From the page: "Microblogging is a form of public or private communication in which users can send brief posts to a microblogging service and have them distributed by instant message, mobile phone, email or the Web. The appeal of microblogging is its simplicity, immediacy and portability. Each microblogging service has their own unique features. Users may have the ability to form groups, restrict viewers, upload and share files, photos, audio or video. Although microblogging started as a way for young and technologically savvy users to keep in touch, the practice is moving into the mainstream. In the United States, for example, Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John Edwards started microblogging details from the campaign trail. Some traditional media organizations, including The New York Times and the BBC, have begun to send headlines and links in microblog posts. Other potential applications of microblogging include traffic and sports updates and emergency broadcast systems" - news2me