Earlier tonight Twitter announced a major update to their Web interface once again making Twitter.com a destination, rather than a site to check every once and a while. By beefing up the Twitter homepage, @ev, @biz, and the gang are making a compelling argument for people to not use third party Twitter apps and to stick with, what used to be, the only place to tweet.

What's new?
While not rolled out yet, screenshots of the new site have surfaced and Twitter has posted an introductory video (commercial) to get folks pumped up for the new release. The one-pane approach that Twitter has employed for some time is now a two-pane split The thinner, two column layout is now much wider and uses some very nice visual effects taking place when you act on certain links. If you've seen or used the recently-released Twitter for iPad (iTunes link), you'll see many similarities between that app and the new site. Photos and video are now embedded within tweets and will show up underneath the message in the "reading pane". Another cool tidbit that's been discovered is the ability to include whole Flickr sets in a tweet.

The background scoop.
With the wider interface, you'll quickly notice that background images aren't as easy to see as they once were. This change will be a challenge to online marketers, designers, and anyone else that want to display a custom background on their page that has detailed information or branding included.

Change = Good.
These are some exciting changes for Twitter and I'm looking forward to see it rolled out in the coming weeks. To see more of the changes for yourself, check out their preview page

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I've been thinking about my use of Social Networking/Media and how it's changed since I started participating in it a few years ago. My life-stream/what's happening now approach has changed and it was just recently that I've noticed this change. What I'm trying to pinpoint is why I've changed my usage/approach and where did this change come from. It's still a great communication source for my personal connections but it's also proven itself to be an invaluable business and self-marketing tool.

How about you, has your use of these services changed? Are you more personal or less personal with these tools since you first started? Let me know!

I'd wanted to write this last night, but my brain was buzzing and bouncing with leftover energy from a trip to Milwaukee's Third Ward.  Every time I visit the city, I come back more energized and invigorated than ever.  Forget Red Bull or Monster, drink in Milwaukee.  That energy carried over into a great event.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend a presentation by Chris Brogan, social media guru, entertaining speaker, and co-author of Trust Agents.  If you ever have the chance to hear Chris speak or meet him in person, I highly suggest making the most of that opportunity.  You won't be disappointed.  Many of the "vibes" I've been feeling & seeing with regards where social media is heading were echoed, and I picked up many new ideas as well. What mattered the most to me was that he didn't talk about Twitter and Facebook and how to maneuver through those services.  He talked about people. 

Coincidentally, that's what social networking is all about too. People and the connections that we make with one another.  Don't focus on the number of fans or followers you have, focus on the connections that you make and the people that you meet along the way.  Take the time to listen and acknowledge others and they'll do the same for you.  This is true whether you're a one-man shop or a giant corporation.  It's all about people.  Simple as that.