Twitter etiquette: how not to get fired or arrested
Posted at 12:00 PM Aug 18, 2008
By Bonnie Ruberg
Sure, Twitter seems simple: it asks you what you're doing, you type in an answer, and everyone can see it. But apparently, beneath this thin veneer of "duh!", there lies a complicated world of Twitter-related etiquette. "Could you pass the pepper please, darling? Yes, certainly, but not without the salt." That's pretty much all I know about etiquette. Oh, and always send a thank you note.
In her article, "14 Ways to Use Twitter Politely," Margaret Mason points out some more useful tips for how not to annoy your family and friends:
2. Think twice before twittering in an altered state.One drunk tweet might be amusing. Unfortunately, when you’re drunk or high, Twitter is like a can of Pringles. You don’t want to break the seal.
One drunk tweet leads to 20 poorly spelled missives on one amazing house party. If you think texting your ex is embarrassing the next morning, try texting all of them.
7. Remember everyone can hear you.
This may seem rudimentary, but Twitter is a public medium, just like a blog. Eventually, your mom’s gonna read it. To say nothing of your employer and your parole officer.
If it could get you fired, be used against you in court, or impede your ability to get laid, be-still your typing thumbs.
If you're like me, your Twitter feeds directing into your Facebook status. Also, if you're like me, your mother has recently acquired a Facebook profile. That means whatever you Twitter, your mom really will read it. The horror.
