Not too long ago, I put my twitter followers on notice. Between the spam and all the automated messages, it’s become harder and harder to use twitter in a meaningful way. I wouldn’t be as opposed to automation if there were actually a person on the other side, but time after time, I’ve commented on a post that originated from twitterfeed and never ever got a reply. I guess this is stemming from all the gurus out there that are telling people they can have a presence on twitter without actually being there.
Newsflash: You Can’t Have A Presence ANYWHERE Without Actually Being There
So in cased you missed it, I don’t like automation, and I’ll be slowly purging my stream of all those twitterfeed accounts. But lets get back to my Twitter Policy. Here it is:
1.) Although I’m flattered you decided to follow my Twitter updates, I will not automatically follow you back…no matter who you are or how legitimate you are.
2.) If you would like me to follow you back, please send me an @ message and let me know how you found me. Do NOT send me a hyperlink in the first message. If you want to make a strong positive impression with me, email or tweet me your phone number so that we can continue the conversation “in person”.
3.) If you’re considering contacting me in person, you’ll find that I’m not very receptive to sales calls. So if you’re motivation is to sell me the latest Twitter automation software, or your SEO services, or some other “Business Opportunity”, I strongly suggest that you rethink that idea and DON’T pick up the phone. We’ll both be much happier that way.
4.) @ Messages are my preferred method of communicating on Twitter. With as many followers as I have, I miss most of the content in my Twitter stream. If you’re thinking about sending me a message (@ or direct), please read #6 first.
5.) I will only send you a direct message (DM) if I need to communicate sensitive or private information with you and you prefer to communicate through Twitter as opposed to email.
6.) Because of the amount of spam messages that I currently get, you agree that by sending me an @ Message or a DM that you are volunteering your Twitter account to a discretionary and subjective audit/review. I’ll be looking with a critical eye for any signs of spam, automation, or anything else that I might find unsavory on that day. Negative outcomes for you might include me unfollowing, blocking, and or reporting your account as spam. Hopefully this will cut down on the spammy DM’s, but if it doesn’t I’ll weed out those folks by their content. Yes content is still king.
Summary:
If you variate from my Twitter Policy, don’t be surprised if you get a result other than what you’re looking for. I think Twitter is a great tool, but Twitter just for Twitter’s sake strikes me as empty now. With these changes I hope to mold the platform into a tool to facilitate real connections, relationships and interaction.
Hopefully you understand why I’ve decided to institute a Twitter Policy and change the way I use the platform. Are you thinking about making similar changes? What do you think of my ideas? I’d love to read your feedback!
Jason Sanders @ValuePagesGroup
Business Networking Specialist
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I like it. Great ideas, Jason. How has twitter been working for you as a marketing/networking tool?
John – I'm glad you enjoyed them. I definitely benefit in proportion to the effort that I put into it. Sometimes people get discouraged after spending some time and not getting the results that they're looking for.
I recently wrote an article to give some tips on ways to maximize your twitter experience and get more results with less time. Check it out and let me know what you think:
http://ideabox.thevaluepagesgroup.com/2009/12/1...
John – I'm glad you enjoyed them. I definitely benefit in proportion to the effort that I put into it. Sometimes people get discouraged after spending some time and not getting the results that they're looking for.
I recently wrote an article to give some tips on ways to maximize your twitter experience and get more results with less time. Check it out and let me know what you think:
http://ideabox.thevaluepagesgroup.com/2009/12/1...
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