Filibuster

How does the party that is in the minority in the U.S. Senate use the filibuster?  Should the current filibuster rule be changed or eliminated?  What is the effect of the current filibuster rule and what would be the effect of any changes or exceptions to the rule?  Consider the long-term effect of any changes as well as what would happen in the short-term since the party in the minority could flip based on future elections. 2 pages in length