Twitter is starting to feel like an essential part of the Web experience. I don’t know how long it was down tonight, probably only an hour (but likely more).

Yet, during that time I felt so disconnected from the Web that I found myself checking out Pownce (which I use a couple of times per week) and Jaiku (maybe once/month).

Random thought: why on earth did Jaiku build in the 140 character limit? And what does Jaiku mean anyway?

It’s funny how… quiet those other two services feel. However, it’s primarily due to the fact that I have less than 50 followers between those two sites, whereas I have around 800 with Twitter. Naturally it’s going to seem quieter.

One thing this experience shows me is that Twitter, or another site like it, has certainly become an almost indispensible comms channel. Well, it felt like it! I can reach a lot of people via Twitter that I can’t seem to reach any other way.

I think I’d be willing to pay some money now if it would keep Twitter up and running on a consistent basis.

How did you feel when Twitter was down Wednesday night? And what did you do? Does Twitter feel indispensable to you now?

EDIT:  anyone feel dependent on microblogging for good blog ideas?