Lpsider I know the concept seems kind of dumb. For a long time all I could think was I really don't care what everyone is doing right now, but since joining I see the benefits and I actually do now care what people are doing right now.
I think if you ask different people what they get from Twitter you'll get some different answers, but for me it's been a great networking tool. I've gotten to know people I didn't know before and strengthened connections I had with people who I did know before.
I also see a lot of information posted on Twitter before I ever come across it elsewhere. I also see a lot of information posted I never would have come across because I wouldn't have been looking for it.
The microblogging aspect of Twitter leads to some very interesting thoughts at times.
Like I said for me it's been the networking and community aspects. There are evenings where I'm sitting around and just watching a game. I'll see someone else post to Twitter about the same game and I know we're watching the same things. Seems trivial, but it does create a bond. We can each share a few thoughts about the game, the sport, our favorite teams, etc.
Where that helps is just like any other community where you get to know people. You have a tendency to pay more attention to what that other person says elsewhere. That can and does lead to links and marketing opportunities.
LNR the easiest way to get started is to follow a few people you know or want to know and just listen to what they say. Then when you're ready simply start tweeting. At first it will seem like no one is paying attention, but they will as you tweet more.
You gain people's attention by sending them an @reply. People notice when other people specifically send a message to them and before too long you're part of the conversation.
If your phone can get the web you don't need to do the text message thing. I just go to the mobile version of the site on my phone and don't pay for text messaging. I use
Twhirl as a client on my desktop.
Twitter might not be for everyone, but it really is a great communication tool.
.. lol. I'll give it a try. 
