Methods are described of ascertaining public opinion using character-limited messages. In one method, a character-limited message is sent from a sender account to each of a plurality of follower accounts seeking a response chosen from among possible responses including multiple predetermined responses. Responses are received including a response from each of multiple follower accounts. The received responses are electronically tabulated to obtain tabulated results. An identical character-limited message may be sent to each of the multiple follower accounts. Alternatively, different character-limited messages may be sent to different ones of the multiple follower accounts. Follow-on character-limited message may also be sent and responses received and tabulated. In effect, choices are 'percolated up' to arrive at a collective judgment or opinion.
Opinion forming using social networking