Self-Analysis of Twitter Etiquette

I read this post from Malhar Bahai “12 Most Basic Twitter Etiquette Tips” and found it really hit the mark.  Just sharing it was too simple so I decided to use it as a checkup for myself.  Here are my thoughts…

1. Don’t be an Egg Head

Got it!  I absolutely agree.  Personally, I generally won’t follow someone who hasn’t taken the time to change the default avatar.  Mine was from a bigger picture taken by Andy Forgrave at an OTF Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century Event.  I just cropped out the person I was helping at the time!  

Related to that, I do think twice before following someone with a cartoon avatar.  I really want to follow serious people and I think that using a real picture shows that they’re ready for transparency from the get-go.

2. Have a bio

Got it!  I really like RebelMouse for what else it offers.  While Twitter shares what you’re doing NOW, RebelMouse shares what you’ve done recently…automatically.

3. Short username

I’ve been dougpete wherever possible since the days of ENOREO and they created user names with first four, first four.  It’s me virtually everywhere except someone snagged the Gmail account before I could.

4. Tweet less than 140

I don’t conscientiously think about this until I go to reTweet someone else’s message and I realize that I’ve got to shorten it to fit.  This is good advice.

5. DM only if necessary

Got it!  I also notice that DMs don’t always get addressed by the recipient.  I think most of us are just accustomed to doing things out in the open.  I’m bad at finding and replying to them myself.

6. High volume warning

D’oh!  I don’t think I’ve ever done that.  It’s probably good advice.

7. Use # tags appropriately

I tend to use Hashtags when I’m actually at an event.  Otherwise, not so much.  I agree with the sentiment that including a string of hashtags is something to be avoided.

8. Engage — Twitter is not a monologue

I try to do that.  I wish that I had time to do more.  There are so many good people and so many good things to talk about.

9. Share/promote others

I honestly try my best to do that.  I think that’s the best way to engage people because everyone likes hearing good things about themselves.  When the urge to do otherwise hits, I just try to bite my tongue and move on.

10. Respond to others in a timely manner

Got it!  I try to do that.  Like most people these days, I have a Twitter client on my phone and try to get back to people as soon as I can.  I feel badly if I’m in the middle of working on a program or something and flip over to see that there’s a conversation that I should be in and I’m missing out.

11. Mind your manners, be gentle

Got it!  I remember hearing or reading this once.  “Never miss a chance to make a good first impression”.   I think it’s important to remember that, even if you’re having a conversation with someone that you know well, you just might be spotted by someone new for the first time.  What will they think?  We tell students to proofread and think before hitting send – it’s good advice for us too.

12. Thank often

I definitely don’t do this enough.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much to those of you who enrich my time online.  Your thoughts and teachings are so appreciated.

How did I do?  Why not try the twelve tips on yourself?  How do YOU fare?

Related articles

• Social media etiquette for the socially active. (themrsite.com)
• 10 Ways Teachers Can Use Twitter for Professional Development (educatorstechnology.com)
• Expanding the Network (dougpete.wordpress.com)