Also, I've stopped doing #FollowFriday (now I do #FridayReads instead). But when I did do #FF, I'd focus on one person and explain why they're worth following. I think adding that context makes it so much more valuable than a list of Twitter handles. And it's a nice surprise for the person I'm featuring as well.

Re spam… can you use askismet on this blog? it's free, but I don't know if it works here. Stops almost all blog spam.

Paula, I did send blocks, so I'm guilty there (but I enjoy that guilt). When I thought of it, I said hello to one person who was on my mind that week. If I had to do that for everyone I knew, there would be even more #FF tweets!

Cathy, I think it's perfectly fine to send out bulk greetings on #FF day. I've had friends get back in touch, after losing touch briefly, all thanks to those little #FF tweets. No harm in it, in my opinion. But like you, I'm considering paring down a bit, though my knee-jerk reaction is to do what I want, critics be damned. Still not sure how I'll handle it this week. Stay tuned. 🙂

I am guilty as charged for sending multiple #FF. Being who I am, I put my own twist on it as I hate following the crowd. I personalize the message every week to tie into some event or season, like holiday or winter greetings.

Those on my list are online buddies or bloggers whose posts I admire. I use #FF as a way to stay in touch in our chaotic world. I have received several notes back from various people that they like receiving the customized messages.

That being said, I do see how I might cut down on those who don't want to play. I'm cool with that. I'm with Devon and Paula. #FF is like any other tweet – if I'm interested, I'll read it & maybe share it. If I'm not, I'll scroll on.

I always try to reciprocate the #WWs and #FFs I get, and often send them to writers I've had interesting exchanges with that week. That seems easier than trying to include everyone. I think select messages tend to stand out a bit more.

I noticed you did something interesting with your #FFs the other day, Lori. Instead of sending them in a block, you personalized each one. Now THAT'S the way to create a positive impact and build stronger connections!

If someone self-promotes too much, I unfollow. That simple. I just did that to someone who had over a dozen tweets a day just on my feed (and I'm not on that often) ONLY self-promoting (the same tweet each time, no less) and never interacting. Buh-bye.

I didn't berate the individual or bitch and moan. I just "unfollowed."

This idea that if someone doesn't like something, every else in the social media circuit has to do it THAT WAY is silly. Social media is about new ideas and interpretations. If you don't like what someone's doing, unfollow/unfriend them.

Very simple.

Don't expect them to change their strategy to suit you, especially if they're not on your payroll! 😉

Too many Tweeters over-promoting, don't you think? I don't know how they build networks when all they're doing is going on about themselves so much. I'd think it would be much more effective to show an interest in someone else. 🙂

You're right, many people aren't using social media to it best effect. Especially people trying to market their businesses.

I really agree with what you had to say about self-promotion. One of the best ways to us social media is to interact and assist.

A business will often get better results when they share information, answer questions and reach out personally to their audience.

Using a site like Twitter strictly for ad campaigns is a big mistake.

Thanks for sharing!
Steve Maurer