As I told a NationalJournal.com reporter a few weeks ago, in response to the Obama on Leno/Jake Tapper flair-up (see here if you want the background of the drama), journalists are held to different rules on Twitter than a typical Twitter user who’s seeking to build their business (yes, I believe that).
And then in the ensuing weeks since I shot off a snarky Miss Manners blog post email to the reporter, I’ve had to block several Twitter folks due to “in your face” obscenity (I don’t need to see what I saw) and another guy who just kept hitting send on the same message at least 70 times an hour to his entire followers list (I need less clutter in my Twitter feed, not more).
So, yeah, blocking is necessary for Twitter for the average user. So, how is it done?
1. If someone you follow is making your Twitter experience less enjoyable (not just if you don’t agree with what they say in reply to you), by all means block ‘em. But just remember that blocking is not to be used as Jake Tapper did last month. You’re not using Twitter to be shielded from differing opinions, are you? Isn’t that the point of Twitter?
2. If someone insults you, yeah, block ‘em. There’s no reason for insults or name-calling. There’s also no reason for porn (but that’s just my opinion), and I don’t tolerate the most obscene of Twitter users. Don’t send Tweets that should be banned and don’t put up x-rated images as your Twitter icon. Sheesh. Go start your own adult social community, you pervert.
3. If someone simply disagrees with your opinion, consider why you want to block them. Similar to Jake Tapper, if someone says something about you or your opinion, is it really worth all the drama? Sure, they made you mad. Grow up already. This is big-boy world. Learn to take disagreement like an adult. Learn to stand on your own two feet, for pete’s sake.
4. If someone replies to one of your tweets and you don’t understand the comment, ask for clarification, don’t just block them or toss them off your list. Communication is two ways, just because you don’t understand what they mean, doesn’t mean they are stupid or insulting you. Slow down, take a deep breath, and learn to communicate. That is what Twitter is for.
5. Become the person you most want to be on Twitter. And I don’t mean a sex-pot. I mean, an easygoing, interesting, and slow to wrath person. If you need to let off some steam, don’t act rashly, don’t respond without considering first. The most instantaneous reponses are often the truest, but temper them on Twitter. Become more moderate in all things (I sound like a guru, blech.)
Have fun on Twitter, everyone, just don’t let it become more than it is, a way to hear from differing viewpoints and a way to interact with folks from all over the world. It’s a great thing, let’s utilize it!
