I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who thinks automated "thanks for following me, check out my website" is a tacky way to introduce yourself.

Thanks for having common sense values and more importantly for sharing them with us. I like the way you think.

Thank you for your post, especially your specific examples and instructions.

I feel a lot of spammers are unintentional spammers, and I have been guilty of mentioning and inviting people to event and groups on walls (though not a lot.) Various people, including respected 'leaders', have done variations of it and other no-no’s, which perplexed me because they left me confused. It's a matter of degree, I’m sure. So tell a newbie that! Where is the line? We need more education (which you are doing and I thank you) not more condemnation.

I’ve lost respect for people who scream loudly at spammers (or similar inappropriate behavior)

(1) without understanding why

(2)without being very specific

(3) without doing something to correct the situation

(4) without looking at their own behavior. They may be guilty of setting a bad example themselves! Let those who throw stones examine themselves first.

Aggressive marketing was the old school. We now know a better way. Old school is still churning out graduates. Someone wrote an excellent article on Social proof (was it you, Ian Chapman?) explaining it can be negative or positive.

In ambiguous situations, (e.g. on Facebook) newbies look around to see what people do there. They happen to see people leaving links, so they do the same, and teach others to do the same.

The problem is: the people who don’t leave links don’t stand out. It’s not clear why they don’t leave links. Is it because they don’t have any? Don’t know how? Or don’t want to? The only way to cancel the overwhelming negatives may be via discussions and notes.

However, I think the tide is turning…meaning the new thinking will prevail. Until then, I’m watching and learning and I always ask myself….” am I spamming?”

Thank you Nancy for doing your part.

-addy

thanks for such an insightful post and one full of valuable tips. I find it sad that so many people are missing out on the real value that social networking can bring.

95% of the people I meet online are using it for business in one way or another so its almost a given that everyone will have a website, service or product they are selling. I am always interested in the person first so its a big turn off when someone acts in the ways you describe

I find many people communicate as if what they are doing is something extra special and extra important, and act like a kid who has a new toy and wants you to take a look at it

I guess its this kind of immaturity that needs addressing.

thank you for doing it so eloquently

ian

thankyou for

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