Top Ten Reasons I May Block You on Twitter |

In the midst of writing a social media policy, I started compiling a list of reasons I block users on twitter. I do not auto-follow; I take a look at the tweet stream/account of each and every individual who follows me before determining if I will follow in return.

As the list grew longer, I thought others might be interested in this list and viola, blog post created. It originally started as a top ten list but quickly became more. Originally, I was just going to post this on my Tumbr page, since there seemed to be an interest I made a blog post out of it. So, without delay…following are the top ~~ten~~ fifteen reasons I might block you on Twitter. While they were in order at some point, they are not any longer:

If you are an author and your tweet stream consists of nothing but tweets about your book. Want to sell books? Engage your followers, allow them to see you are a real person, not some tweeting robot.
If all your tweets consist of ads or links. I have a DVR at home because I detest commercials. Why would I want to see them on Twitter?
If you tweet nothing but random links, with no context. Similar to above. I don’t know how or why people would click on said links but they do, and then bad things happen.
If your avatar is an image of the body meant to be kept covered. Ew..just….ew!
If you haven’t tweeted at all, yet are following 2, 00o people I look at a user’s tweet stream before following. If i don’t see any tweets at all, why would I want to follow you?
If you tweet stream consists of nothing but retweets Really. Be original. Say something!
If all you tweet are quotes. I mean enough…really. It’s amazing how “quote tweeters” are out there! If I want an inspiring quote, I’ll look it up myself.
If you are a blogger and the sole purpose of your twitter account is to gain contest entries by tweeting
If your tweets consist of nothing but foul language, crude comments, etc.
A given: if you verbally attack me or otherwise annoy me
If you pitch me your book to review. I do not accept or respond to pitches on any social media site. Frankly, I think it’s unprofessional and tacky. If you would like me to review your book, please see: Review Policy.
If you tweet endless rants about religious, social, political issues. I use social media as an escape from the drama called the nightly news. I don’t want to get a sermon, via tweets, thankyouverymuch
Your twitter account is locked. If you won’t let me see what you tweet about, why should I allow you to do the same?
If you are an animal. Yes, there are apparently animals out there that tweet…or people tweeting on behalf of animals. Creepy, I tell you.
Another given: Spambots. There are all sorts, for every little thing you mention. Mention one word and suddenly you are bombarded with endless tweets mentioning that word. Words not to mention on Twitter: iPad, iPod, job, employment, Kindle, dating, or anything of a sexual nature (those result in really alarming spambots!)

Bottom line: Twitter is a social media outlet. Use it as it was intended. Engage with others, connect with those who have similar interests. Don’t abuse it!

Stay tuned…I am compiling a list of reasons I do follow people on Twitter!