As if anyone really needs any more proof that Twitter has validity and longevity, check this out:

From Twitter

Down Time Rescheduled

A critical network upgrade must be performed to ensure continued operation of Twitter. In coordination with Twitter, our network host had planned this upgrade for tonight. However, our network partners at NTT America recognize the role Twitter is currently playing as an important communication tool in Iran. Tonight’s planned maintenance has been rescheduled to tomorrow between 2-3p PST (1:30a in Iran).

Our partners are taking a huge risk not just for Twitter but also the other services they support worldwide—we commend them for being flexible in what is essentially an inflexible situation. We chose NTT America Enterprise Hosting Services early last year specifically because of their impeccable history of reliability and global perspective. Today’s decision and actions continue to prove why NTT America is such a powerful partner for Twitter.

Unless you have been unplugged from all forms of communication, you have surely heard that Twitter is the primary means of communication for those fighting bogus election results in Iran.  As an early adopter of new communication technologies, I am thrilled to see this tool, which has oft been criticized as useless, frivolous and even narcissistic,  has finally proven its credibility in the international public eye.

So much so that Twitter is scheduling required maintenance and downtime around whats happening in a part of the world where Twitter users are currently most active.

The reason I am so thrilled is because, I believe that I will live to see a day where communication outlets are monitored, stifled and eventually controlled by governments and/or powers attempting to control message.

<Soapbox alert, I warned you…>

This sounds incredulous, I know, but its already happening in small instances. While I hope against all hope that never happens, and am encouraged that freedom prevailed in a recent case, I am not naive. Because I am part of a growing minority in terms of my belief system, I am convinced that the potential for censorship as future events unfold is quite real and I am very excited to see a communications tool like Twitter serve a much higher purpose than updating one’s Facebook status, especially because I fear that in my lifetime I could experience the same censorship as some of my brothers and sisters who live in other countries.

I am sure that, for most of my readers, you will all think I have gone off the deep end.  Don’t jump to the comments and start leaving me nasty-grams.  Consider the point of what I am saying.  I dont talk much about things this political in nature on my blog, and I promise not to make a habit of it.  But I do feel that its of critical importance to highlight the role Twitter is playing in one of this year’s most impactful news events.

What we are seeing with the people’s use of Twitter in Iran right now is that, people who have historically had no voice, no way to communicate with the international community, have found their voice through new, free technology.  Not only have they found their voice but they have found huge support from the international community, thirsty for knowledge and what I believe to be a sincere desire to advocate on their behalf.

My only point in all this is to say that, I am encouraged by what I am reading on twitter, specifically the solidarity that is coming across.  You cant say its not real.  You cant say its not encouraging and fueling, whether for good or for evil, the thousands if Iranian citizens who are plugged in and communicating with each other and the world during this time. Its making an unprecedented difference in world events.  Its a tool we didn’t have 2 years ago!

The way we communicate is changing, rapidly, and we MUST KEEP UP!

If you have not yet, watch whats happening on Twitter and consider changing your thinking relative to emerging communications technology.  For me, I plan on staying as current as possible and keep myself knowledgeable of these news tool so that I am prepared to use them if I need to, for something larger.

Rant over.  Thanks for reading.