According to Webster’s dictionary, engagement is defined as emotional involvement or commitment. And social media requires this emotional involvement for any of us to be successful. So, why would anyone use a Twitter validation service? Does it really matter who follows you on Twitter?
I am always looking for people to follow on Twitter. People who look interesting, or who have an atypical bio. But the other day, I was included in a #FollowSaturday which I retweeted. I then received a mention from one of the people within the list, thanking me for the mention. After receiving this “thank you” I checked out the persons’ profile, and decided it was someone I would like to continue to follow. So, follow I did.
Except I didn’t. Actually, I couldn’t. Why? Because this person uses a Twitter validation service called True Twit. After trying to follow him, I received a direct message indicated that, “XXX uses TrueTwit validation service. To validate click here:”.
Why should there be this many steps to try and connect with someone on Twitter. After all, if you don’t like me, you don’t have to follow me back. Social media is all about connecting with people we can’t normally connect with. It’s about conversation. It’s about engagement. How engaging is it that you don’t trust me enough to let me follow you? When at a networking event, do you ask the people you meet to first validate that their intentions are pure? Do you ask for a DNA test before talking? When calling people, do you want them to ask you to validate your purpose for calling?
Of course not. It would be unheard of.
But by asking me to “validate” myself, you are doing just that. You are telling me, actually shouting at me, that you don’t trust me, that I will do something unjust with our newfound relationship.
I have a policy regarding anyone using the TrueTwit service. I unfollow you. There is no relationship. There will be none.
Social media is about engagement. And asking me to prove my worth isn’t engagement. It’s just plain rude.
Do you use TrueTwit or another validation service? Pro? Con? Sound off below!
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[…] originally appeared at Digital Ethos Filed Under: Business, Social Media, Twitter · Tagged: Being Social, Business, Marketing, […]
Craig I have the same policy. Validating via TrueWit requires you to sift through DMs which for the most part are spam or automated messages saying check out someones facebook page.
I agree, John. I’m not interested in jumping through hoops.
Thanks for the comment!
Craig
Yea, I used Truetwit for a while, but it was nothing but a bot vaildation service. You create an account validate and then place it in software and spam away, truetwit is likely the most accurate indicator an account is a bot. [Opinion]
Although it may be good at finding bots, is it really necessary? I don’t think so.
Craig
I have never come across this. But hearing about it I feel the same as you. Why should I have to prove myself a worthy follower. I would not follow.
Consider yourself lucky that you haven’t had to prove your “worthiness”, yet. One day, you will, and it is annoying!
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Craig
I don’t waste my time trying to follow people who use trutwit anymore; it is soooo annoying! I am sure they are lovely people but there are plenty of others to follow! I can surely spot a bot on my own; it only takes a minute a day plus there are other apps that can do that for you!
I agree! Thanks for commenting.
Craig
Great post thanks for sharing it on my Facebook page.
Thanks for reading!
Craig