The Golden Rule: Tweet Others The Way You Want To Be Tweeted.

Tweet others the way you wanted to be tweeted. Sounds so simple yet everyday you see things on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ that are perplexing. Being kind to others is so important: in life and on social media. Greet others cordially and you may be blessed with a delightful response. The message that you send is amplified and you do not know who may end up reading your comments or what their frame of mind is while they are reading.

My mom always said “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” This is especially true in social media. Please don’t spout angry paradigms at the masses, no one is interested in reading or retweeting those tweets.

Another word of caution is using sarcasm, which I personally love, but must be used with care as it can be taken incorrectly by the intended receiver of the tweet or someone else who is reading it. I love my sarcastic tweet buddies and created a list called Sardonic Super Pals to honor their fine use of sarcasm however, using caution may be wise. While it may lessen the sarcastic boom of your comment, add something that lets people know that you are joking or being sarcastic. I like to add hashtags so it is fun. When you have an established group of social media friends that are sarcastic amongst themselves, it can be great fun but be aware that each tweet or post goes to all your followers, sometimes their followers and where the tweet stops, nobody knows.

If you are unclear of the intent or meaning of a tweet or post, don’t go off in a huff or respond in anger. Simply ask for clarification. The fragile connection on social media can crumble like a crisp autumn leaf, don’t lose friends over misunderstandings. Sometimes this requires a direct message, phone call or Skype conversation and isn’t a friendship worth that effort? I say, yes!

Be a generous retweeter or sharer of your pals and people that you follow. Take time to occasionally flow through your stream of “All Friends” and give them some RT love. Everyone appreciates it and most reciprocate as well. One of my friends makes it a point to check her new followers tweet stream and RT them right away which is a great way to break the ice and start building a relationship.

Calling out people for what you perceive to be a mistake is obnoxious and rude. There are no steadfast rules for social media, only best practices and guidelines. Be kind to other people and help them if they need it.

Tweet others the way you wanted to be tweeted. Simple and effective.

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