Not to be controversial, but it is my firm opinion that:
There is no difference between “social media” and social interaction.
Prove it, you say? With pleasure. Here are the five (most important) reasons why interacting with people via Twitter, Facebook, blogging, or any other social media should be done exactly the same way one would interact with others face-to-face.
- Be kind to others, and they will be kind to you.
- Listen to what others have to say. Talking about yourself constantly is rude.
- Be your own lovely, unique self. The minute you try to be something or someone else, everyone will see right through you.
- Make sure everyone you care about knows you care about them. It makes them feel warm and fuzzy inside.
- Follow your instincts, and beware of creepers.
If you would like more specific advice from people who know about it than I do, there are some really good links below, focused mostly on Twitter. Copyblogger is an awesome resource all around, by the way.
Writers Need Social Media by Joanna Penn
How to Build Your Twitter Followers by Cara Breeden
Twitter for Authors by Arielle Ford
How Twitter Makes You a Better Writer by Jennifer Blanchard
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the mention and I like your rules – especially “be yourself” – this is incredibly important online in general. No point in copying anyone else is there!
Thank you for referencing my article, “How to Build Your Twitter Followers.” I’m a huge fan of Copyblogger as well, and Mashable is the go-to source for everything social media. With time and effort, social media can be very powerful. Your quick tips are spot on!
@Joanna – Thanks for reading! And you’re right, the more sincere the better, in my opinion.
@ Cara – You’re quite welcome! Also, thanks for the Mashable recommendation. They’re very cool.