Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy
@scarymommy
Latest posts by Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy (see all)
- The Disney Reveal - May 14, 2013
- Met My Match At Disney… - May 13, 2013
- Sunday’s Baltimore Sun - May 11, 2013
Twitter is hot. If the internet were high school, Twitter would totally be the knock-out cheerleading prom queen. You can’t turn on the news without hearing requests to Twitter the station your thoughts. Stores offer Twitter only discount codes. There’s the CNN/Kutcher race to gain a million followers. There’s Hugh Jackman’s promise to donate 100k to one individual’s favorite non profit, provided the person convinces him of their worthiness in one tweet. There are over 8 million people twittering. Even my husband is contemplating creating an account, and he’s always the last on board.
It’s an interesting place, Twitterville. I was hesitant to join— it’s hard enough to find decent subject matter to write on my blog, never mind interesting 140 character updates. But I succumbed, and I can see why people like it. It’s a fantastic networking tool. It’s a great place to get instant opinions on any number of topics, and to spew out fleeting thoughts. I have a tendency to keep e-mail correspondences going for way too long, always wanting to have the final word even if it’s just an emoticon. With Twitter, I don’t feel the need to respond to everything and I don’t get offended when people don’t respond to me. It’s fast moving and fluid and a great way to meet new people. And one of the greatest things is the ability to unfollow those new people in an instant if they piss you off.
Last night, I received an aggressive e-mail from someone I recently unfollowed inquiring as to the reasons I unfollowed her. The fact that she bombarded me with that question solidified my decision, but for her (and you,) here goes… The people I’m sure to unfollow:
1. The Twitter Addicts: You know, the ones who post a constant stream of tweets, every minute or two throughout the day. The people whose icons totally monopolize my screen and prevent me from seeing anyone else. What do these people do? Do they have jobs? Lives? Apparently Jennifer Aniston dumped John Mayer for being addicted to Twitter and I can see why. It’s annoying as hell.
2. The Auto Message Senders: Please don’t thank me for my follow and tell me how much you look forward to getting to know me. It’s a surefire way to guarantee that you won’t because I unfollowed you the minute I got the message. Tweet me or send me a personalized message or just ignore me. Please.
3. The Sketch Balls: Folks who follow thousands and have no updates or followers themselves, but want access to the inner workings of my head? No thank you, they get blocked from my updates.
4. The Pimps: People who do nothing but promote their own cause. Sure, I post links to my blog when I have a new post, and I’m fine when other people do the same. But people who do nothing but pimp themselves? I don’t want to see that.
5. The Lazy Bones: If you haven’t updated in six months, I’ll probably unfollow you. Nothing personal, but what’s the point?
6. Annoying Famous People: Celebrities who send public kisses to each other all day long. As fascinating as I find celebs, I prefer to read about them in US Weekly. On Twitter, they are a bit too much like “us” and I find it irritating rather than endearing.
7. The “Follow you, Follow me” folks: Have you ever been followed by someone only to follow them back to be unfollowed? How rude is that? Two can play that game, so consider yourself dumped.
8. Social Media Experts: What qualifications do these people have? I have a blog, a Facebook account etc. Maybe I should start calling myself an expert? Would you all buy that? Exactly.
9. The Overshare-ers: Twitter is innately narcissistic. Are any of us really as interesting as we think we are? Probably not. But do you really think that people want to know about the zit on your forehead or the dump you just took? Maybe they do, but I don’t.
10. The Sunshine Spreaders: Maybe I’m too jaded, but having messages constantly pop up that tell me to smile and love life make me want to punch the computer screen. Perhaps that’s my problem though.
11. The Bible Quoters: You love Jesus. You know Bible passages. A lot of people do, but is Twitter really the place to profess that? All day long? Not for me.
12. The Number Seekers: “I need 876 followers to reach 1,000!! Please re-tweet!!!” And… what’s the point of doing this for you? Tweet something of substance and your numbers will grow. Keep doing this and they won’t. Or at least they shouldn’t.
13. The Contest Whores: Bloggers often offer an extra entry for their contest for tweeting it. There are many people who do nothing but tweet about contests, all day long. I believe these people should disqualify from that extra entry because they rarely have followers and the whole point is to gain visibility. And also they’re really irritating. A new laptop might be worth entering, but a box of two dollar breakfast bars? Not so much.
I might be willing to let you slide if you only possess one of the above, especially if you offer me some value mixed in (or if you’re hot, Ashton.) But, two or more and you’re history. And I won’t miss you one bit. And thank you, annoying woman for inspiring a blog post– I was stumped on what to write about today. Now I’ll go and Twitter about it. And you won’t even know, because I blocked you. So there.
{ 216 comments… read them below or add one }
It sounds like we have a lot of the same critieria. I don’t feel badly at all when I unfollow someone. Part of the problem is that if I follow too many people then I can’t really see the folks that I really know of whose blogs I read.
I recently unfollowed Heidi Montag because all her tweets were about Jesus. Don’t get me wrong…I love Jesus as much as the next guy but coming from her it seemed fake.
Connie @ Young and Relentless’s last blog post..8 Things
Love it! I do the same thing. I had one guy, one night because he got blocked pronto, who kept turning the conversations I was having with someone else into puke jokes. How in the world he found that funny, I’ll never know. Love twitter but I don’ t love the twits!
Great post!
Hilarious! I totally love this post and I think I will Twitter this link! ;) I block a lot of weird random people that start following me … kinda creeps me out… and I’m with you on the sunshine spreaders. Okay to hear it once from someone but like, all the time… “Smile, love life!” Come on! I love it when fellow bloggers link to new posts, and I love funny little stories or interesting updates.
I unfollowed Demi Moore because she Tweeted way too much.
I also get annoyed sometimes with the auto message senders.
Thanks for a great post!
Loukia’s last blog post..At the park
That was really well written Momma! I enjoyed it. And you know I’m still trying to deal with all the hate mail I get on my blog, I pray I don’t get the same following on Twitter.
What I don’t get is, if people hate your thoughts or don’t like your style of writing then why do they keep coming back, why not just pass me by? And I love how they have to remain anynomous, are chicken to show their faces.
dawn’s last blog post..tomato pie
For some reason, I just can’t get into the Twitter thing. I’m trying so hard to keep from answering my home phone…I can’t imagine being bombarded with updates of everyone all day long. Facebook is starting to irritate me. Is this unAmerican? :-)
Teri’s last blog post..Culture Club
wow – someone actually emailed you about un-following them? that is – well, sort of creepy and scary! I’m sort of STILL not quite getting Twitter. I try, I really do, I just can’t keep up with it , or more so, my mommy brain can not keep up with it.
ps – remind me never to piss you off (giggles)
T&T’s last blog post..Capture: Rustic
Twitter hasn’t taken off in Australia quite the way it has in the US… yet! Glad I’ve read this article. Plenty for me to take on board. Thanks ;)
SquiggleMum’s last blog post..What’s in a Name?
Although it is unlikely that I will EVER join Twitter, if I do, I will abide by these rules.
I have to say I’ve yet to give in and join the Twittering World. I’m holding strong!!…..as of right now! :)
Whew – I’m safe. No Twittering for me!
T Rex Mom’s last blog post..It’s Nan Time!!!
Wait a minute… someone actually emailed you wanting to know why you unfollowed her on Twitter.
Srsly?!
No wonder you blocked her…
Shannon’s last blog post..Name That Tune
Nicely written! I unfollow quite a bit! I get tired of hearing about everyones little aches and pains-save them for your blogs.
Laura’s last blog post..Hairzing Giveaway 3 Winners!
I have gotten a few of those, thanks for following messages. I didn’t know they were the auto messages. I am so clueless, I didn’t know you could do that on twitter, let alone on blogs.
Wow, that is a little scary that she emailed you. If they dump me, I just dump them.
Vickie’s last blog post..Blue Necklace Giveaway
This post is perfection. SO hilarious. I am not that into Twitter but I agree – it is the place to be. I often feel like I did in High School: technically in the cool crowd, but always acting like I’ll be shunned any minute. “No, I’m not coming to that party. People probably won’t want me there.” I’m shocked when people follow me. I’m like, WHY? You don’t even know me! Whatev. I’m starting to feel more popular by the tweet.
Texan Mama’s last blog post..One Spunky Mama
I signed up for twitter once just to earn points in a bloggy contest. I can’t find the time for all this electronic communication. I.just.can’t.
Sue’s last blog post..I’M OUTTA HERE!
I do not twitter, I do not facebook, I do not eat green eggs and ham. I do have a blog, but that’s it. I do not have time to do everything there is to do online. That being said, if I ever get the desire to twitter, I will certainly abide by these rules! I would hate to be unfollowed, I just don’t think I could stand the rejection (snickering), it would just break my heart (snort).
I totally agree with your #9. I don’t Tweet because people’s every moment thought or activity is , frankly, just not interesting.
SWIRL GIRL’s last blog post..The One (what? only one?) with the Frilly Blog Award
Yeah, I just can’t make the move over. I do find it to be a fascinating tool, though. Can only imagine how good you are!
Starnes Fam’s last blog post..Pre-Med
Your story is a hoot. I still can’t fathom that someone actually cares about being followed or unfollowed. You should’ve told her you just weren’t that into her. That should do it.
Much love from NJ,
Sue
xoxo
LOL, punch the computer screen. hahaha. I feel like that about a million times a day.
Jennifer’s last blog post..Top Ten Thursday
Too funny and yet so true. I just started twittering which is how I found your blog. Which I love to read and have heard 4 thank yous in the last week from friends who are now reading also.
I’m an over-e-mailer, as well. I don’t want anyone to feel shunned… because I’m so important and all.
As for unfollowing people, I find this daunting and scary. What if they.. they.. oh, you mean they might just write me a nasty e-mail? Now I can go forth and unfollow some over-tweeters. It really is annoying to see only 2 faces appearing in the entire screen… twits.
Ryan Ashley Scott’s last blog post..Running with Pants
Saying someone uses twitter wrong is like saying someone uses paper wrong, but I still agree with every single point. Unfollow. Unfollow. Unfollow. Sometimes it feels damn good to get rid of someone who is hogging your stream with shameless self-promotion.
#10…oh, hells yeah. I was just thinking yesterday that I needed to unfollow some people who were getting overly cloying. And here I just thought it was my inate cynicism.
Twitter rocks and ppl need to stop taking their Twittering so seriously. I mean really, its only 140 characters. How serious can you be?
Jen, buried with children’s last blog post..Writer’s Workshop: I Little Thing I Like to Call Haydenisms
I can’t believe anyone would actually send an email about being unfollowed on Twitter. It happens all the time; just move on folks.
Love your post. I’ve unfollowed people for many of the reasons you’ve listed. And I haven’t even been on Twitter for very long. Awesome!
Momma Trish’s last blog post..And then, the elephant boy was eaten by a dragon, and peace reigned throughout the land. At least, until the crows came …
I was hesitant to join Twitter also. There are some wacky ones on there too! Some people just don’t know how to handle rejection.
I completely agree with your list, and if you ever stop following me then I must have deserved it.
Christina’s last blog post..ITS FINALLY ABOUT MY NEEDS!
Twitter is so weird.. I get into it, then I lose interest. Its such a popularity thing, and Ive not really had much sucess in drawing people to my blog…altho I do enjoy when drama erupts!
minxy mimi’s last blog post..There’s a sucker born every minute
I tried to get into twitter, but…. I slack. I don’t have anything interesting enough to tweet about. So I don’t. I keep meaning to delete it. I have facebook…which is now so much like twitter that it’s ridiculous.
I know who my friends are. I don’t need popularity. I don’t need twitter making me feel like I do.
I CAN’T HANDLE THE FREAKING PRESSURE, DUDE.
xoxo
Blissful Babe’s last blog post..Make Up Your Own Fantastic Title.
I’m relatively new to twitter and felt a little guilty unfollowing a bunch of people last week. After reading your post, my guilt is GONE. Great post!
Managed Chaos’s last blog post..A new family member
How can it be that I wasn’t following you? This post is Spot On! I can’t believe she would email you asking why you unfollowed.
I am exactly the same way. I unfollow folks who send those stoopid “look forward to getting to know you” dm’s. I unfollow the “social media experts”. I unfollow folks who don’t follow me. I feel Twitter is a conversation, not a lecture…
I’m gonna go Tweet this now;)
Nap Warden’s last blog post..Blogger Can be Cool! (Part 1)
but, but, how do you feel about blipfm?
ali’s last blog post..the snugglebummer
I initially thought (and told people so) that they should be following most everyone back that follows them. That was just w/in the last year that I said that.
Now? There are too many people on Twitter that are the “social media experts” you described, ONLY use Twitter to promote themselves, and also some people seem to Twitter NON stop.
And the whole “Follow me/ immediately unfollow me/ follow me back when I follow them makes my blood boil! It makes me want to tweet something nasty about them.
I hereby take back my assertion that you should be following back most people who follow you. Twitter has CHANGED. It’s almost not fun anymore.
Jennifer, Playgroups are no place for children’s last blog post..George Clooney Watch
Great post, I’m really hoping I haven’t been guilty of any of the Twitter faux pax you mentioned. I’m learning, slowly, but learning. I promise not to email you if you choose not to follow me, it’s ok , really it’s ok.
megryansmom’s last blog post..Looking for a Room at Shadybrook
Great post! And I agree w/ you about John Mayer – what the hell does he DO all day?? (besides Twitter, that is?)
Trenches of Mommyhood’s last blog post..The Cost of Easter Weekend
This post is perfect. Your #10 is my #1 Twitter Pet Peeve. LOOOOVEEE!!! HUGS!!!! Oh, fuck you already. And I also hate the whole “Lemming245 is only 38 followers away from 2000! eee!” WHAT? Why would that make me want to follow someone?
Marinka’s last blog post..Hi, There! We Are Here To Destroy You!
I know it’s so 2008, but I have quite a few gripes about another socail networking site, Facebook (I know it’s not quite the same, but almost equally annoying) . Anyway, go Ashton!
parenting BY dummies’s last blog post..Top Five
Great list! Some times I will blip a disco song and get a few spammers to quit me. lol
Pamela Kramer’s last blog post..Thursday Thirteen #63 – Updates
My jaw dropped when I read someone emailed you to bitch about you unfollowing her. That’s just stunning to me! I get somewhat annoyed by the whole ‘thanks for following me, if I’m not following you, let me know’ tweets. Maybe it’s just because I don’t follow back everyone who follows me (because it’s clear from their tweets that there’d be no need, etc.), so I guess why clog up the follow list, you know? I know that I also tend to go in spurts where I over-tweet, and when I catch myself doing that, I try to back away from the computer.
Oh man, this was perfect!
brittany’s last blog post..That will bring us back to doe…oh, oh, oh.
LOVE IT!
Loukia’s last blog post..The great outdoors
I found your blog thanks to Twitter. I do agree with your list, though. I’m not surprised someone whined about you unfollowing them. Generally I use it to find out who I read has blogged and what they find interesting on the ‘net.
Chelle’s last blog post..In Plain Sight
Great guide. I hate so many of the types of twitterers on this list. haha. The Social Media Experts really make me want to punch myself on the face. Or any so called Expert. They are everywhere these days.
Amanda of Shamelessly Sassy’s last blog post..Then she called her Dad a…
I JUST started a Twitter account this week. Maybe I should rethink my decision!!
I’m fairly new to twitter, but I’m right there with you.
Reluctant Housewife’s last blog post..I’m That Kind of Girl
Excellent post! I’m right there with you on the criteria. :D
Nancy’s last blog post..Sweet Baby Boy
Ah holy hell this is PERFECT!!
I’m new to it, too, but I routinely go through my follow list and whittle it down. When I see a new person following me I check ‘em out, go to their blog, and if they seem interesting I’ll follow them back. If not, no way, no how.
I’m not to the point, yet where I block the people just trying to lure me into following them. I figure they’ll drop off eventually.
Thanks for writing this. I couldn’t have said it better. It earns a big, fat R-T.
Jessica – This Is Worthwhile’s last blog post..Wow-wuh
I’ve come across some strange people on Twitter.
And I agree, some celebrities are annoying. I checked out Miley Cyrus’ page and was all, “??? What’s she talking about??”
Amber’s last blog post..The Cutting Back Adventures
Totally agree. I’m new to twitter so I’m still learning the ins and outs but I can’t stand people who don’t use punctuation. (Same in text world) Didn’t anyone under the age of 40 pay attention in English class? reading like this gives me a headache cuz my mind is trying to decipher complete sentences from runons and then i totally lose focus of what they were trying to say so there
Motherofthemth’s last blog post..New Year’s Resolution
I saw your tweet and popped by (see, good use of twitter). I must admit I’m a bit of an online addict. Blogging, emailing, twittering (twitter has replaced my whole facebook fascination), though I don’t get the whole increase followers philosophy that people tout. It’s been a great resource for parenting and writing connections. Great list though. I can’t believe someone confronted you on unfollowing them. A little too much time on their hands.
Cheers,
Carrie Anne’s last blog post..It’s a girl
Well said! #1 and #4 are my personal gripes of the moment. I’ve really only just started so I’m sure my annoyance will increase right along with my skill level :)
KathyB!’s last blog post..Rodin? Not today
Thank you! I am new to Twitter but there are already people I have blocked because of several of the reason you list. I like it because it pushes me past some of my shyness…it’s even helped me get over my fear of commenting on blogs!
I love it!
Especially #11. Sundays and religious holidays are prime unfollow days for me.
With regards to the frequency of updates, I’ll admit it is something I struggle with sometimes. I know when I was only following about 45 people, someone that updated even twice per hour seemed to dominate my twitter stream and it got annoying. Now that I follow more than 1000 people, those that don’t update frequently get missed altogether because I just follow along for a while when I have time and share, reply, re-tweet frequently while I’m there. If you update twice per day, chances are I’ll miss your updates 95% of the time. It is a tough balance.
Annie @ PhD in Parenting’s last blog post..Get outside! Carnival Posts (Part 5)
Good to know! And I agree wholeheartedly!
I have SUCH a hard time unfollowing people! I end up just skipping over their posts every day vs. actually taking the plunge! Ack!
Caitlin’s last blog post..Poll Results
I’m also fairly new to Twitter & learning the etiquette can be daunting. Thanks for the tips – the fact that I agree with every one of your criteria tells me I must be on the right path to proper “tweets” :)
Denese’s last blog post..Yes, Officer, I Know My Roots Are Showing
what is twitter?
maybe there is someone out here is even more behind than Jeff????
mama’s last blog post..Easter Quotes
I haven’t even been to twitter yet. Not once. Should I go over? I love blogging SO much. I can’t imagine not liking twitter. Hmmmmmmmmmm.
Life with Kaishon’s last blog post..like the RoCk StArS we are-
Hi..I dont tweet as yet…not sure I need to as I follow so many blogs these days. I am in a learning mode…what will I learn on twitter? I think your list is pretty complete however…I cannot imagine following 1000 of anything! I really do have a life… so tell me…do I need to be a twitter?
i can’t believe they emailed you to see why! that’s spooky. so much blog etiquette – so confusing!!!
I’ve been on twitter for a while and have constantly to review the people on my twitter stream if they get too “overpowering” and dominate my twitterstream with unrelated (to me) tweets.
Dominique’s last blog post..Elmer in the snow – A Children’s Book Review
I will admit to having a slight obsession with trying to figure out who unfollowed me when I see my numbers go down on either Twitter or my blog (and usually, I can’t figure out who it is, and yes, sadly I have few enough followers that I can generally keep them all in mind. I am no Ashton Kutcher or even Ryan Seacrest or Anderson Cooper…) I would never, ever in my wildest dreams send an email to someone who unfollowed me, though, that just seems so, so wrong!
You could start a whole line of Scary Mommy Twitter badges and tweet them via twitpic………. I bet you could create some really good ones based on this list!
Heather @ nobody but yourself’s last blog post..Phriday Photo Phun – Phun and a wee phiasco
I’m not sure why someone would be upset if you stopped following them.
Nor am I sure how I would even know if someone unfollowed me.
I guess ignorance really is bliss.
Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah’s last blog post..Well THAT Was Awkward
Yes, yes, yes (x12). These all bug me badly. My policy is to unfollow someone who tells me: what they are eating; what song is streaming on their computer at that moment. The proviso is that the information is apropos of nothing at all. Of course, I now have (friendly) trolls testing me to see if I really will unfollow them, but one can usually spot those.
Oh, and don’t tell me about the potential client you are rushing to meet. I won’t unfollow them, but I will be veeery circumspect about business dealings with them.
art2gee’s last blog post..Internet turnaround has begun in SA
Awesome post! You should be stumped for stuff to write about more often :-) How about this one…you unfollow an “addict” and then they follow you again about a month later. Maybe trying to get in under the radar…
StuffMomsWant’s last blog post..Gaiam Wisdom Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat and Mat Bag Set
Panties in a knot?
Brilliant. Thank you.
Fantastic post! caught it on a retweet btw, and will RT again. I may have to follow you too :) but I promise I am not a tweet-head. I agree with just about every point you made. I’ve been wondering about the folks who follow tens of 1000s of ppl in hopes of luring them to their sites which offer “expertise”. I have been on Twitter for a few months, but recently had a upsurge in Followers, most falling under #4 and #8. When I joined it was for #writingblogs….why do these other folk want to follow my writing/mommying/activist tweets? I was wondering if there is some sort of expectation that I will re-follow you. I generally check them out, view their page and site, then decide.
@Motherofthemth: I am a grammar girl and proofreader too. I know how you feel, but I have learned to let go of those expectations on the web [except in articles and pro-sites] Twitter is compact by nature and sometimes a comma has to go. Some of the spellings are creative, to say the least :)
janflora’s last blog post..5 Poetic Places on the Web
It’s 10.18pm on a Friday night and this SAHM is currently scanning over her Facebook, her blog, her twitter account (very sad I know). I came across your blog and absolutely LOL, LOL, LOL. Loved it – you have a new subscriber (for now so keep up the great work).
I’m onboard with these.
Futureblackmail’s last blog post..APPARENTLY, CORNEAS ARE IMPORTANT
#10 really made me laugh. not that i want the world to be all doom and gloom but i can only take so much twitter sunshine each day.
veep veep’s last blog post..Eating Pretzels
OMG, I feel freed! Freed from the slavery of bad twitter etiquetters! Now I can unfollow those people w/o the guilt!
You are my goddess! I joined twitter about 3 months ago and felt like I didn’t know my ass from a hole in the ground. I have spoken every one of your 12 points aloud to actual people. Their response “well you are following the wrong people”. Oh and your LOLBacon is enriching your life how exactly?
Hee hee I’m really not that bitter. I enjoy the legitimate business advice postings. I enjoy sharing business tidbits I come across and trying to inspire others to do the business stuff we all hate (like cold calling). But I also enjoy the fun stuff and share some of my own fun stuff.
The auto follows bum me out. I mean I actually choose people to follow because I think they have something worthy to day. When I come into work and check my email and see 30 Twitter follow updates, well I could care less because I know they are just auto follows. Ban the auto ANYTHING. How are these people with 66,000 followers getting anything out of this? I can almost guarantee their posts suck. By suck I mean they’re spam, gratuitous self promotion for a website that is more self promotion… of Nothing! Who are these people and how do they live? And if they’ve become rich from this stuff, HOW?? I’m dumbfounded.
But doesn’t it feel good when you go to follow someone that followed you and you see the “account suspended” window. Go Twitter!!
I really am not an insane stalker type – I just enjoyed your article. It was like a ‘hug from Jesus’ (quote: Kathy Griffin). Can’t wait to read more.
I so totally agree with these! I’m only on Twitter for a few minutes here and there and #1 drives me especially crazy.
Great post.
Kimberly’s last blog post..Believe
Shit. I need to go update. I just don’t get the fasination, except that I am scared y’all are talking about me…
jill’s last blog post..I Am So Lucky
I unfollow the people who try to tell me how to use Twitter
Thank you for saying exactly what I was thinking! As much fun as Twitter can be, there are some truly annoying moments. I sometimes want to send out tweets calling people twits or twats, but I refrain.
OMG! This is so true…get out of my head. Couldn’t agree more.
I don’t even know how I found this blog just now (way too many Firefox tabs open yet again), but you just made my day with this post. Thank you. :-) LOL
I thought I only found some of these things annoying because I am still very new to Twitter, but it looks like it isn’t just me. Well, at least now I know that I don’t have to feel bad for ruthlessly unfollowing people that annoy me. I agree with pretty much all your points. #10 annoys the living daylights out of me, and #11 would definitely be a surefire way to get kicked off my list and blocked forever. Religious people creep me out anyway, I don’t need them to spam me on Twitter as well. ;-)
samulli’s last blog post..T13 – Thirteen Things I learned About Twitter
Good points all, but I’m curious: who does this list leave to follow?
Johnny Bacardi’s last blog post..Spring Break
LMAO… This is a wonderful, and TIMELY, post. #1 is there deservedly- that drives me insane! If I can’t read ANY of my other peeps’ tweets because you’re posting too much?? ADIOS!
:)
Jaden’s last blog post..Easter Fun!
This list is great–I especially hate the people who follow back everyone and unfollow everyone automatically. I cannot decide if they are better or worse that the people who have 100,000 followers and they only follow twenty people. Kind of a toss up.
abdpbt’s last blog post..Mini: The Big 02
Well, apparently, I’m the only person slower than your husband. Succumbed to Facebook, still haven’t joined Twitter. Haven’t heard anything about it I like yet, and since the people who post twitter-like stuff on Facebook are the ones that I block THERE (for a list of reasons similar to your own), I’m thinkin’ it’s best not to go down that road. I know, famous last words.
One day at a time, I keep telling me. You only have to make it through this one day without joining something else. It’s workin’ so far.
Robin’s last blog post..Is that your final answer?
Yeah, I totally agree with a lot of this….I am not on twitter to be your 100,000th follower OR have you clutter up my page with jesus-freakiness (not that there’s anything WRONG with being a jesus freak).
And since I like this post, I’m totally going to follow you, until you do something that makes me want to UNfollow you…then I’m going to unfollow you and send you a nasty “you’re unfollowed!” email
:)
lynette’s last blog post..Give til it hurts…
My number 1 twitter pet peeve:
“Oh, you look lovely today! Have some coffee!”
Those people are apparently using a twitter client that I’m not familiar with – because mine isn’t installed with a web cam or a vending machine.
Miss Britt’s last blog post..Day Of Silence
hy, im yours reader from Indonesia….nice to read your blog….
Came over from Twitter. I’m brand new there and thought I’d better look at what the popular etiquette is before I land myself in hot water. I see most of the 90 people here (so far) seem to agree with you too. :-)
This post is just beautiful! LOL
Nydia’s last blog post..Open Letter to Entenmann’s
People really do that? I honestly wouldn’t even notice if someone unfollowed me.
I am now following you though. Funny stuff.
Coma Girl’s last blog post..Shout Out To My Lil’ Cuz
i have NEVER noticed if i was being unfollowed. i only get follow alerts. and truthfully…shhh secret…i could care less about twitter. i am SO turned off by it now!!
great post!!!
Those are rules I can live by. I still don’t get it. I tweet and whatnot but don’t really enjoy it. I HATE the monopolizers.
How to Party with an Infant’s last blog post..The Truth About Motherhood! blah, blah, blah
Wow. I learned a lot here. I joined Twitter months ago……..I don’t get it. I’m not interested. I’ve tried but the bottom line is that I don’t have the time or inclination to figure it out. I still frequently get messages that someone new is “following” me. Why? I don’t get it. I don’t even GO on Twitter. :)
angie’s last blog post..Jumping in with JumpStart-week 2
In the stalky-woman’s defense, Qwitter IS really anxiety-inducing. I made the mistake of signing up for it and, where I never had any idea or cared at all how many followers I had, suddenly I’m all angsty and twitchy when people unfollow me.
BUT, with that said, you won’t find ME chasing down the people who unfollow to demand their reasoning. That’s just weird and stalkerish and lame. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I would LOVE to know why 12 people unfollowed me yesterday after I professed my love for flicking boogers on people I don’t like. (I mean really, WTF? Flicking boogers on people you don’t like is AWESOME and hilarious. What’s with all the booger haters out there? Why you gotta be hatin’ on the boogers?) But I’m not going to give them the satisfaction of asking. Because that would be admitting that I care, and while I (sort of) do, I can’t bring myelf to be that pathetic.
I am plenty pathetic enough without adding THAT little gem to my repertoire.
As you can clearly see from this comment.
bejewell’s last blog post..Urine Trouble
This post should be a required reading for anyone with a Twitter account.
I can’t belive that someone actually emailed you and asked why you unfollowed them. That’s like some strange person you have nothing in common with showing up to your door and whining, “why won’t you be my friend? Why, why, why?????”
Condo Blues’s last blog post..How to Fight Green Fatigue
Personally, I don’t like to use twitter because it is too boring.
I’m probably one of those lazy ones… I can barely keep up with writing for my blog and commenting. Twitter just doesn’t grab me. I tweet every once in a while – but I’m rarely in one of those long group exchanges. Never used a hash tag in my life. I’ve said this a million times, and my opinion hasn’t changed: When I log onto Twitter, I feel like a foreign exhange student arriving at my new American high school. I’m surrounded by conversations, but I don’t understand what anyone is talking about.
Kate Coveny Hood’s last blog post..Just Call Me Fegan
I don’t twitter… have no idea how to do it… yet I keep getting emails that I have a new follower? how is that possible?
I have an account but have never used it…
never mind… I will go look it up. Look at you with your 100+ comments… you go girl…
This is great!! Finally a post about Twitter that I agree with !
Steph
Adventures In Babywearing’s last blog post..Stitches
I agree with every single thing you said, and I’ll also add that if you have no avatar uploaded, changes are good that not only will I not follow you, I’ll probably block you, too.
corrin’s last blog post..Saturday Morning at the Repair Shop
GREAT post!
Rachael’s last blog post..Normal is relative
A-MEN!!! I’m not that good at Twitter, but I couldn’t agree more! You are so funny!
Have a good weekend – Kellan
Kellan’s last blog post..I Wonder If It’s Raining In The Big Easy?
Ummm…got here from twitter. :)
Twitter addicts–I actually had to unfollow someone I like because of that very problem–every couple minutes there was another message from her. I just do not have the time.
Also–I recently had a bunch of (made up?) people follow me who appeared to be promoting some organice dog food. What is up with that?
Gila’s last blog post..Two Random Bits
Agree with the entire list, especially #8. You are a “social media expert” and you want to listen to my food tweets? Why?
Heidi from Savory Tv’s last blog post..Chefs Speak: Obsessed Tv interviews Eric Ripert
AMEN!!!!!!
moggit girls’s last blog post..Dirty Minds vs. Clean Hands
So I guess you found out about me and @TheEllenShow:)
Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha
Stesha’s last blog post..I Better Not Drop The Soap
I can’t tell when you’re updating anymore… hmmmmm.. .and I’ve been blog lazy lately…
anyhoo… I joined Twitter…but have never Tweeted… Twitted?? I guess maybe I’m not a Twit? It’s just one letter away from a very naughty word you know…
I have resisted, and will continue to resist.
I’m a bad Twitterist, but I think that’s because I haven’t really gotten the hang of it yet.
I only use Twitter to keep up with a few close friends. I really don’t care who follows me or not (outside of those friends, of course) and I’m still very confused why people I don’t even know would follow me. Your post was excellent!
Mrs4444’s last blog post..New Kids
I like twitter…and the challenge to say things in a short amount of words. Because I’m a word-whore. But I can’t stand people who over-twitter…twitterrhea? Then those who never twitter…twitterpated?!
Ha! Finally a list I won’t find myself on since I still don’t embrace the twitter:)
debbie’s last blog post..Who, Me?
Thank you for relieving the guilt. I feel like high school again sometimes, I don’t follow many, but I don’t want someone who tweets about nothing every 10 minutes!!!
AlbanyMommy’s last blog post..Free ice cream
Amen to that sister!! I couldn’t have said it better. I love Twitter, but the above things/users recently contributed to my recent Twitter burnout and subsequent Twitter abandonment… though it only lasted for a few days – but in Twitter terms, that’s a long time, isn’t it? ;-)
Elisa’s last blog post..Giveaway suspended
I agree. I also have unTweeted creepy people, the smutty porn people and people I am just not so sure about. My kids are twittering now and if someone seems like a pedophile, I unTweet them from my kids.
WidneyWoman’s last blog post..Moving Up
Funny, I just came from another post somewhat about Twitter. I didn’t want to Twitter before and don’t even more now :) Is it like bittersweet or something???
Errr..I’m pretty sure I fall into a majority of these categories…particularly the TMI….so you may just want to unfollow me like NOW! :)
Anissa@Hope4Peyton’s last blog post..Links for 2009-04-17 [Digg]
I’m totally an addict. Someone once emailed me and said, I’m unfollowing you b/c you twitter too much. Um, okay. Just unfollow me. You don’t need to email me to tell me why.
jodifur’s last blog post..Michael Would Be A Very Good Suburban HouseWife
This is SUCH a perfect list to follow!
Shelle-BlokThoughts’s last blog post..Serious Sunday: Melancholy
Fantastic. I couldn’t agree more!
Pocklock’s last blog post..Because I Never Want To Forget
Great post!! I dropped AL ROKER because he makes about 10-15 tweets every morning about the weather – ALL OVER THE COUNTRY – Ugh.
krystyn’s last blog post..~I love quotes!~
I have one to add: The ones who take Twitter as replacement for existing Services. Asking banalities solved in seconds using a search engine, Wikipedia or Others. “I am to lazy, I let work others for me….!
you are truly a twitter inspiration. i admire your detachment and would like to buy your handbook.
;)
I am just now learning twitter……..there is so much to take in!!! Thanks for the help
I am proud to say that I don’t feel that I fit in any of the above categories.
I consider myself a smart ass tweeter. I like to read what other people twitter and send a smartass response back to them.
Someone really sent you an email wondering why you unfollowed them? Who gives a shit? Somebody needs a life……
tattooedminivanmom’s last blog post..Thank You For Pointing That Out To Me Son…
I have a life! I swear I do!
Seriously though, I probably fall into the “twitter addict” category. I work at the computer (from home) so it’s kind of there all the time so I like to think that’s why I use it so often – not because I come from a long line of addictive personalities ;)
Bec’s last blog post..Our big day
Thanks for all the info….how else is a girl to know? Your twitter updates are great and I do click thru sometimes to your posts which is convenient.
And thank you for reconfirming why I don’t Twitter … yet.
Jenners’s last blog post..5 Things I Wouldn’t Know or Do Without The Little One
all very true— ummm am i following you on twitter??
I need to change that ASAP! I love your posts and would love to tweet with you about contests and inspiring bible quotes lol jk
PS- the inspiration people kill me too.. sometimes i like to bitch— and honestly, i dont care to be inspired to be more positive. lol
I’m very new to this whole twittering thing, but seem to have experienced just about every one of those annoying egocentric attempts at glory. Sad, eh?
I initially signed up to keep up with family and friends in other states. It’s a good source for those of us in the military realm.
Although it does have its faults, I can honestly say I have found some of the most interesting mom bloggers in the world through twittering, and I wouldn’t change knowing them for the world.
I guess one has to take the good with the bad, and just weed out the ones who lean more toward the ugly side of life.
Great post!
Angela
Angela Mccoy’s last blog post..Unconscious Mutterings Week 324
All good reasons to dump people. I think it is worth noting (two day late and two dollars short? ;) that an applet like TweetDeck makes all the difference for how “into” twitter one can get. It is impossible to follow without some help.
That said….. man, I love it! :)
amysprite @Bitchin’ Wives Club’s last blog post..Oh, snap! And you realize all over again why you love them all so much.
I too am a Twitter addict. Have to tweek and tweek all day!
Brownie Power’s last blog post..Oreo Crunch Brownies
I LOVED your article. so true. Ashton you gave Twitter a lot of publicity but I was following you before and it is getting boring…self promotion at its best. And getting Oprah to Twitter..pleasssse. Is it not enough she has a talk show, website, her face smiling from her magazine. Social Media Experts?? Put me on that list, I earned the title, I work it, live it I live a SM life because I own a dating service. No this is not a plug, I do not need one but hey I have been on the net for 10 years so I think seniority counts right. Thanks for an enjoyable read!!
LOL Good post! And you can use this for the spammers…
http://www.filmsite.org/wavfiles/planetofapes.wav
Great post! I agree completely. In fact, I unfollowed some people this morning for just the reasons you mentioned.
Cathy’s last blog post..A Case of the Mondays
And what the heck is a social media ‘guru’ … seriously, right?
good post.
evan blackerby’s last blog post..I’ll punch you in the face…
Love the article, but don’t forget about the TwitterFeed people who will digg or whatever 20 articles out at once.
In addition, there are those people who follow you and speak another language. Why do you want me to follow you if I don’t understand you?
And what about those sending constant Direct Messages about the stupid twitter “affiliate” marketing machine?! Ugh!! It’s just a networking marketing ploy.
Anyways, loved your post!! :)
Oops..I meant multi-level marketing ploy.
American in Norway wrote
“I don’t twitter… have no idea how to do it… yet I keep getting emails that I have a new follower? how is that possible?
I have an account but have never used it…”
The same thing happened to me. In case you’re still wondering, here’s how it happens. When someone new signs up, twitter checks their email lists to see if there is a match with any twitter users. If so, it suggests they start following. Many people just click OK.
onscrn’s last blog post..Only Three More Shopping Days Until DNA Day! Save Big!
100% agree with you. The only problem is combing through the mass of followers to remove the offenders!
I agree 100 percent and love the comments too. I remember people making fun of me blogging and tweeting, as I too consider myself an online vet–10 years old ;) But one thing about Twitter that I love is the fact that someone tweeting in a foreign lang. challenges me to use my online translator to communicate with them in their native lang. This bugs my friend that I tweet back in their lang., but I told her, just tonight, then unfollow me :)
Great read!
Jill, by far, this is the best Twitter insights I’ve come across so far. Although I should warn you that I have pretty limited exposure to such writings. I didn’t care much about Twitter when I joined early last year, because it sounded more like an introverted, self-absorbed blabbing to me at that time. I hadn’t come across any twitter apps that would get me tweets automatically, and you’ve got to admit that twitter.com, itself, without the variety of APIs and apps, is pretty much meaningless and useless. I started using twitter again over a month ago, and now I’m using it with multiple applications, and now I can see the potential more clearly. I’ve been meaning to write up my own views of Twitter, but considering your wonderful roundup, I’m not so sure anymore. Please keep writing. Just goes on to show how powerful is the social media! All the best!
Wow, great article. I find a lot of what you said is so true. Twitter is about truly valuing the relationships & conversations that go on. And too often, people get caught up with “making money online,” or getting more followers, etc. that they forget to use twitter for what it should be used for.
Thanks for sharing!
Daniel
Sound advice…nice post
brian’s last blog post..Our Sunday Afternoon Trip to Africa
great list! another I have encountered a few of, are people who set RULES for their followers.. “please read XYZ before following me” types. I was “blocked” and scolded by somebody the other day because I retweeted her.. how bizarre! I cried myself to sleep that night ;-)
Nick’s last blog post..The Wall Street Journal: The Culture of Taiwan
Great article Jill! Another I’d add to the mix is the “Troll” or the “Hater”. These are the people who like to trash others on Twitter or on people’s comment threads. I like to try and give everyone a chance, but mean people don’t last long on my follow list :)
I agree with your list. I follow people for what they have to say and b/c they interest me. I really wonder sometimes how such random followers find me, only to be unfollowed when I don’t follow back.
Karen Hartzell, Graco’s last blog post..Dinner as a Family…Tips & Tricks for an “Easy Dinner”
Good Post.. check out finkmag.com.. Oh sh$! I just did #4 on your list.. F*^! Sorry :)
I loved this post! Echoed so many of my twitter frustrations.
I have another one for you though, people who only ever re-tweet or link to blogs, you get nothing original from them and all they do is prove they’re never off twitter and they’re very good at finding interesting stuff on the web.
Saying that I follow a few people who find such interesting blogs and links that I can’t bear to unfollow, HELP! :)
That follow, unfollow thing is exactly why I don’t tweet. I’m already addicted to Facebook I don’t need something else to add to my time wasting habits. Plus, what happened to having a little mystery in life? I really don’t want to know every detail of everybody’s life! That’s something coming from me, since I’m one of the nosiest people on the planet!
Heather’s last blog post..More than a Mom?
What is it about the number 3′s? I don’t get it.
Thanks for a great list! I’ll be linking this. I too have to have some value for the time spent.
Lloyd Lemons’s last blog post.."Only Suckers Pay Taxes!"
Yep! I have the same perspective on Twitter. I wrote about it on my blog as well. I put the link in the website section. I’m gonna go ahead and post a link to your blog in that entry. Another excellent post.
Jeannie’s last blog post..End-of-the-Semester Excuse Maker Strikes Again
Loved the photos of your kids! I am Bubbe (grandma) to 10 and used to be the director of a preschool, so I know. These are happy kids, and their Mom is anything but scary.
all the best,
Lois Shenker
Great info! Love your post and agree with ALL of them. It’s too bad that SPAMMERS have now found Twitter. yuk. I’m wondering how do you know if someone unfollows you? I think I tried Qwitter, but never got it to work… Thanks, d
I totally agree with you on your points. I can’t stand automated anything. It drives me nuts!
Jamie Favreau’s last blog post..Blogger relations and how it works for your job search
Twitter is handy for blogging. You can find a target group (over time) that both read your blog and provide good fodder for future blogs. I like the links provided…that’s how I got here.
Leslie’s last blog post..Music for a broken heart
You have touched a very good topic. I am yet to understand twitter completely. Why should i follow one only to read the endless streams of tiny urls? I know very well that the same people even dont care to see my updates rather go on increasing their number of twits or number of followers as if they set a monthly or weekly target. this brand of twitter users just go on passionately without any care for others. You are right when you say that those twitter users who bombard the inbox, have got nothing do to then posting 100 urls per day or 100 twits per day.
This is rubbish. there is nothing like feeling and sentiment only professionalism or pseudo professionalism. “Oh thanks” Even this sentence follow a link. Nonsense.
Your article just summarizes what twitter is and what users have made it.
Thanks
.-= Sudam Panigrahi´s last blog ..Wicked Wind =-.
Hi, I was looking for articles about good Twitter etiquette and I bumped into yours. I thought it was very well written and that very well applies for most of people. I would like to ask for your permission to quote some of your rules in my own blog (written in spanish), along with others I’ve found on the web.
I’ll wait for your answer, thanks!
.-= Gonzalo Medel´s last blog ..Broken, beat & scarred… =-.
I recently had like 20 people unfriend me at once….. I thought ‘Did I do something offensive?’ Now I know it’s because I only tweet when I have a new blog post. I figured I’m not that interesting for everything I’m doing…. but I’m going to work at being more narcissistic and less pimptastic. Thanks!
Great list, I think you just summed up what many of us think about Twitter morons.
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..What Does A SAHM Do? =-.
This is a GREAT LIST, that though it was published months ago is just as timely (if not more so) today. I’m going to Tweet the link to ScaryMommy’s story now for two reasons. 1st, I think it might influence those who are now playing the uncool following-unfollowing game who really know better — in the hopes that it will inspire them to change their ways. If they make the right choices they actually will get just as much from Twitter as they give back to it. 2nd, the newbies need to be educated and warned not to fall into the numbers game that so many Twitterers now compete in, because if everyone plays the game fairly it is a win-win for all.
I would totally call you the expert of social networking.
I finally protected my tweets. Too many freaks.
I appreciate your blog, and your guidelines for twitter. Knowing that we’re all a little narcissistic but working on it, while loving our kids, is all we can ask of each other. Here’s to keeping it real.
Namaste, Bruce
And months after the fact, I clicked the link in your sidebar to check this one out: still totally relevant.
I am guilty of tweeting about contests. I set them up to auto-tweet at 10:30 AM. Other than that I refrain. Although, for a while I was obsessing over trying to win a Tassimo system, and even I was annoyed with myself.
I totally agree about the Bible quotes, or The Secret quotes, or anything that is meant to inspire me, but only ends up irritating me. I have unfollowed a few people who I felt were spamming me with evangelism.
.-= WannabeMomErin´s last blog ..Blog Design – credit where credit is due. =-.
My biggest peeve, though: Retweeters. I hate seeing people constantly reteweeting other people’s crap. If I cared about said other people and their crap, wouldn’t I be following them?
And sure twitter has that new updated version of retweeting and now you can selective opt out of recieving retweets. But… there are those who retweet the old fashioned “RT @” way instead of hitting the retweet button, and those unfortunately cannot be blocked.
Gets on my nerves!! EEE!
.-= The Wifey´s last blog ..So Maybe I Lied =-.
OMG YES THE CONTEST TWEETERS. Gag me with a spoon.
Amen, Amen, Amen! What a great post. I go through my new Followers every single day. Anyone who is a legitimate blogger or who seems like they might have something interesting to say, I keep, but the rest of them – block, block, block!
I just think the idea of all these strangers reading all my posts to my friends is kind of creepy. I posted something about being broke, living in a tent and eating top ramen and the next day @TopRamen was following me. Icky.
I had to laugh at your post -thanks :)
The other thing that annoys me is when people tweet about a catastrophe or event with things like “Show your support for the people in Haiti by wearing a ribbon on your avatar”. To my mind, that does nothing at all except make you feel you’ve done something to help the cause, when really you haven’t – what you should do is get out there and donate your time/money/whatever
.-= Sarah Stewart´s last blog ..PhD Dropout =-.
Great list! Can I tweet this? LOL :D Btw, I’ve been getting the spam “congrats Maureen you just won….” with a link to it. I’m like WTH? I’ve been combating enough spam on my emails already I don’t need them on Twitter too.
.-= Maureen´s last blog ..10 Tips To Survive International Flight With Toddler =-.
Whew. What a list. You put a lot of thought into this. What’s funny is I just tweeted you to tell you that I enjoy your blog, and asked if you follow back.
Not sure if that broke a rule, but I guess I’ll find out if you don’t follow me. No biggie!
.-= The Pursuit of Mommyness´s last blog ..The Pregnancy Sign Mind Game: Saturday Confessional Part 1 =-.
I just started on Twitter and this is sooooo helpful thank you! I don’t think I made any real mistakes yet because right now I don’t know what the hell I am doing!!! hahaha.
.-= This Mama Works It!´s last blog ..Time Out For Theta Mom Thursdays: An Hour Alone…Just Me and My Brazilian Waxer! =-.
Bible quotes: Jesus wept…but I tend to think that if he had to tweet, he’d bawl hysterically
laughing…oh my, these are spot ON-great!!!
Excellent post! Thanks. May I add another category? How about “You Heard It Here First-ers”? People who RT the breaking news headlines, as if we don’t all follow CNN or some other news service. The first tweet about the celebrity death or earthquake is good…the 100 that follow, I’m not so interested in.
Wow that is very interesting!!!! I am VERY new to twitter and am trying to figure out how it works….and boom you made me feel better!!! I thought it was me not understanding how it all worked, but obviously the things that were annoying to me is to others too!!!! thanks for sharing!!!! great post!!!!
Missyjensen,
Welcome to the newbee world of twittering. ME TOO am NEW!!!!
.-= Wendy Wiseman´s last blog ..Following Your Gut Instincts =-.
Wonder if I should tweet this….Hmmm…. ;-)
This is a great post. While I am guilty of tweeting contests, they are far and few between. But, when they happen, they come in bulk…just to be honest. I basically have the same rules as you…if you annoy me or over-tweet I will block you!
.-= Lindsay @ Kids Are Teachers´s last blog ..Free Samples!! =-.
A very helpful post. I hope I stop reading these at some point or I might hesitate to join the party…naaah!
I am thoroughly enjoying your blog, and learning how NOT to get followed! I don’t do any of the above. However, perhaps I am making the WRONG friends/followers? Somehow they just follow me, but when I go to them, they own many of the above traits, and so I just don’t follow them!
I plan to read all the links from your blog, and learn as much as I can, as quickly as I can.
XO
Wendy
That happens to me, too. I used to try and follow people back, but I have so many spammy followers that I had to stop. A good thing to do is go to buzzom.com and click cross-follow. Type in a someone who is similar to you and follow the people they follow- it will give you a nice base. :)
Forgot to leave my twitter. LOL
.-= Wendy Wiseman´s last blog ..Following Your Gut Instincts =-.
Ok, I am annoying myself now! I gave the WRONG twitter address!
I am such a newbee!
My twitter is @kiboomu
.-= Wendy Wiseman´s last blog ..Following Your Gut Instincts =-.
I wish I could tweet. I seem to have some blocking aura surrounding me. Can’t log-in, keep getting suspended. I have no idea what I’m doing wrong. Must just be the remedial child in the class!
Thank you SO much for the twitter etiquette! I’m new to tweeting, and haven’t quite figured out all the ins and outs yet! This was very helpful!
Twitter: bloggingpink
You crack me up! This list is fantastic! I couldn’t agree with you more. The “thanks for following, looking forward to getting to know you” messages piss me off. Seriously. Why even bother sending me that? And the sketch balls infuriate me.
.-= Courtney´s last blog ..The Perfect Day =-.
I registered on Twitter the other day for the first time: bam! in 30 min I already have 2 followers… and i haven’t even posted anything. Advertisers are a plague on the net nowadays! Thanks for your post mommy!
The Auto DM’s are a little annoying, especially when it says something like “I would love to see your site!” and then when I go to reply and send them my link and find they aren’t following me anymore…sometimes within minutes of getting their message!
I guess you could call me a contest whore. I admit, I am a little addicted. But I don’t see how that should disqualify someone. Maybe the ones with protected tweets, or only a few followers…but I have just under 600 followers and I know people click on my links because I can track them..an average of 141 clicks per url according to my stats…with a total of just under 78 thousand clicks…so, being a contest whore is not always a bad thing ..for bloggers or the companies because the majority of my followers are also entering the contests and whoring them out just as much as I am.
I do have a second twitter account that I use for chatting though..
.-= Missy´s last blog ..Neighbors =-.
Again, thank you! Very valid points that should be a must-read, especially for newbies such as myself.
Thanks for putting it all into (humorous) perspective!
Terri recently posted..Friday Follow Me ~ June 25th
I just started following you on twitter. In fact, I just started a twitter account. I’ve done twitter before, but never stuck with it long for myself. Like you, I found an awful lot of “promo this, promo that”, and most of it wasn’t legit – it was all affiliate links, and that was really annoying.
Now, of course I’ve joined up to promote my business and product, but I honestly wouldn’t have known how to do it and what to avoid. This post is actually incredibly helpful. I definitely want solid, informational content to offer my followers…although I fear the followers I have are only there so that I will follow them. Ick.
BTW – I decided to follow you because I love your handle – Scary Mommy. I can relate. Love your blog. Cracks me up. I may just become a daily visitor.
This is awesome.
That is all.
TheFeministBreeder recently posted..This is Me- Opening a Childbirth Education Business
Whew! I held my breath while reading your list. Except for prolly not tweeting often enough, I don’t think I’m guilty of any of these things.
Thanks for the tips!
Grace recently posted..Advantage- Grace-
LOVE this. (thank you, SITS, for sending me here)
I wouldn’t say I’m a Twitterphobe, but I am often Twitannoyed. I know the value of it and can see the return when I do Tweet, but find it hard to be see the “loving my life (but why?) … kissing my dog (OK, but do I need to know?) … wiping my … (SO don’t need to know!) …”
And I’m guilty of far too esoteric tweets, myself. It’s the headline writer (and snarkster) in me.
CCW recently posted..Im Alive
Ok, phew. Now I feel a whole lot better about un-following some people. I am very new to Twitter and still getting to grips with it. One thing about Twitter blows me away – if you have over 10 000 people that you follow, how on earth do you keep up to date with everything? Life is too busy as it is. Great post and thanks to SITS for pointing me here :)
Di@Legacy4Life recently posted..I want to escape …
I have to say that I am guilty of following too many celebs. :) Other than that, I’m with you on all the above! Hope I’m not too guilty of doing any of them. I used to be an obsessive tweeter, tweeting all day long, now I do a few updates a day, usually. Sometimes less. I forget to tweet when I’m busy.
Heather recently posted..The Fireworks Finally Go On
Happy SITS day! Wow. I have to say I’m guilty of the auto message… well just started actually.. I thought it was the “thing” to do because I was getting so many myself.
Truthfully, I just don’t have time to keep up with all of this. I tweet now and then when I think about it.
Love your site btw!
zeemaid recently posted..1st Annual Blog Bash -amp A Little More Me
LMAO! Love this post! So true and honest :) Thanks for the laugh. Happy SITS DAY!!!!!
Now, follow me on twitter already…
I’ve just begun to twitter, and can see why it’s important. I’ve gotten to know pple that I wouldn’t have known otherwise.
It build camaraderie and gives you in an instant an idea of what that person is like.
I really like it.
Good post, thank you. And know, I’ll follow you on twitter. I promise to update.
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I probably (likely) missed it in the comments (I blame undiagnosed ADD?) but I am quick (like lightning) to unfollow people who go on and on with conversations just between the two or three of them. DM or email or skype a girl – it’s okay to take it off Twitter.
LOL, I love this list! And I’m completely innocent of all of these… especially the giveaway one… ok, I’m a giveaway whore. Is there a support group for that or anything?
But can I add one to this? The people who tweet their horoscope 500 times a day!! Really? Are there that many places that let you auto-tweet your horoscope? I don’t *care* if you’re supposed to fall in love and wait for Mr. Right all in the same day.
OMG, yes, the horoscopes!!! Those weren’t around when I wrote this. Who the hell cares?!
Amen, sistah!
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Great post. Very funny! It’s the Auto-Unfollow that gets me. I really hate that. Just because I don’t follow you right away? Do I just let anybody in my house? Let’s get to know each other a bit first.
And yes, recently I tweeted 2 great offers on my blog in the same day…then I got “Tweeters Remorse” because I love my readers and don’t want them to feel pressured. I was just overly excited.
Great site. I look forward to reading more. Thanks!
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Great list! However, I would like to add one more, if I may.
#14 The Twitter Sluts—this are the semi-naked young women that follow you and post links to their “private pics” and “webcams”.
I wonder how they choose the people they follow…do they really think someone like me (bestmommy) would pay to see their waxed private parts? Sheesh….
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#7 is why I subscribed to Twunfollow. Those people bug me.
:) I agree with this list! In fact I am goint to tweet it!!! ;)
Great list. I started writing one of my own and then decided not to waste my time. Yours pretty much says it all. The only one I’d add to your list that I can think of is “Constant Quoters”. You know, those people who promote an endless stream of single sentences straight out of their Famous Quote book. I can’t help myself, but as soon as I see a few famous quotes pop up in a row from someone I have to unfollow. In fact, my hand clicks unfollow without my brain even thinking about it ;-)
My beef is with the half day one day followers. The people who fart around and leave without no reason. Then they get pissed when you find out. Send u a nasty message. I want to accomplish something here with Twitter. The one day half day people need to not follow for the hell of it. Opinions??
I totally just unfollowed Sabrina The Teenage Witch (AKA Melissa “Melly” <-? Joan Hart) because she tweeted constantly. Good grief we don't want to know a celebrity is bored!
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I loved this post and your honesty! I was hesitant to start tweeting too. Now I am hooked, still learning, but hooked. Enjoying all the information that can be learned and all the Mommy insight.
Thanks for sharing :)
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This post was hilarious! I hate it when I follow people and they don’t follow me back! I mean if it’s famous person or a random person I might can understand that, but someone I’ve actually met, that’s just rude!
This. Is. HILARIOUS! And so so true. I’m pretty new to Twitter, but I have found these to be quite annoying and a surefire way for me to unfollow someone.
Alicia @MommyDelicious recently posted..WINNER! Bliss Spa Gift Card Giveaway
I’m late to the twitter party so I appreciate your sage and hilarious advice! I’ve just discovered your blog and it’s a riot! I look forward to catching up and reading more in the future.
I’m new to twitter and found this article VERY helpful! My thoughts exactly… its really about common sense.
Thanks!
I think I’m going to develop, what I like to think of as, Social Multiple Personality Syndrome. Ive recently opened a 2nd facebook acct to seperate my personal and business(?) personas. This way, I wont be constantly posting ‘GREAT DEALS’ or ‘FREE SAMPLE’ and ‘IVE JUST ENTERED __’….all over friends pages. *some people I know believe thrifty=crazy*
Instead I tell those friends that my dog barked last night so I slept with an machete under my pillow…. cause that doesnt make me sound crazy.
There are some real creeps in Twitter land. Someone followed me with a baby girl pic and the profile said. I just need a real man to take care of me.
creepy
heading off to whiddle down that mess.
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