popular” celebrities:

Twitter is only as valuable as the people you choose to follow. What I’ve been finding is that my expectation that following these celebrities would provide value to me — but it hasn’t been fulfilling at all!  I was hoping to get an inside access to the thoughts of these celebs and their daily lives, but the majority of celebs aren’t utilizing it in that way (note: I do realize some celebrities are great on Twitter, but I’m speaking about the generalized majority).

The people you follow define your experience on Twitter.  If the people you follow suck, Twitter sucks. If the people you follow provide value, then Twitter is a valuable resource you’ll keep using. So what’s value mean to me?  In my mind, there are 3 things that define “value”:

• Timely: messages that address current topics, events, issues and news.
• Relevant: tweet topics need to some how affect me or have reason for me to be aware of them.
• Intimate Insight: if 1 of the 2 are not satisfied, then tweets need to provide a “personal” revelation or insight about you — humanized candid information that allows me to get to know you better.

Twitter is just one communication channel. The real-time component is powerful and unique — but only if you’re using it correctly …and that fundamentally comes down to following the right people. What are your thoughts? What celebrities are doing it right? What is your definition of value on Twitter?
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While I was at an event tonight, a friend of mine asked a great question. A question that was based on her own observation, one I feel is interesting to rationalize, although I’m not sure if anyone can give a 100% correct answer.

Why is Twitter getting more attention and now gaining in popularity?

I believe the recent source of Twitter’s popularity is because of a combined segment of effects: one potential source being the surge of already big thought influencers, large companies and celebrities who have started using Twitter (e.g. Shaq, Obama, CNN, Lance Armstrong, John Mayer). Significant attention is being given to Twitter because that these people ALREADY have a large following. These people have a humongous number of existing fans — and those fans are joining the Twit bandwagon in hopes of getting that ‘humanized’ interaction directly with the celebrity. If I had to guess (and this is just a guess), I would say this is a large source of it’s recent popularity.

Twitter.com was launched in 2006. It’s nothing new.

That said, another reason I also believe that Twitter is getting attention because there are so many success stories circulating in regards to the power of Twitter. “I did this on Twitter and then this happened” or “I tried this on Twitter and it was amazing”. I personally can attest of its power since it has helped me with social networking, raising 7,000+ for a benefit party, personal branding and just my plain entertainment from the witty micro-blogging from friends.

There are also smaller external factors (+that add up) outside of Twitter’s control and effects that are capturing attention to the website as well. Things like; short attention span of digital natives and their desire to “media snack”, the economy (no really, I mean it) and the continual growth of the power of the “status update”.

What are your thoughts? Why do you think Twitter is gaining popularity and attention? Is it warranted? Are people seeing the value or just joining because everyone else seems to be doing it?
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