Anyway, enough about me. But what about you? Why did I stop following you on Twitter?
- You haven't posted anything for months.
- You haven't posted anything other than Tumblr pics or Foursquare check-ins for months.
- The only things you've posted for months are RTs of other people's bathing suit parts (why did I follow in the first place?).
- The only things you ever post are self-promotional, and as far as I can tell, your Twitter is just an advertisement for something. Something I don't want to buy/consume/endure.
- Despite the fact that I have positively reviewed your product several times, and emailed or tweeted to let you know, you still, for some reason, don't follow me. When I'm being really nice to you and sending business your way. Because I genuinely like/love your product.*
- Despite my friendly overtures, RTs of your fun stuff, comments on your blog, and/or general well-wishes when something goes nicely for you, you ignore me. I get it. You're not that into me. Fair enough. You will never know I'm gone.*
If I'm still following you I really like you, and here's why:
- You post original, fun stuff, or lovely discoveries I wouldn't otherwise find.
- You are funny and charming and engaging.
- You play nicely with others and contribute to a sense of community.
- You have witty, snappy repartee.
- You post stuff that makes me laugh or think or wank or all three at once. #twittertrifecta
- When you post Tumblr pics they are original and/or really hot or beautiful or intriguing. And sometimes they come with an added bonus of original writing by you.
- You judiciously mix in the equivalent of an LOLcat when the timing is right.
- You promise and deliver on excellent recipes.
- You have made it clear that you don't care if you ever see a naked picture of me.
- You are a dead bard.
If I unfollowed you and you think I did you a grave injustice, there's an easy solution. Pop by and say hi. And don't tweet every LOLcat you ever Tumbled to Twitter.
*Obviously you also do not read this blog.
I guess I need to post more recipes ;)
ReplyDeleteInteresting post actually. I am really bad at 'clearing out' my twitter. I feel bad/rude about unfollowing people and so carry on when I really should be a bit more ruthless. I am big twitter fan though, it has bought me so many amazing friends many of whom I have had the pleasure of meeting in real life. Every single time that has happened it has made me happy!
Mollyxxx
Molly, I totally agree with everything you've said. And I always welcome recipes, but they are not required ;).
Delete[Groan.] Yep, I've been guilty of several of those Reasons to Unfollow from time to time. Will be saving a copy of this post to my hard drive so that I can re-read it from time to time. Every day, if necessary. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI think we're all guilty of doing *something* that would make others want to unfollow from time to time. I think I just figured out, after many months, what I really care to spend time on when it comes to Twitter. And how many tweets I was just scrolling past without really looking at them.
DeleteIf I am being honest, I'd have to add two more to my list of why I might potentially follow someone:
ReplyDelete1. Because they're a train wreck, unintentionally hilarious, and/or cringe worthy, and so I want to see what stupidity or offense they'll post next.
2. Because they have promoted my material, or because I think they might in the future (even if I don't find them particularly interesting).
Also, my #6 behavior is different than yours. I don't expect people who I've contacted or people whose work I've commented on to follow me. It would be nice to receive a response or a follow back, but I don't expect it.
And other than that, a few days ago, I started working on a "10 Types of Sex Bloggers Who Tweet" infographic that addresses some of the things you mentioned. :) That'll be fun... :)
I do like those additions and support them wholeheartedly.
DeleteRe: #6, it's not just one of those things, but a combination. I don't expect someone to follow just because I've tweeted them a time or two, or commented on their blog. But there are a few situations where we've actually interacted here and again through several media, and they follow many of my virtual friends, but for whatever reason haven't chosen to follow me or really engage. It's totally my issue and insecurity or whatever, but I begin to feel like the kid hanging around the edges of the party and that sort of sucks. So, done.
I think I'm only guilty of the self promotion, as I use Twitter to pimp the blog a lot. But you're still following me, so MUAH! I do enjoy your Twitter and blog company quite a bit, and in an era of dwindling interaction, I'm glad to still have yours.
ReplyDelete*You* aren't guilty of anything! Mwah back to you and V!
DeleteI love this. It's honest, straightforward, and to the point. It's something that I've certainly considered and never had the guts to just say. There are some that I feel I follow out of "obligation" just as there are others I would like to follow, but can't for all the unnecessary tweets they fill my TL with. Some days I am more follow-friendly than others. I like your rules/guidelines.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Sadly I lost at least one follower I really like because of it. Or I assume it was because of it. Sigh.
DeleteGreat post. We feel the same way; we have lost followers for similar reasons. We do our best not to be the sort of Twitter user that falls into one of the first six categories, though we have unfollowed people for those very reasons. Especially #6. When we attempt to initiate contact time and time again but it's not reciprocated, we stop trying. It's not personal; we understand that if someone doesn't write back they probably don't want us to tweet them in the first place.
ReplyDeleteWe are pleased to consider that we fall into at least one of the ten "why I'm still following you" categories - or, at least, we were once we confirmed that you were in fact still following us. We love your mention of the #TwitterTrifecta, and we admit that the ability to make us laugh, think, and wank simultanously (something at which you're particularly good) is something we value very highly. We'll need to remember this particular hashtag.
Haha, seems I scared a few friends into checking their status. Didn't mean to do that! And the Twitter trifecta is the serious sweet spot!
Delete