DISQUS

and he doesn't like "pirate shirts" ala Jerry Seinfeld episode.

yeah, just posted an update above.

Really interesting stuff, although I'm not that surprised. I love Facebook and have never really taken to MySpace. Even with all the crap that Facebook has on it now, I am already addicted the community that I have created, and would therefore never leave. I am happy to see Twitter growing, and can't wait till it becomes truly mainstream. I can't wait for the day when all my tech and non-tech buds (and let's be honest- total strangers) are all accessible via Twitter and the lovely Twhirl!

P.S. I already said this through Twitter - but you guys have done a REALLY great job with site - it looks awesome.

I am sure that Twitter is loving the fact that these major corporations are using the service and passing the word on to the general consumer. While we all use Twitter on a daily basis, it has still not saturated the general population. CNN using it will encourage the general consumer to utilize Twitter as a platform to have a voice.

Additionally, it also gives CNN a leg up on the competition bc of up-to-the-minute feedback on natural disasters, the election, etc.

Just finished filming video parody for SHIFT new biz pitch with @socialTNT.

I disagree with you that social networks will eventually be subscription-based. I don't think that anyone would use them if they were (unless all social networks jumped on the subscription model bandwagon, which is highly unlikely), and I also don't think that would be an effective way to monetize. Rather, I think that monetization will come in the form of advertising within a person's ongoing stream of information. This seems to be the most non-intrusive option and consumers can opt-in or out. This will create choice for the consumer which is essential since the mobile phone is such a personal device. It also is a win-win: companies make money and consumers choose what they get advertised about.