Twitter Etiquette from the Church of @HelloMocha

I'd like to call myself a good Twitterer. Even though there is always room for improvement...I know I am engaging, thankful, informative, silly, and I try my best to respond to anyone who @'s me. However...there are days when rude Tweeps get on my nerves, or someone I know personally Tweets something prejudiced, callous, or selfish that makes me want to call them on the phone to tell them to go f*ck themselves.

But that isn't always cool. But what is cool is how Twitter has allowed us to have conversations with people from all walks of life. Some Celebs, some potential new clients, virtual BFFs, and even people you end up forming real friendships or romantic relationships with. You can also Stalk someone via Twitter. Yes...but the key is to do it without being noticed. Ha ha! I've had Twitter Crushes and have fallen for "Thirst Traps" via Direct Message. But it's all in fun...and it's challenging and a great way to help improve communications in real-life and in the digital world.

I love Twitter and want you to love it too...Even on bad days when a person who doesn't even follow me Tweets me their Music...I try my best to be polite so that they know that learning their audience is essential in getting the response they want from Twitter and its occupants.

Know who and what you're dealing with. Overly aggressive behavior can be just as annoying as Passive Aggressive. So I came up with these 35 Twitter rules that may help you along the way to Twitter Greatness! I don't feel like I've achieved that status yet but I believe that who I follow is a reflection of what kind of Tweep I want to be. I've watched some of the best Twitterers handle situations I know in real life would have had different outcomes. I've also gotten some great advice, useful tips, wonderful opportunities, great links, and comic relief because of who I follow and what we all do for each other.

With that being said...I had to learn, so I want you to learn too!

So check it...tell your Tweeps to get with my Tweeps...and we can be Tweeps. We can do this every weekend. Aight? Is that aight with you? Yeah... keep Tweetin'  *Diddy Voice*

Twitter Etiquette...from My Tweets to your Timeline:

1. Tweet. Say hi. Let your presence be known but don't be overly aggressive. "Hello Tweeps" actually works!
2. Engage. Socialize.Twitter is about conversation though you can use it to vent...still try to use the @ to get Tweeps involved.
3. Retweet! Now this one is tricky because Retweeting is like a Cosign...so be careful and selective but do it a lot.
4. Don’t Retweet people who Retweet you unless you’re adding a comment to the Retweet! For ex: (@HelloMocha #WhatSheSaid RT: @mamachell And are THE best! RT:@HelloMocha #ScorpiosUnite)
5. Look at photos. Retweet photos. Leave comments. Let your followers know you're paying attention. Tweeps like to feel loved. 
6. Promote other Blogs and accomplishments of those you follow. They'll do the same for you.
7. Don't be a robot. Loosen up! But don't feel obligated to engage or Follow someone back if you feel disrespected or turned off.
8. Be honest! Don't lie about your whereabouts & use Google images to back up your story. Tweeps hate liars...especially CAUGHT ones
9. Don’t just follow people! Engage. There's nothing worse than a church-mouse-Twitterer! If you see something, Tweet Something!
10. Laugh along! Laugh out loud! Laugh at yourself. Have a sense of humor.
11. If you jump in the middle of a Twitter conversation, check the previous Tweets before you say something wack & presumptuous.
12. If you are a Newbie...Follow, Follow, Follow! Search key words of what interests you and Follow those types of Tweeps who talk about what you like and do what you like to do.
13. If you have their email, Facebook, and cell number...there is NO need to @ someone the same sh*t you sent them via email, Facebook or Text!
14. Tread lightly! If you see someone isn't giving you the attention or responses you want, keep it moving. YOU may be the problem or they may be having a bad day.
15. Never underestimate the power Twitter has! Deleted Tweets can be found. So Tweet without having to regret later.
16. Don't Tweet in 3rd person. You'll look like a crazy obnoxious person and will quickly turn off potential Followers.
17. Don’t follow someone expecting them to follow you back. Follow because you’re interested in what they have to Tweet.
18. Stop YELLING! Why are you so loud? Why use ALL CAPS to get a message across? Those Tweets get ignored THE most and are Retweeted the least. #Fact
19. Keep #TheThirst level down. We can see you! Take it to Direct Message or off-line. And if #TheThirst is not reciprocated, move the hell on.
20. Don’t be a STALKER. Once you are dismissed...log off and have a seat! You do NOT want to be ethered via Twitter or have your private messages exposed. They will be Retweeted and you will be ridiculed.
21. Don't beg Tweeps to read your blog or Retweet you. Tweet your content freely. Retweet yourself! Ask nicely, but don't beg.
22. Offer a service. Give advice. Post interesting articles, Coupon links and Event info. Contribute colorful commentary. Keep Tweeps wanting to come to your Timeline!
23. Please don't go off on someone for Unfollwing you. It's not becoming of a lady or gentlemen. Take the "L" and move on.
24. Understand that Twitter is some people's escape. So if a #RealLifeFriend Unfollows or refuses to engage you...Follow new Tweeps.
25. Please don't link your Tweets to your Facebook unless you don't Tweet a lot. Hasn't Facebook put us thru enough already? Don't do it!
26. Check your Timeline or GOOGLE before asking a question about something big that happened in the news. #DoItForJesus
27. Don't be afraid to share your wisdom and life experiences. Be personal yet private.
28. Check your location in your Bio! If it says "At your man's house" or "up in your girl's guts", who's gonna Follow you, Boo?
29. If you get into a Twitter Beef and are obviously losing...just bow out graciously. For real.
30. Don't Tweet vague Tweets about a private conversation you're having off-Twitter with #OOMF. Tell us about it or #STFU
31. If you have nothing to say, don't say anything. Keep scrolling! No LOLs needed either. Nothing more annoying than someone who Tweets a stupid response just so they can say something. Go ride a bike.
32. Stay away from Tweeps who ALWAYS have something negative to Tweet. Occasional Shade is allowed, (especially during times when Black-Twitter is watching Reality TV or an Awards show.) But constant negativity is frowned upon. 
33. Don't Follow someone JUST because they follow who you date or who you're sleeping with. No Ma'am! No Sir! You will get your feelings hurt. Follow and Tweet with no hidden agendas!
34. If you must bring drama to your Timeline, you will get Drama in return. So if you offend someone, don't get mad if they clap back. Tweet ignorantly and over aggressively with precaution. 
35.  If you are asked to not Tweet someone again, don't. Cyber-bullying is real and several Police Departments have Internet Crime divisions. #FallBack

 Now go and Tweet something...and be sure to Follow @HelloMocha

#TheEnd