Social Networking 201 - Soc Graces Lesson 3 - Following and Friends

Isn't it great when you get your first follower that isn't Admin? Don't you feel special like someone actually likes you or is interested in what you have to say?  This feeling might be hard to remember but spend just a couple of seconds trying to.  Or how about when one of your idols accepts you as their friend? Wow.

Now transfer that feeling onto the person who has elected to follow you or add you as a friend and YOU don't reciprocate.

What does this do to the person who you have 'ignored'?

Two things actually.

Firstly it can establish you as the one in control.  You decide if you'll actually interact with that person or listen to anything they have to say, eg twitter.  You are the one that is hard to get.  You appear selective in who you accept into your inner circle. 

It can create an aura of limitedness,  therefore making you a treasure.  It is kudos to have you add them.

Secondly however, it can be construed as an insult. And this response is more common in the social networking sphere.

Social networking overall is a friendly sphere with good manners.  If someone sends you a gift it is good manners to say thank you and good social networking.

After a while, when people notice that you haven't added them, they will delete you.  No matter who you are because it's just rude.

Now, these are the people you want in your social networking life.  Because these are the thinkers and doers. These are the people who know how to get through life with good grace.  If you want a fan base of droids who are happy to be ignored and not respected, then that's your call.

To counter my own argument I will offer this though.  When cruising social networks for the first time, it's always good to tag onto someone who has a lot of friends/followers.  They are seen as popular or important and someone you want to be associated with.  So the droids can come in handy in making you appear 'great'.

In the long run though, it's just not good manners.  So play nice and listen to and interact with people who have taken the time to listen to and interact with you.

Sizzle on

Kath