Why Auto-DMs Should be Banned from Twitter

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It drives me nuts to receive an auto-DM after following someone. It takes away from the transparent, honest and genuine spirit of twitter when you get the equivalent of an out-of-office reply that you know went to everyone else. As soon as I see one pop into my direct message box, my immediate urge is to un-follow that person.

The auto replies vary from the generic (but honest) "Thanks for the follow, I'll be sure to return to the favor," to those who try to veil the fact that the same message goes to everyone, "Hey, it looks like you have great things to say, be sure to check out my Web site for more information on what I do."

When someone follows you on Twitter, chances are it's because that person thinks you have interesting things to say and you would both benefit from interacting. Don't take the risk of insulting your new followers by assuming they're all following you for the same reason and would all benefit from the same message. It's time to embrace social media for the fact that it's not a one-size fits all advertising message and start interacting on a personal, one-on-one basis.

(image courtesy of @chriswallace)