"I don't like you! Really I don't!"
Why do so many Twitterers follow dozens and dozens of other Twitterers? I don't get it. Yes Twitter has burst on the scene in the past year and offers some intriguing new ways of communicating socially. The truncated 140 character limit keeps the verbose reined in and the ability to link to various other forms of media is also useful. But how much of it do you really want to see?
Indeed why aren't people more selective? I don't want to follow lots of people. When I first received a "John Doe is following you on Twitter" I was deluded into believing that someone actually cared about what I might have to say! It was a Sally Field moment: "I can't deny the fact that you like me! You really really like me!" It's ridiculous! Take a random look at active Twitterers. Many follow dozens and dozens of other Twitterers!
When I receive a "following alert", I take a peek at the person's postings. If I feel they are especially bright, perceptive, witty or unique, I follow. The majority don't make the cut. I don't like them. Further, I dump those whose postings fail to live up to their initial promise.
Why would one just follow anyone else just because they're following you? Is there some sense of reciprocity? Do you feel "guilty" for not following someone who follows you? (I don't) Do you like everyone you meet walking down the street? Of course not. (FYI for you Ham Radio operators, I have never sent a QSL card just because someone requested one.I send cards only to those who I engage with in some form of meaningful/amusing or interesting discourse.)
Most Twitterers need to cleanse their "following" box and cull down to a few that fit their interests or curiosity and discard the many who bring so little creativity to the party. Engage with a small group on an intellectually stimulating level. The rest are just noise.
I agree with you, Mike. Trouble is that there is no easy way to start culling followers once you reach a certain number. I'm not sure how I started following 600-some people, but I can guarantee that a big percentage of them don't post at all anymore. I wish I could dump them into a spreadsheet and sort by "last active" or "last post date." That would be very helpful.
Posted by: Scott Elias | January 09, 2009 at 06:55 PM
Mike, have to agree. Follow those who say interesting things, and see who they reply to to find more. Have to be selective...
Posted by: Clark Quinn | October 13, 2008 at 09:31 PM