I love to read about how people interpret and use tools.  This one from Jakes was another big conversation.  I commented early, not really getting into the defense or torching of twitter itself- I guess it hit me in a different way because I had just watched the debate.  So when I went back to it to read the flow of comments,  I had a different reaction.  I do enjoy reading what people have to say about things like twitter, but I don’t like the idea that people think they know why I personally use twitter.  I don’t like assumptions like I am announcing my posts because I want to be somebody in the world of twitter.  I don’t like feeling guilty when I reach out on my twitter network to ask a question, or send out an invitation to join a project that my class is doing.  Isn’t that what it’s for?  I want to learn from others, I like knowing that I have an army of experts on a variety of topics just waiting to be bothered with a question by me:)  Could I go find the answer myself?  Sure I could, and I often do that.  I know that as a learner it will benefit me to figure it out myself, but sometimes I just get plain stuck, and I need help.  I also realize that if I can get a quick answer on twitter to a problem that would take me an hour to figure out, then isn’t my time worth the quick twit?  I think for me personally, it’s silly NOT to use twitter!  Why wouldn’t I want to ask KarenJan an assistive tech. question about a student?  Why wouldn’t I want to ask ColleenK to help me solve a problem when creating a new math tech project for my kids?  Why wouldn’t I share what I know about differentiation if people ask?  Again, isn’t that what it’s all about?  If not for twitter and SL, how would I have ever found these people?  How would I find classrooms to connect with all over the world?  Why should I feel bad about using Twitter to benefit my kids, my classroom, and myself?  Truth be told, I don’t feel bad.  I will continue to participate, ask questions, announce posts, and squeeze all the use out of twitter that I possibly can.  I am certian the benefits will outweigh the consequences.