I saw a post about twitter policy on Laptops and Lullabies, in which Laura put forward her strategy, for want of a better word for using Twitter. I like having a manifesto for how you approach social media. I have come to realise that I know more than I thought, which is thrilling, but I also think that it is worth taking stock periodically and working out how you use the social media sites you frequent, and what you hope to gain from your interaction with others on those sites.
I joined twitter about a year or so ago, and lurked around it’s expanding edges, paddling, then splashing until I figured it out. Now I check in every morning and evening, often during the day if I can. I join in twitter parties and chats too. I sometimes even attempt to keep up with the #Fridaytwiz feed. Whereas my facebook page pre-dates this blog, my twitter page came after, and I tweet primarily with people I have rarely met in real life (though that is changing.)
I follow:
- people because I want to see their avatar in my Tweetdeck feed.
- if a competition requires it (and rarely un-follow unless they start annoying me.)
- people who enrich my life in some way.
I don’t follow
- people just because they are celebrities
- eggs
- those without a bio
- people who approach me for no discernible reason
- I don’t autofollow
I don’t like tweets with so many @ signs it makes your head spin. I have issue with tweets in text speak (just send a text). Likewise if all you tweet are links it starts to get on my nerves.
I retweet:
- things that make me laugh.
- if people ask and it’s for a good reason.
- interesting or helpful tweets.
- if I agree with a statement.
- blog posts if I enjoyed reading them.
Importantly, I thank anyone who retweets my tweets. I should thank people for following me but invariably forget.
I reply to almost all mentions (sometimes you can’t keep up.)
I use hashtags to emphasise points. A lot. I rarely use them to ‘categorise’ my tweets about blog posts. I also use exclamation marks. And emoticons. A lot.
I often have typos because I get carried away with myself.
I’m still working on tweeting from the #toosmartforme phone, although I have installed Hootsuite, on the advice of @nickie72. I have Tweetdeck on my laptop though that may soon change. I need to work out how to use the lists and filters though.
So, do you have any thoughts? How do you use twitter? What are your likes and dislikes?
I think what you’ve said is pretty much spot on.
I’m really rubbish with Twitter at the moment as I had always used my phone but the app (or anything internet related) isn’t really working anymore. So sorry, I’m not engaging, I generally don’t realise anyone has tweeted in my direction until days later!
I did have to cull the amount of people I followed because the news-feed was making my head spin, I should have read your ideas on who to follow before I got follow-happy! 🙂
Very useful as always, I’m still working out my Twitter manifesto, I’m a bit here one minute and then I shoot off and am absent for a few days. I need to organise myself so much!
I think you are a great example of excellent Twitter etiquette. You engage, have interesting things to say and RT lots of interesting, relevant content (plus some of mine, which I’m very appreciative of).
I don’t use Twitter that much and its not something I have thought about, but I guess I do have some of my own ‘rules’. I don’t auto follow, but will check out the person and see if they have a blog that I like. I block anyone who appears to be spam (sorry if your not). I check out the ‘how to follow’ and see if anyone looks interesting but I tend not to go for celebs (although have a few, but not many). It will be interesting to see what other people do or don’t do.
I unfollow people that consistently are mean, poke fun or who swear. There is no need for it. The internet and social media should be fun, not a minefield.
Great post, I’ve not thought before that I have a manifesto but I suppose I do. I have a private twitter account so people have to request to follow me. It means that I can approve or reject certain people, I tend to say no to any business that isn’t to do with children or family life. I also tend to reject eggs or non-bios as well because they could be anyone, unless I’m running a comp and they’re looking out for the winner announcement. I also don’t auto-follow until I’ve had a good long conversation with someone.
@theboyandme that sounds like a manifesto to me. A good one too.
@fussfreehelen I entirely agree. Amazing how snipey the internet can get. It’s unnecessary.
@MrsShortie I didn’t think I saw you much on twitter. I think it’s crucial to check people out: who you follow says a surprising amount about you.
@carafreckles and I didn’t even need to pay you to say nice things 😀
I shall respond with my own post because I have a manifesto too! lol!
Can’t wait Mrs Teepot: you’ll have to send me the link.