Tim, the places you mentioned are using it like RSS but with the Push ability Dan mentioned. It doesn't sound like they're using it to blog nor to IM or carry on conversations of inane topics. Which is good and shows a very typical and valuable role for this type of tech.

I can definitely see the benefits of a syndicated publishing protocol, but I really dislike the fact it's using a centralized and proprietary server. But that and other merits aside, it's the "hype" that I've disliked the most. It's not a panacea for all communication issues on the net nor is it the second coming of Christ as some media outlets would have you believe.