Twitter has proven to be a very effective tool for independent artists to connect with and mobilize their fanbases, not to mention building that fanbase. Here is an article about how Amanda Palmer (she of the Dresden Dolls and lately solo) made far more money off of a night on Twitter than she did off the entirety of her major label solo album.

It's important to know that just because one doesn't understand the usefulness of something, it can nevertheless be useful.