Is Twitter a source for journalism? -- NO

I do not find Twitter a reliable news source for helping me stay connected with current events in this country or around the world. 

First of all, twitter has grown into a real-time short messaging service that works over multiple networks and devices. Short messaging? Yes, only 140 characters can be typed into the posting. I understand that Twitter's goal with short messaging is to allow people to share "bite size updates with family, friends, and co-workers", however, I do not see how this can help with posting news. People may post some news related message onto Twitter, but that does not guarantee that all the important information is being shared, and this can even mislead some people, especially those who do not care to look elsewhere for more credible facts -- like CNN or ABC. Posting a short message, such as "We can keep track of each other now" can send the message across to the other person, however posting news on Twitter will be difficult because a person can not include a lot of details in the brief message.

I do not find short messaging effective in getting news reporting breaking news to society. When I read news, I like to know the following: Who, What, When, Where, and How. Twitter may spark my interest to find out more about breaking news by going to other news sources online, but it will not be my first choice for news source online. Anyone can simply post a message on Twitter. 

Another problem I see with Twitter providing news is that some people may not be following the most relevant, reliable sources on Twitter capable of providing breaking news. One scenario can be when people are not following or are not being followed by sufficient, reliable sources who are knowledgeable in news reporting that have accounts on Twitter. Some people may simply be twittering their family and friends, and do not have connections with a professional reporter who has a twitter account. And even though word-of-mouth may work at times, it does not a guarantee that people will receive the most accurate information at the right time.