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DS is starting to throw small tantrums when he can't communicate what he wants or doesn't like something I am doing. I did read the Moms On Call toddler book and I think they make some great points about toddler behavior--it is a super quick read.
Not all might agree, but they write--to summarize-time out doesn't usually work because it doesn't get kids to open their hearts--try using a technique called simmer time. They have a TON in the book on how to handle tantrums and defiant behavior. I have enjoyed reading it--downloaded it to the Kindle App on my iPhone through Amazon.

We are doing something our pediatrician suggested. I have a high chair we're not using in the dining room. We turned it into the time out chair. If she does something bad like intentionally hits us, we put her in it (strap her in because she flails when tantruming) and turn a kitchen timer to 1 minute. It goes off, she gets lifted out of the chair, put on the floor and nothing is spoken. We also turn our backs when she throws tantrums for no reason or when she's mad at us.

We started time outs around 20 months - she's had maybe a handful of time outs and she's 24 months. The first time she tried to climb down from the time out spot but we put her back and she stayed the entire time (1 minute). She has to say "I'm sorry" and we hug after she's done and talk about why she was put in time out. She does get a warning before a time out and it works really well. I would say we use the super nanny method - warning, immediate time out if she doesn't listen, no talking/explaining, big hugs and talking through after time out.