Twitter, Tweets and Twits…
With all due respect to the fine work @Mashable does, on an on-going basis, to keep everyone “on the path” of using Twitter in a socially acceptable manner…
… I would like to offer my own list of “Rules” which I use to guide my Twitter journey.
I realize some of you use Bots to send Tweets, find followers, acknowledge followers, or do other sundry tasks… but I have a 2 part request:
– If you stopped using Twitter in August… and haven’t Tweeted since late July ? Maybe turn off the Follow Bot ???
– Tailor your Bio to reflect the actual, not project the possible. I’m a big fan of “Fake it until you Make it” but if your User Name or Bio says you are a Twitter Marketing Expert, and the Tweets you’ve posted, still include your “Twitter is stupid… I don’t get it” Tweet… I would say that it marginally diminishes your Brand.
I also have a series of ever lengthening rules, which when I review your Twitter Page, may dictate that I’m not going to Follow you (or Follow you back) if:
a) You Tweet about getting whiter teeth
b) You obviously use trending topics and hash tags (other than #Canucks) to get “hits”
c) You Tweet about how I can make big $$$ on Twitter, like you
d) You are a Restaurant 3000 miles away from my home
e) Your User Name has the letters BRITNEY with interspersed punctuation.
(If you don’t understand what this rule means, you are either VERY lucky, or don’t review your followers)
f) You are a New York Rangers fan. (And yes, I intentionally chose “F” for this rule)
g) You are following 6000 people, and have 12 followers
h) You are following 16000 people, and have only posted 3 Tweets
i) Your whole focus seems to be anger or frustration, over a cascading series of progessive Tweets, on various days. (The OBVIOUS exception here is if that anger is directed at the New York Rangers… then Welcome Friend !!!)
j) If you have (for example) Tweeted that you want someone to publish the songs you have written… but have no location, website or ANY information in your Bio that would enable someone else to know if they could or should possibly help you
I’m sure there are more… but this was written in the middle of the night, when sleep was an escape that seemed not to be an option, and I was looking at people who had followed me, who I STILL haven’t followed back… and these folks apparently, just don’t “get it” !!!
The other subject that personally is up for debate, is the Direct Message reply… (as opposed to a General Tweet or an @Message) Some people have expressed an almost fanatical dislike for the DM reply, to the point where they will unfollow someone who DM’s them. I don’t mind a DM, if it is a private matter, but get irritated when I get a DM that could easily be public, and sent by @Message. The reason for me, is that I’m often on Twitter using my Blackberry, and NEVER check my DM’s on mobile. It is also contrary to the very nature of Social Media, to hold private conversations about subjects that are public. (The Canucks played well last night, I tried a new Scotch, like your Blog, etc)
Whew… I certainly feel better ! (Not that ANY infringers are likely to stumble across my Blog, but…)
If you see any “Rules” I’ve missed, please don’t hesitate to let me know, and I will edit/amend as necessary !
If you are reading this, and not following me, providing you “meet the criteria” posted above, please follow me on Twitter… my user name is BobSongs !
“Thank you for Following me… I look forward to reading your Tweets !!!”
; D