Because of its simplicity, Twitter has great potential for many different uses and applications. With a little creativity, the possibilities are nearly endless.

Twitter debuted a new homepage today (July 28, 2009, remember that date in history), and it shows a fundamental shift from “what are you doing?” to a new emphasis on real-time search and information distribution.

It doesn’t take much to see where news is breaking these days.

In the latest instances of a growing trend, a shooting in Washington, D.C. Wednesday, and explosions in Jakarta Friday were reported on Twitter by several accounts more than 15 minutes before traditional media reports.

Not only is mainstream media losing its edge, but the “breaking news” phenomenon in general is losing its value, according to Frédéric Filloux of Monday Note.

If it’s not in 140 characters or less, you may lose them.

They glance at what you say. If you’re good, they may spend a few extra seconds. If not, they’ve moved on.

Words. Links. Short, sweet, and to the point.

Twitter’s a platform. Can it also be a news outlet?

Sure.

It’s predominantly crowd-sourced, and you have to be careful where you get your information, but I don’t see any reason it can’t be.

Like anything, Twitter has its advantages and disadvantages. Whether you’re new to Twitter or not, it’s important you’re able to identify these and adjust to use Twitter in the best ways possible.

Here’s a list of pros and cons of the service, specifically with journalists in mind. Feel free to add to it by leaving a comment or replying to @TwitJourn.