My only reservation looking into the future, since I am new and just starting I am probably taking more time to review than those that have been doing this awhile and have thousands of followers…so that being said I may feel different in six months? I hope to always use the personal touch, I plan to continue to take the time to send a few personal dms to those that pique my interest!

Oh and one more thought…to those of you that use them….even though I am a newbie…I can spot them immediately…and they leave me feeling “unsocial”…lol (Im sure for a select few they are a necessary evil…but for most of you, I think personal dm would serve you better and to the select follows that are deserving in your area of interest.)

K…thats my 2 cents!

S

I must admit though that after getting so many auto DMs that even the polite and non promotional ones like you are using tend to rub me the wrong way.

I think it’s one of those things where certain people ruin a good thing through misuse and abuse so that eventually it no longer works for anyone, even the folks that use it the right way.

It was soon pointed out to me, by some people kind enough to offer feedback, that this was a one-sided conversation and a presumptuous request to enhance a non existent relationship.

I came quickly to see, and agree, that the auto DM loses all respect when used as a way to telemarket one’s self, sites or services. In this regard I further find little distinction between requesting to join a network or to visit and view a credible blog or website to a get rich quick scheme -spammer- microsite. The lines here are too easy to cross so better to avoid them altogether.

With gratitude and understanding I discontinued this practice immediately.

I do not believe, however, that the use of auto DM’s is an overall bad practice. So far, without comment or complaint, I have chosen to continue to make use of one.

The following is the auto DM I currently use at Socialtoo:

“Thank you very much for following me. Please forgive this one time automated reply. I look forward to sharing for real.”

I do this for the same reason I have a voicemail message on my cell and at home. It is in order to say that while I am not here right now I am glad that you took the time and energy to reach out to me.

My intent is that this is as transparent as possible and without the premise of it being anything other than an auto DM; just one meant with utmost respect. I do sincerely hope that we might have opportunity to share personally at the earliest convenience.

Thanks for posing the question and allowing a venue to respond.

Also, with services like Twitter DMer cropping up which will allow you to pull in some dynamic content based on the user, you can almost effortlessly personalize that special message. At the same time, when someone realizes you’re just hitting them with a form reply, its probably going to do more harm than good. However, I’m not going to move into “No” court just yet. I think there are some ways it can be used purposefully, we just haven’t quite figured it out yet.

Matt Hanson