Text messaging worked like a charm, though, and is the recommended method of communication according to wireless industry group CTIA.

"In these high volume instances, there can be delays," spokesperson Amy Storey told PCWorld. "We encourage people to send text messages and emails to contact their loved ones until volume returns to normal." Storey says knows of no major infrastructure damage

It was crazy, though.

I am located in Reading, Pa., and I sure did. I was actually in contact with a PCWorld editor talking about the news of the day when my home office began to shake. It was just like the earthquakes you hear about in California: a slow rolling motion that builds in intensity, then slowly stops. Yes, I ran for a doorway.

The shaking seemed to last about 30 to 45 seconds. Given that it hit a so-called "megalopolis," the social media networks lit up like a Christmas tree. Facebook walls speeded into overdrive, and Twitter became awash with reports of the experiences of those affected.