tftrainer

This is not a post about Twitter or Facebook Etiquette.

It is not a sermon about how to live.

It is not a set of instructions for managing a Social Media Site.

It is simply a list of Common Courtesy GUIDELINES for using Social Media that I set for myself and try hard to follow.

At this time I only use Twitter, therefore my guidelines apply to my Twitter use only.

I have found many recommended tweeting methods and friendly guidelines on the internet. I carefully select those I choose to follow.

I’ve learned that no matter what and how I tweet someone will disagree.

SOME THINGS I DO ON TWITTER:

I say “thank you” for retweets and commit to retweet in return when I think it’s appropriate.

I say “thank you” for following and commit to follow in return when I think it’s appropriate.

I block followers that I deem inappropriate for me to retweet to my followers.

I block followers that I think should not be exposed to my twitter site.

I block followers that I think should not be exposed to my blog site.

I block followers that I think should not be exposed to the books I write.

I acknowledge tweets and mentions and respond to direct messages.

Through direct tweets I openly praise followers who make an extra effort to retweet, mention, direct message or reply to one of my tweets.

If the retweet, mention or message involves a promotional tweet about my blog site or a blog post or a product I say a “special thank you” by a direct tweet on their Twitter site.

I make a concentrated effort to find ways to say “thank you.”

Obviously, my first common courtesy guideline is saying “thank you.” It’s polite, it shows gratitude, it’s easy, it’s quick, and people appreciate it.

During the short time I’ve been using Twitter to promote my Authors Blog Site I’ve learned that I lose retweets, followers and visitors to my site every day that I slack off on properly managing tweets and retweets. (I discussed this in my post ROADBLOCKS and POTHOLES.)

I want to know if my followers are listening to me and paying attention to what I say and do. My followers want to know the same thing about me.

In addition to tweets and retweets I’ve learned that I can enhance my effectiveness by taking the following additional steps:

I thank followers who subscribe to my blog and respond to their comments.

I visit their blog site and retweet or comment on one of their posts if appropriate.

I leave a comment on their site about a post that I enjoy if appropriate.

I subscribe to their blog if appropriate.

I link to a noteworthy article that they wrote if appropriate.

I develop email contact if appropriate.

SOME THINGS I DON’T DO ON TWITTER:

I don’t take my followers, friends or critics for granted.

I review and make every effort to follow the rules of the social media I’m using.

I don’t write in ALL CAPS, or all lowercase. I try to always use the most appropriate case.

I don’t use acronyms or abbreviations unless it is the only way I can squeeze a message into 140 characters. I prefer to word the phrase to fit the space.

I don’t discuss controversial subjects.

I don’t discuss religion.

I don’t discuss politics.

I don’t discuss my personal life or theirs.

I don’t ask personal questions.

I don’t argue.

I don’t voice insults.

I don’t criticize.

I don’t use vulgar language or curse words.

TO SUMMARIZE:

Many people follow a golden rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated.

I follow a platinum rule: I TRY to treat others the way they want to be treated.

This is a simple treatise of an important subject. It has worked for me so far. If my ideas work for you please feel free to use them.

As always, I appreciate all comments and feedback on this blog. My email address is: tftrainer@gmail.com

THANKS FOR VISITING MY BLOG SITE. SEE YOU NEXT MONTH WITH A NEW POST! T. F. Trainer, Author