One of the first things the uninitiated say when I mention Twitter is “why do you care what other people are doing?”

It’s true the Twitter interface includes the ever-present question: What are you doing? But I submit this is perhaps the most misleading question ever.

Twitter Myth #1: Twitter is nothing more than a glorified Facebook status update.

Twitter isn’t about what you are doing “right now.” It’s about connecting, interacting, and having conversations (big or little).

Still not sure? Check out this Twitter case study about how, through the use of  Twitter, Austin and about 185 other communities around the world raised awareness and funds for a global charity.

If you were at Twestival, whether in Austin or any of the other locations, you could answer the Twitter question by stating: Saving the world. That’s pretty significant.

So, if you’re one of those that thinks Twitter is a superficial, teeny-boppy trend, you may want to think again.