Using terms like followers in Twitter has led me to think of religion. So I tried to see the similarities between the drastically different subjects – to my surprise, they share a lot in common. In fact, without being accused of blasphemy or disrespect, I would go as far as saying that Social Media has more “followers” than a lot of known religions in the world.
In that light, I wanted to write a series of posts that would “ritualize” the practice of Social Media. This is the first post in the Social Media Religion, where I shed light on one of this religion’s infamous sects, Twitter!
I retyped the 10 commandments if you would like to share in your own way. I also invite you to add you own commandments. Think About It!
- Thou must be true to thyself and others
- Thou shalt not claim the tweets of other as your own
- Honor thy followers and those that follow thee
- Thou shalt not re-tweet without reading content
- Thou shalt express gratitude to all those that praise thee
- Thou shalt not suffice by re-tweets and @replies, thou must add unique content
- Thou shalt not follow thy neighbor only to profit, but to engage and learn
- Thou shalt not Auto-follow, Auto-reply, Auto-DM, Auto anything.
- Thou shalt not act like a bot
- Thou shalt not spread rumors
Twitter Share –
[digg=http://digg.com/business_finance/Twitter_The_10_Commandments]
Good stuff, John. I recently had some dialog with friends on FB who are interested in Twitter, but don’t “get it”. These are good rules to live by and what distinguish it from the brain lint that often appears in individual Facebook status updates. I don’t think this is a “commandment”, but one thing that really distinguishes Twitter from other social networks is that it’s far less about YOU and more about EVERYONE ELSE… It’s critical that when you post, you contribute to something or broaden the discussion — I guess that’s what #6 is all about.
Thanks. -dk
Thanks for the comment Davin. I agree with you totally – Twitter is about sharing. On a discussion over dinner with my parents, I told them, I am learning so much on a daily basis, I’m afraid my minds going to burst! The amount of information that I come across everyday because of Tweets is invaluable. Twitter has been my only source of news – some may argue that as un-wise, but I think otherwise. For those who argue about the source or credibility of the info, I would defer the same accusation at their sources. I could argue you this forever, but I’ll save it for another post!
Wonderful true observation and rules to live by off and on Twitter. I recently added what I thought was a great cause, had all the credentials and I done my research, only to find that this wonderful organisation was a cover up (the 2nd of its kind) for a get rich quick scheme and I just wanted to scream. This particularly get rich quick scheme or person in question has previously attempted the very same thing. I think Twitter is changing and leading the way forward with engaging conversations and connecting with quality articles and content, its certainly a very warm environment. Well done everyone involved. I love your article, you are so in touch with your twitter surroundings and excellent perception and insight and widom. Thank you. P.S. 11th commandment – Thou shall always be aware that there is a actual real person the other side of that atavar.
Sheila, I’m glad you like the post. I hear you loud and clear, I’m so fed up with people on Twitter that try to push their products down my throat. I wish they would understand that if they approached the whole thing differently, maybe got to know me and then I learned about their product on my own and found that I have good use for it, I will buy it. In such cases, I’m reminded of Life Insurance salespeople who start stalking you.
I love your 11th commandment, we should collect 9 more and create volume 2 of the commandments. I think we can do it!
John – thanks. You certainly get Twitter. Anybody who follows these tenets, should do very well!!
It is all about engagement, authenticity, genuine intent to share, quality content, and being yourself :))
I had some thoughts about Darwinism & Social Media. Would love for you to check it out, when you have some time. http://ow.ly/10BsW
Cheers,
Prince
Twitter will be gone in a few years. It is too primitive and badly organised to be in the game for the long haul.
It’s obvious
Hi Barney,
Maybe you’re right, but I think it’s that same chaos you address in your comment that makes twitter so special and so real. From a business perspective, I think Twitter can strengthen its platform by acquiring of few of the current applications that support it and build them into the system – such as Tweetbeep, Klout, or Hootsuite. I could name a few more, but if you noticed the choice of programs is not really random. I picked a program that will help you monitor conversation about certain topics of interest, another program to monitor your reach, your possible influencer, and last but not least a program that would serve as a management system, that would allow you to follow @replies, DM, regular conversation, and even schedule tweets to go out later.
So in other words, Twitter has a lot of room for growth – so i don’t necessarily see it “going away”, but we’ll definitely be seeing improvements.
thanks for sharing!
Love the Twitter commandments. They seem perfect to me. Nicely done.
And what is your handle on Twitter. I cannot seem to find you. I want to be your follower :))
Cheers,
Prince
Hi Prince,
Well it’s in the “get in touch” section 🙂 but anyway my handle is @johnantonios – thanks for the vote of confidence!
“i want to be your follower …” lol – that sounds hilarious!
Cheers Mate
Thanks for the post John! It is nice to see a Twitter top tip list with Thou shall! Very creative.
Cheers
Perri