I love Twitter.  It has become my first option when it comes to social media surpassing Facebook.  It’s quick, easy and a great way to get information out.  In order to make sure everyone has a great Twitter experience I have decided to compile “The Twitter Commandments.”  There are only 5 at the moment, but I’m sure more will come as the world turns.

When Twittering try and keep these in mind.  You will make the Twitter world a better place.  Without further adieu, I present to you “The Twitter Commandments, Part 1.”

1. Thou shall not use Auto DM’s (Direct Message). “Hi! You are following me! Thanks! So glad. Hey, why don’t you check out my blog at mymarketingsucks.com” Really?  You think that’s actually working??  My favorite is “Can’t wait to see your tweets! Check out my blog.”  Nice try. You don’t look forward to my tweets, you are trying to butter me up and then fool me into reading your thoughts on organic peanut butter.  STOP.  Please.

2. Thou shall not retweet to win prizes. What religion is it that only believes 180,000 people get to heaven?  I can’t remember but they showed up at my door one day and told me that.  My first thought was, “Why in the $&# are you telling people then!?  Keep that on the down low homie.  It improves your chances.”  Same thing with this RT to win crap.  The company is the big winner here, not you.

3. Thou shall not tweet your blog link more than 3 times a day. I understand that we all need to get our stuff out there, but over and over again?  Think of it this way.  Those who aren’t on Twitter consistently probably aren’t following that many people so one of your links is bound to show up in their feed and those of us who do check it often don’t have to ONLY see a link to your blog.

4. Thou shall not retweet a compliment and add nothing.  What’s the difference in that and the following?

Jim: Paul, nice work today.
Paul: Thanks Jim.
Paul takes two steps and turns to Paula.
Paul: Jim said I did nice work today.
Paul then turns to Ginger, Pedro, Manuel and Tim.
Paul: Jim said I did nice work today.
Paul is a giant douchecanoe now.

You get the picture?

5. Thou shall not tweet as your kid, dog, plant, etc and then have a conversation with yourself. Yes, it’s cute that little Johnny is on Twitter, but it gets weird when you retweet your 6 month old Schnauzer and have a conversation with him (yourself).

@Johnnythedog:  I had my first bath today. I didn’t like it!
@Mydogismylife: RT @johnnythedog: I had my first bath today. I didn’t like it! // Oh you’re such a good little boy! Yes you are! Yes you are!

It’s weird.  STOP.  Please.

What are some other rules that need to be added?