This reminds me of how the @ and # signs got incorporated into the infrastructure of Twitter after users realized the need for such things and took it upon themselves to make the characters into community symbols of import…

What the SOS Distress Signal Stands For: “This signal [SOS] was adopted simply on account of its easy radiation and its unmistakable character.  There is no special significance in the letters themselves…”

It’s always funny to hear someone say “Hi, I’m @bobjones.” in public conversation. I wonder when that leap will become socially acceptable (beyond social media conferences)?