To Wit: Twittering

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But the New York-based research firm Hitwise reported that its "page views" in April were 900 percent higher than they were a year ago.

Twitter's users have interpreted its open-ended invitation as foolishly and as imaginatively as you might imagine.

Some have broadcast utter drivel, such as their latest snacks, and others have dealt with more serious matters.

At least one user has proposed marriage -- and received an affirmative answer back on the site.

Last month, another user used his phone to report his jailing in Egypt, after which friends successfully lobbied for his release.

Some jokers impersonate famous characters. "Darth Vader," for example, has some 7,500 followers reading his riffs on "Star Wars."

In a less mischievous vein, somebody has been posting Metro's service alerts to a Twitter page.

A growing number of businesses and organizations have taken the hint and began setting up their own presences on Twitter.

JetBlue, for example, answers travelers' queries and warns about weather-related delays.

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