Just when some people were thinking that Twtter was never going to be as popular as Facebook, doesn't Google and Microsoft make the big announcement this week that they will be integrating Tweets into their search results. Very interesting news. Google says it has come to an agreement with Twitter and plans to go live in a few months and Microsoft has already launched a new beta feature on Bing. 
So now in addition to searching Google for "just the facts ma'am", you will also be able to search for thoughts and feelings. Huh? Well isn't that how a vast number of Twits or Twitterers use the forum?
Real time updates in 140 characters or less. Instant communication with whoever cares to listen (follow). Yes, many current world events and major news stories are spreading like wildfire through the Twittersphere. But have you had a really good look at some of the gobbledy goop that is being tweeted daily? This is what is going to end up on Google?
Pick a subject, any subject. Go onto Twitter and someone will be discussing it. If they like something they will retweet it. Every other tweet contains a link to somethng else, or so it seems. Want spam? Lots of it there also. Many people claim they are using Twitter very successfully for business. It is a social networking tool that some use very effectively.
You can be sure that many of your followers would also love to sell you something. Twitter is a free, open marketplace. How many adult content followers have you had to block? Hint: When you see someone who wants to follow you is already following hundreds of people but they only have 1 or 2 people following them, the red flags should go up. Block them immediately.
Hopefully Microsoft and Google will have a good screening process before incorporating tweets into their search engines. Isn't Google already crowded with information? If I search Google for croissants am I going to see a tweet telling me what Billy Bob had for lunch today or how about a search for diapers? A tweet about how many Mary Sue soiled today? As of now I can go to Twitter if I want to know. I'm really not sure I want to go to Google to find out. How will Google and Bing determine who gets top rating and higher page ranking?
The Google and Microsoft Gods must be very smart people so I'm sure the logistics have been ironed out.
What's next? Are our Facebook status updates going to show up on internet search engines? Actually it would seem that Microsoft has future plans for just that, although a release date hasn't been set yet. 
Be careful what you blog. Be careful what you tweet. Be careful what you say on your Facebook status updates. Your thoughts and feelings are about to become public domain.
Jenny Kotulak Broker
RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage, Oakville, Ontario
Past President Oakville, Milton & District Real Estate Board
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It just keeps on getting more complicated as more social tools are hitting every platform. Its interesting to be a part of.