I’m often asked questions like, “What is Twitter?” and, “How is Twitter useful?” It can be easier to demonstrate than it is to talk about and explain – at least it is for me. The real technological capability above and beyond the “What are you doing?” phenomenon is just beginning to be tapped. And, the opportunity for invention and creative application reaches beyond the mainstream noise. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find interesting examples of how twitter is much more than just another way for the MLM crowd to spam you!

Often I reference a story about a college student that “twitterized” his laundry machines to announce availability.  This could have saved me a lot of trips to the basement of my dorm freshman year.  The twitter feed is http://twitter.com/laundryroom.

Here’s Justin Wicket’s video on how he’s set up his lights to go on and off by sending a tweet via text:

Control Lights with Twitter from Justin Wickett on Vimeo.

And this from Gizmodo: “Ryan Rose added an ethernet port and a limit switch to his washer to detect on/off cycles and transmit the data in a more forceful way than some lame “ding” sound. When Ryan’s drawers are done, his washer sends the signal to a couple of LED signs in his living room that flash “WASH,” as well as sending Tweets to his questionably-named Twitter account, Pimpy3Wash.”

Another great example is the Botanicalls House Plant Twitter Kit.  It’s still very Do-it-yourself with regard to assembly, but you can use twitter to monitor your plant and whether or not it’s getting the water it needs.  It’s discussed on thinkgeek.com as well.

Have some other examples of unique uses of twitter or other social technology tools? Please comment or send us a tweet ~ @socialmediapath.