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How to Tweet & How not to Tweet

tweetWe’ve all seen them. The ALL CAPS twitterer, the inside joke twitterer, the one word twitterer, and the pay-attention-to-me twitterer.

I’m not saying they don’t have a right to tweet. I’m just saying that they don’t have a right to tweet in most of our networks, right?

Most of us unfollow them pretty quickly, but it seems like they pop up everywhere. These are the same people that blog 10% of a story they already explained the rest of to their friends and then wonder why their online footprint is so small, the same people that either rave about how awesome Twitter is (because they get to blast their thoughts incessantly) or about how stupid it is because they can’t seem to get to that follower number they define as being successful, so they pooh pooh the service and tell the rest of us that actually make legitimate use of it that we’re wasting our time and that their bad use of the service just further explains its stupidity.

Good twitterers tweet at an acceptable frequency to their followers. Some people have a threshold at 5 tweets from you every day. Other people don’t mind seeing 50.
Good twitterers @ reply not just in response to @ replies sent to them, but also in response to others’ tweets.
Good twitterers take the conversation to direct messages when it goes beyond a few tweets with just one person.
Good twitterers include links, useful and interesting information, and thoughtfulness in their tweets.

They definitely do not tweet all caps as if Twitter is a bull horn, tweet only one or two word phrases, or any other such nonsense… at least not within the spheres that have found a genuine use for the tool.

Am I wrong?

99 Total TweetBacks: (Tweet this post)
  • en: Can't get on cnn.com or foxnews.com because of the Jackson memorial. This is a little ridiculous. 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: The alarm goes off every time i enter or exit the ugli 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: or will stay awake just to watch u sleep wait for the boy who kisses your forehead who wants 2 show u off to the world when u are in sweats 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: @worryknot pitty I've got to go out now for an hour or so... Thanks for the link 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: LET TWITTER AGAIN...CHUBY CHEKER PREMONITION?BELIEVE IT OR NOT? 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: wishing I was goin on holiday! Well fancy goin to york to watch Failsafe. Or do something at least. 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: economics, science of choice, ... I do not know if it can be implemented for tomorrow election or not? get along with twitter :much easier.. 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: @bigpawbasset Good morning...or Good evening!? You are still awake? It's Tuesday 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: @jonasbrothers When you write a song do you write the lyrics or the music first? hollie, 14, england. 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: shopped with J til we dropped. glad Im a small size, good bargains. Must be awful being a secretary or something caged LOL 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: @Felicia00 just TRY it. Do u think ur body is lacking in MEDS or happiness? 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: @Doovde how did u get on? Or how much did the winer (you?) win? 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: @Jonasbrothers You would like to enter on the movie "Twilight"? or write a song for movie??? 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: Can anyone tell me what happen lastnight or least tell me where my car IS... 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: @_licious This Friday or next? 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: hmm MJ memorial or How I met your Mother? decisions, decisions. 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: @angelajames No... Sen. Al Franken is more weird--on par with Senator Dennis Leary or Representative David Spade. 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: @Jonasbrothers do you believe what you sing in your songs, or is it all just words that are sung? 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: NetApp's SM for SQL won't work for NFS datastores. FC, RDM or iSCSI only.. 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: Oh one more!!! MTV! U neva kno, iCan miss footage on CNN, nd may catch it on BET, or MTV, nahh mean? 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: @OfficialJagex i know you said no comment on hour, but will the update come today or another day? 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • nl: http://twitpic.com/9lpk4 - Coffee, tea, or #moonfruit 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: @donniewahlberg That is so true and a year or 2 ago I wouldn't fel that way.I have become quite independent.I love your honesty. 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: @nashmeg @_elliee It was ages ago, he said they couldn't play their instruments or something xx 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • : are they in a tool box in substitute for a screwdriver? 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: Hoping @dkubb will be good enough to look into the 18 tickets we've created and make 0.10 as stable (or more so) than 0.9. 07/07/09 04:43pm
  • en: @SadeXposed that's some mess or ike u would say Out Of Control!! I love MJ but that's dumb as hell I think they lyin anyway 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @CIROCstar a all girl street team maybe, u want in..no t's or flyers just gettin dj's to play the record 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: dozed off at 5:45 or so. Got 2 1/2 more hours so I'm not totally wrecked. Still wish I could sleep the night through. 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: Going to make a sandwich or something and watch Michael Jackson's memorial coverage. RIP MJ 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: My work is more or less done for today. The rain is starting to annoy me now though. 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @BriannaCherie88 nope...take yo ass to work.....Nora gon miss u...or cindy or whoeva u got 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: RT @MailOurMilitary suggestion:every time you see a tweet about Jackson today, tweet something about Iran, Iraq, Honduras,or Afghanistan #p2 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: i'm not sure if a man will ever completely understand a woman or a woman a man. or for that matter, a man a man or a woman a woman. 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • : "Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold." Proverbs 22:1 NLT 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @richeisen God forbid i get a Brady or Peterson auto, no i get Rich Eisen lol. Looks like it books for $25 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @mikegmusik U GOTTA EMAIL ME SUM NEW MUSIC FROM U OR SUTHUN HEIGHTZ SO I CAN PUT IT ON "SMOKE SUMTHIN RADIO" 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @Jonasbrothers Imagine this is your last day, what things would you like to do, or what things would you like to say? Camila from Argentina 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @trettbang maybe if u covered more successful bands (ie TheBangles) you wldnt feel so bad about yourself, or your underachieving band. 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: I couldn't get my door open just now. I was like locked in or something! 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @stawb3rrykist : The Scientology Office of Special Affairs tries to prevent or disrupt any assembly of critics, real or electronic. 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: So is Fox NEw showin the Casket being driven in or a HIGH SPEED CHASE cause thats what this seems like 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • : U wanna hang next week?? Lunch or something?? u know u can call me anytime douche.. 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @apopa haha! And yeah! Can't today or weds but perhaps later in the week or next week! 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: MJ Memorial: Joe Jackson, this is *not* the time or place for a PowerPoint presentation about your new record label. 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • : . 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: RT @kiiexxx: @LamarLee touching or mentally unstable? 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: having a pleasent day. hoping to have some pizza or calzones for dinner. im craving them so bad. also marylizzieevan hangout? 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: i need a store credit car shud i get one from target or victoria secret? 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: If you live in TX or GA see how to become an independent associate or my energy customer! http://keepyourlightson.igniteinc.biz/ 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @shaaqT I also want to fight crime tonight.. Or control traffic.. Something good for mankind, ya knw? 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: RT @HornyToadinc: Grant 4 Change by @NauClothing. $10K to support an artist athlete or activist promoting positive change: http://ow.ly/gG7r 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: Scritti Polliti are on Radio 2 - didn't they do a song on #deleuze or some other famous poststructuralist-type at one time? 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: Join me LIVE on my "TeCh tAlk tUeSdaY" on RTG radio show on #BlogTalkRadio at http://tobtr.com/s/599657 or call (347) 237-5125 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @jonasbrothers Chocolate or Fruity flavors? 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: I'll be modeling strategies of traders in the open house at DTI beginning at 1pm EST http://dti.omnovia.com/dtichat - this or watch MJ's ... 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • nl: @geezerbird jim or gym lol.he'd love to.lol 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: Been in bed all day? Wondering if to get in the shower or not?? 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @jodiekearns Should be pretty simple. Get the mass of each of the 8 planets from your texbook or on line. Add 'em up divide by earth mass. 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: US Idea. How can a Hindu Lady represent Muslim Minorities? By reading or watching them. I thought Hill Clinton a better person. 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @jonasbrothers Did you guys already had some strange dream or nightmare with a fan? #Brazil 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: how did she do that but don't even hav a ticket. i love MJ but im not goin broke or sellin stuff out my house just 2 go 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: Needs a snood or a haircut. 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: back at work. over 100 personal email (at least 50 are spam-ish). 50 or so actual work emails. coming back to real life is difficult. 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: Thinking bout making a fray cd, or putting owl city in my ipod finally cuz im slacking ha 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @alpcoterie So glad I am at work and cam avoid this! It's not like he was a pope or head of state. The over the top is killing me 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: #AR Augmented Reality: Science Fiction or Reality? (w/ Video) - PhysOrg.com http://is.gd/1q6Pj 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: Listening to 3OH!3, Electroshock...lovve it. LoL. TweeTIng liKe A 4tEEn YeaR OLd 2Day....or Arnold. 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: Our library frustrates the hell out of me sometimes--we have loads of books ABOUT the book but only one or two copies of the book itself. 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @jaayyjones Won't you be at camp or getting ready for your play? It's the 16th. 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: Download a 2 hour movie to your cell phone in 4 minutes and play it on your tv or computer. http://www.mygvbiz.com/contractfreewireless 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @mossinterest BHO mistakenly thinks world leaders see him as “equal or superior” to them. They see a guy who’s never even lead a par 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @kutefans same, I hope they don't cut out too much good parts, or dub most of it again :/ can't wait to see and find out :p 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • es: RT @HaterzLuveMe443: la la la la la la la la elmos world ohh and tryin to find a camp for singin and dancin or doub... http://ow.ly/15H6gL 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: i dont mind watching but not takin part in sports day, embarasing or what?! oh friday its nfun stuff!!! i mean come on... were 16/17 not 6/7 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @jonasbrothers Do you enjoy writing the lyrics or the music to the song more? Alice, 16, England. #jonasbrothers 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @UNOlker Film vs digital which 1 worse 4 enviro: photo chemicals or electronics? Don't mind me butting in on u guys-interesting debate :) 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: i don't understand the need to have a countdown till MJ's funeral or to find out whos getting what in his estate....let it go world 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: Rest assured my adoring public. When I post you know it's not my assistant, an intern or some other sort of tortured, put-upon lackey. 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @JonasBrothers Brownies or cream cake?? 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: better play the most awesome game of softball tonight or there will be serious consequences. Last week was unacceptable. 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @DDrDark @mike9r a bit naughty. designer probably though it was interna, but they still shouldn't be using your (or Apple’s) work like that̷ 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: Online Romances...do you have one or would you like to have one? http://tinyurl.com/nbmbnc 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • : ~1 life 2 live 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: LACKADAISICAL : (adj.) lacking spirit or liveliness; synonyms : dreamy , languid , languorous; usage : a lackadaisical attempt #wordoftheday 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @itsreallykia tell him u don't care who or wat he is BITCH!!!! 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: ok, people. i just got 5 texts from 4 people in the last 5 min. are you guys ganging up or what? 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @davelassanske Wonder if it was worse for you on the other side of the wall or me at the same table. 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @BrothaLynchHung you wanna email or private message me a time and place to meet up as soon as you figure it out shoot only take 1 hr 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: Going to the home depot as long as I'm not killed or swallowed whole by North Avenue. 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: @Jonasbrothers white or brown bread? 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: seriously, are they giving away free drugs in this loo or something? And how hard is it for people to grasp "engaged" means the door's shut 07/07/09 04:42pm
  • en: or perhaps #moonfruit falls from the sky 07/07/09 07:43am
  • en: @personaljesuss Alternating between tea & crumpets and/or tea & scones. Ah, the remnants of British colonial rule. Heh. 07/07/09 07:43am
  • en: Is that a mojito in my pocket or am I glad to see you? Oh jeez, it's a mojito. But you look nice today. Is that a podcast in my pocket, or.. 07/07/09 07:43am
  • en: @fictillius Are the cables glowing just from the activity lights? Or are they self illuminating?? But yeah - very purdy! :D 07/07/09 07:43am
  • en: #nothingpersonal but how many "your kitty's" are on twitter... every night i block 5 or so... wtf. 07/07/09 07:43am
  • en: @ndru You should listen to him, he loves peace. His songs are damn soothing. Listen to it when economic crisis or dedicate for someone bday. 07/07/09 07:43am
  • en: 4 drunk dials?? On Tuesday? The least u ppl could do is invite me to these parties, or your bed so I can take advantage of your state. 07/07/09 07:43am

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This entry was posted on Thursday, April 16th, 2009 at 8:15 am and is filed under Criticism, Twitter, social media. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  • 'Good twitterers @ reply not just in response to @ replies sent to them, but also in response to others’ tweets.'

    I did this and got told by the person who's tweet I responded to that I was self promoting. Cannot win all the time.

    There are so many business on twitter, which I think is allowed. Is it not?
  • Thanks for commenting, Michelle. I guess that a mejor problem with online communication is that a lot of subtle sentiment is lost due to things not being face-to-face. As an unfortunate result, you may have been doing something that was very genuine and appropriate, but the other person misinterpreted it. Hopefully, things are going well for you on Twitter :-)
  • I think you are right on the money here. I would go further with 3 more things too.

    -Affiliate links hidden with shortened URLs just get under my skin, and ruin trust that essential to twitter.
    -Tricking twitterers into clicking on a link (false advertising, over hyped, constantly plugging your own site) is insulting to the person following you.
    -Direct Messaging people to "thank them for the follow" and not allow them to DM you back - just rude.
  • Very good points. Those could be added to a list for twitter etiquette. ;-)
  • aweisbe
    According to this article: http://mediacaffeine.com/network/the-14-types-o... there are 14 types of twitter personalities. Probably more as many tweeps have multiple personality disorder.

    So what kind of tweep are you?
  • Most definitely, the link mogul, but without the retweet aspect. I share tons of links I find. How about you?
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