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Published by: David Nordella 05-31-2012  |  POSTED IN: Twitter Thursdays

Beware the beak! Are you in trouble with Twitter?

 
Twitter changed its Developer Rules of the Road on May 17, 2012. One of the principles underlying the new rules is “Don't create or distribute spam.” (Not to be confused with the spam of Monty Python fame: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anwy2MPT5RE.)
 
People on Twitter typically want to have followers. Followers give you a forum in which you can discuss topics of mutual interest. This is especially important if you want to use Twitter for marketing purposes, such as doctors inviting prospective patients to learn more their medical practice.
 
There are a number of applications on Twitter that can help you gain followers quickly.
 
The Developer rules are known as API, the acronym for Application Programming Interface. You do not need to know about API beyond the definition provided by Matt Dickman in association with MarketingProfs. API is “... simply a way to get information and pass information to trusted partners”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcHhwsTIK_o.
 
In other words, Twitter wants people to use their services. Twitter sets ground rules for Developers to provide applications that simplify using Twitter. The Developers can than distribute the applications with Twitter’s permission. The use of applications encourages their customers to use Twitter which, of course, is good for Twitter.
 
Here is a partial list of Twitter’s definitions for spam:
 
  • If you have followed a large amount of users in a short amount of time
  • If you have followed and unfollowed people in a short time period, particularly by automated means (aggressive follower churn)
  • If you repeatedly follow and unfollow people, whether to build followers or to garner more attention for your profile
  • If you have a small number of followers compared to the amount of people you are following
 
Twitter does not provide precise definitions for “large,” “aggressive,” or even a ratio for the small number of followers compared to the amount of people that you are following.
 
I guess that if broad definitions are good enough for the Supreme Court, they’re good enough for Twitter. What is the legal definition of obscenity? "I know it when I see it" (Jacobellis v. Ohio, 378 U.S.184, 84 S. Ct. 1676, 12 L. Ed. 2d 793 [1964]).
 
You do not want Twitter accusing you of using them to spam others. They have the right under their Terms of Service to suspend your account if you are spamming others using Twitter. A suspension instantly inhibits your ability to use Twitter as a Social Media to market your services or practice to others.
 
How can you avoid API applications that may label you as a spammer? Which Twitter applications are you using? Is there a new Twitter API that crosses the line? What would your ideal Twitter spam policy be? Share your thoughts on “Twitter Thursday” as we continue our conversation about Twitter and spam.
 
David Nordella is the Managing Director of Provider Finance Associates, LLC. His passion for Twitter mixes well with his passion for improving the profits of Independent Practice Associations. Find out more about him at @BeneficentGuild or www.providerfinance411.com.
Thanks for reading. Jason.
P.S. Don't forget to subscribe below to this blog.
 
About Jason Ciment
Formerly an attorney and CPA, Jason has been working online since 1997. His columns on affiliate marketing can still be found on www.Clickz.com and his book on search engine optimization can be found at www.seotimetable.com.

This blog is published 4x per week and covers website design and SEO tips as well as a wide range of tips and advice for working and living online more efficiently and enjoyably.
 

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