According to the Compact Oxford English Dictionary etiquette is defined as:

“etiquette

/ettiket/

• noun the code of polite behavior in a society.

— ORIGIN French, ‘list of ceremonial observances of a court’, also ‘label, etiquette’, from Old French estiquette”

Hmm…

The code of “polite behavior” in a society. The key word here is “society”. Society to me is the same as “community” and that’s exactly what Twitter is. It’s a community.

Actually, Twitter itself isn’t a community…its a collage of many mini communities. These mini communities are all the individual Twitter users who follow other Twitter users. Followers often check out the profiles of the people they follow AND follow who they follow and who follows them (confusing I know…but if you’re on Twitter you know exactly what I’m talking about).

It’s mind boggling, actually, if you think about how many unique communities are created in Twitter. There are so many combination’s and ways to connect with “like minded” people…if that’s what you want. You can even connect with people who aren’t necessarily “like minded”. You can connect with others who have different interests and view points just to get a rounded perspective if you wish.

I mean, if you look at all the ways you connect and follow people…creating your own little community…there are literally Billions if not TRILLIONS of community combination’s.

So……

What the heck is Twitter etiquette anyway?

How can you possibly follow acceptable “polite behavior” with so many combination’s of “societies” within Twitter itself????

Answer: You can’t. It’s impossible.

It’s funny.  As I write this post, I’m having a conversation on Twitter about “etiquette” and the feedback has been interesting.  It really boils down to opinion.  And…the absolute BEST part about your individual community on Twitter is that you have FULL control.

• Do you want to promote your business on Twitter?
• Do you send auto Direct Messages when someone follows you (a heated debate is constantly going on over this subject)
• Do you use foul language on Twitter?
• Do you answer all your DM’s and reply to everybody who replies to you or asks questions?
• Do you…(put your “etiquette” rule here)
• etc

One of the best posts I’ve read about Twitter Etiquette was written by Danny Brown on his blog:

http://dannybrown.me/2009/02/20/the-twitter-rulebook/

Check out his blog post and remember…

On Twitter, there really is no “etiquette”.  Do what you want.