Editor’s Note: Because I was sick this week, I am combining this week’s Hot Site post with this week’s Tuesday Article.

"Why should I use Twitter?" Is the riddle that keeps coming up around me lately. People just can’t seem to understand the constant noise or how much value can actually come out of a 140 character limit. And I have to admit, I was anti-Twitter myself when I first started. In fact, I thought it was stupid and just another "My Space" or "Facebook" – two sites that I pretty much can’t stand for multiple reasons. But, before I knew what was happening, I realized I was getting sucked into the power of the Tweet. I went from protecting my Tweets, hardly following anyone, and just trying to stay under the radar – to using it as a tool to connect with those in my industry. I have met people that I never thought I could ever meet, taught others and was educated by them in return, found access to interesting websites I never would have discovered otherwise, learned about business and self awareness, and even discovered some new goals for myself. And because of those beloved 140 characters, I learned how to minimize my own noise and become more direct. I followed, got followed, and awoke to a world of possibilities. Promoting this site came secondary as this site didn’t exist. So now that I also use it as a promotional tool as well as a communication tool, you could say that my Twitter existence is complete.  And you know what? I love it. It fills my otherwise quiet "work-from-home" world with people. Wonderful, creative, intelligent, beautiful, and truly kind people.

So, why should YOU use Twitter? Honestly, I can’t answer this for you. Everyone’s Twitter life is unique to each user. I can only say to get on it and give it a chance. Unlock your inhibitions and let yourself get caught up in the noise. And to help you get started, I’d like to tell you about just some of the amazing people I follow on Twitter. This list contains some of the coolest people I have ever met. They are informative, fun to talk to, have great websites, or give great information – basically, they have captured my attention and held it. Which is not an easy thing to do – trust me. Now, this is not everyone I follow, and in no way is this my top pick list – but, I don’t want to overwhelm you and it gives you some options to start with. Follow just a few of them, or all of them and you’ll soon find out what I’m talking about. And if you don’t have a Twitter account, then click the pic and join the conversation!

FreelanceSw  / Freelance Switch – hands down the best site for freelancers ever.

abramsv / owner of Dark Roasted Blend – a great site for inspiration.

abduzeedo / fantastic site for tutorials and the best on the web.

maczter / gives out great info on a regular basis.

poweredbysteam / gives out great info on a regular basis.

projectVISUAL / fantastic photographer – really great site.

zarias / an amazing photographer.

imjustcreative / gives out great info and has three outstanding websites.

azuzephre / really great illustration artist.

GeekGirlCamp / fantastic site about educating women in technology.

wendyseye / great up and coming photographer – gives great tips.

robotjohnny / highly amusing and talented illustrator.

rcannonp / lots of great content on his site, free DLs, and an awesome illustrator

jophillips / gives out great info and is just fun to talk to

designcritique / a good bar to use for what designs are out there and what works

dhays / owner of Photo News Today – a fantastic source of information

dekepod / Deke McClelland world renowned author and killer design instructor

rogieking / helps others make sense of the design jungle

MoosePeterson / amazing photographer and instructor not to mention a nice guy

adevine1 / gives out great links and information

mayhemstudios / #1 giver outer of great links and information, stellar designer too!

heathrowe / outstanding instructor and gives out great information

MomShots / outstanding photographer and entrepreneur

extensis / great site for Typgraphy information

jakrose / gives out great links and information

carbonmade / great site for portfolios – need one? go here first!

mashable / the best of all web news

DebNg / owner of a great site for freelance writers

MACvPC / just plain fun! It’s Mac vs PC!

Typophile / great site for Typography information

brampitoyo / awesome Typography go to guy, and just fun to talk to

CoolPics / funny and often amazing pictures to lighten your day

blellow / a great new community for designers and freelancers

GrfxGuru / great source of design information

rweiher / dedicated to taking a new photo for every day of the year

CreativeWisdom / amazing leader in the design and social media industry

TheLightroomLab / all the info you need to know on the Lightroom program

bryanveloso / great leader in the design industry and fun to talk to

Peachpit and peachpittv / books and instruction from the best of the best

3drockz / great site for free downloads and information

LaFemCreative / fantastic designer and leader in the industry

LayersTV_RC / I love RC! He’s a great instructor and just fun to talk to

Landailyn / a great restoration artist and all around sweetie

blackstar / great information for all photographers

tony_e / a fantastic photographer

cdharrison / killer word press developer and just plain awesome

aj_wood / newest Adobe Community Leader and #1 Adobe instructor

NAPP_News / top news from the National Association of Photoshop Professionals

ErikBernskiold / my partner in the monthly cross blog – He Said She Said

stevegast / my brother who makes me and a lot of others giggle regularly

mitzs / owner of Pursuing Photoshop – from a beginners POV

  spxds / Melissa a triple threat designer, coder, and tech