Are you familiar with micro-blogging? We weren't, until we took the time to Google "Twitter," the word that seems to be on everyone's busy lips. Twitter is a social networking site that enables users to quickly (and briefly) update their blog and subscribers via SMS, IM or third party application. Updates are 140 characters or less, and while many Twitterers utilize the service for relaying meaningless information regarding their day to day life, a few of them have found that passing along information in the form of short link-based posts, event notifications or emergency situation news items. The Los Angeles Fire Dept. uses Twitter as a means of communication - a lesson they learned after the 2007 wildfires. Democratic presidential candidates John Edwards and Barack Obama both use Twitter, too.

Twitter and SXSW have gone hand in hand since March of last year, when the concept and its acknowledged creator, Jack Dorsey, earned a blog award. This year, Twitter users are furthering the service's ability to serve useful information by coordinating a SXSW 2008 Twitter group aimed to organize and direct out-of-towners coming to Austin for the festival. The SXSW twitter page is compiling hotel and lodging information, information on visitors who'd like to meetup and listings of events the twitterbuds (we can't believe we just typed that) would like to attend. There is also an Austin-centric twitter page, compiling the same information, but for locals. The locals are also offering some help and direction to visitors in the form of dining recommendations, lodging suggestions and more.

Given the rise in Twitter users in the last year, we anticipate following the messages being a little difficult to keep up with, but do anticipate the service being useful for large groups trying to coordinate meetings and outings. If we end up buying pizza with Glen Danzig again this year, we'll SMS you.