.
Yesterday on Facebook I came across a growing discussion about whether or not you should thank people for retweets on Twitter.
The exact question is this:
Twitterers: I need to do some research: (1)Do you Thank people who RT your updates? (2) Do you have a philosophy regarding RT-ing? (3) Do you think Thanking RT-ers just adds to Twitter noise? (Excellent questions, Shari!)
To my surprise, a lot of people seem to think by thanking people for retweets you’re only adding to the “noise.” Check out the comments in the graphic. (You can click on it for a larger view.)
This has been on my mind since I read it and posted my response. So much so that I’m interrupting my own series of posts (on Using the Power of Video on Your Website or Blog) to ask you (my dear readers) to weigh in on the subject by adding your comment on this post.
I’m very curious what your thoughts are! And if you would add to the conversation on Twitter, I’ve started a hashtag: #rtty (Retweet Thank You). Let’s see how many people we can get involved and what the prevalent view is on the subject. Okay?
As stated in my reply, I do thank people for RTs. My philosophy is to be gracious to someone who has “publicly appreciated” something I said or a link I shared. I don’t think it adds to the noise.
When someone thanks me for a RT, it makes me feel good. They noticed and appreciated my effort to “spread the word” for them. It’s Twitter Love!
It’s true that there’s a lot of noise on Twitter. After all there were reportedly 145 Million users (as of Sep 2010). Many more by now!
So, what are your thoughts?
To thank or not to thank? That… is my question.
Related posts:
Twitter: vertstudios
says:
For me, it depends on the stature of the person RTing and the amount of things they RT. I’d rather not clutter up my followers streams with unnecessary “Thanks!” messages.
Twitter: mywebgal
says:
Hi Joe,
Thanks for stopping by and adding to the conversation. You’ve made a great point here. Not all RTs are created equal!
Hello Deb,
In my opinion it depends on what kind of person is the person RTing you and how much time you want to allocate for thanking every person RTing you. I would personally always thank every person RTing me, I like to show the people my appreciation and the fact that I am grateful and honored by getting RTed. I recommend you thanking every person that RTs you, it’s a great way of making them RT you again in the future. Great article, thanks for sharing!
Best regards,
Maria
Maria Pavel recently posted..Certified Nursing Assistant Training Courses
I’d agree with Joseph that it depends on the quantity and the nature of the Tweet that was RT’d. In the past I’ve DM’d people and even caught up with them on their blogs to say hi and thanks. But admittedly I don’t give thanks for each one. Which is odd because I’m big on please and thank you’s. Go figure!
I always thank someone who retweets me. I just think it’s common courtesy. And, like you said, it makes you feel good if someone thanks for for the retweet – just as it makes you feel good when someone retweets you.
So, I’ll always be out there thanking others!
Twitter: SheilaAtwood
says:
Deb,
I am a depends person to. I often get some re-tweets that are spammy.
I usually do thank them. Sometimes I take the chance put what they are tweeting back in the tweet stream by adding what they RTed to the thank you. This works best with people I know well.
It is also a great way to really have a communication. A thank you and then some added data about them.
For me, the key is to enjoy what I am doing and not make it an obligation.
Sheila Atwood recently posted..77 Best Practices for Landing Pages That Rise Above Status Quo
Twitter: bigfishtopdogs
says:
Hi Deb – This is a timely post and a fun topic to read. I usually thank people for their RTs. I don’t consider it to be clutter at all.
Think about it this way. When I thank you for your RT, YOUR name (twitter handle) gets mentioned in front of my followers. This could lead to more followers for you!
It also puts you out there as someone who engages by re-tweeting other people’s posts. Making you one of the top tweeps I love to follow. You engage — and that is priceless.
~Theresa
@bigfishtopdogs
Theresa Bradley-Banta recently posted..Interesting- But Wrong- Give It to Me Straight
It depends. If it’s spammy, I don’t, but if people take the time to RT me, I feel like I SHOULD thank them! After all, they took the time to pass along my message. Doesn’t that deserve a thanks?
Twitter: ImAHotMom
says:
I thank people who RTs my messages most of the time. Not only do I show them I appreciate them but it’s essential for building relationships.
Cherrie Bautista
Cherrie Bautista recently posted..Ways To Develop Your Right Brain
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Cherrie Bautista, BethHewitt80. BethHewitt80 said: Ask MyWebGal, Deb Augur To Thank Or Not To Thank? #rtty http://is.gd/ZscKa7 [...]
Twitter: melaniekissell
says:
Hmmm …
Let’s think about this, Deb, for about three seconds.
Twitter is a “Social” network, correct?
“Please” and “Thank You” are two of the most social words and social graces I know. How about you?
Whenever this world gets to the point where “Thank You” becomes “noise” …
Please stop this ride and let me get off.
Just sayin’ …
Twitter: kids_exercise
says:
Deb,
I definitely thank everybody who RTs something of mine. Everybody on my list needs to know.
The only time I don’t thank is when they RT @ my name but they post something spammy. It’s not my blog post, but theirs. Sort of weird huh?
I normally dont retweet thank anyone but if the person or place that happens to do it is sort of a big deal and does not use other’s content often it may be worthwhile.
Hi Deb, I think it’s nice to thank someone for re-tweeting. However, I don’t always make the time to do it right away. And, I think if you’re going to thank someone, it’s nice to do it within 24 hours.
Interesting that so many people think it only adds to the noise. I think it adds a more personal touch when the thank yous go round!
bye for now, Julieanne
Julieanne van Zyl recently posted..Video Marketing with Screenr
Hello there Deb;
This is an interesting topic that I never thought would be so controversial. I’m in agreement with you; I most of the time thank people for RT’ing my tweets and I thought that was common curtsey.
I guess I can see what a couple of fellow commentors have said regarding depending on the content or the motive behind them. For the most part I do not feel thanking someone for RT’s add to the noise at all.
Thanks again for a great post Deb
I don’t really thank people, don’t really see the point in doing so. I know its polite and all but if they RT it means they really liked my post so why should I thank them for something they consider interesting?
Ali Mujtaba recently posted..Symptoms Of Tinnitus
Twitter: passion101
says:
Deb,
It’s an interesting question. To be honest, I don’t pay as much attention to Twitter as I could, so I really don’t even know most of the time when someone is re-tweeting. At same time, I can see how it would add to the “noise” on Twitter to have thank you’s. On Facebook, I try to “like” people’s comments on my page all of the time and respond when it makes sense to. And on my blogsite, I respond to EVERY comment made on a post. Thanks for causing me to re-examine what I do about this though.
Take care,
Adam
Dr. Adam Sheck recently posted..3 Tools To Reignite Your Relationship By Valentine’s Day
Hey, Deb, how cool of you to help me with my research.
I’ll definitely be checking the hashtag #rtty
You’re a doll . . . and so are all your commenters!!
Shari
Shari Weiss recently posted..How NO INTERNET is Re-Defining the News
Deb,
An excellent topic with a lively discussion.
First, assuming that you start your thanks with @retweeter’s name, it doesn’t clog up your tweet stream very much because only people who follow both the sender and receiver will see your thanks.
Second, people who only thank people with a Klout above 65, are being very disingenuous. In reality the people who need to the most encouragement are those with a few followers and low Klout score. They will be thrilled to receive an acknowledgement from someone especially if you have a significant network.
I always thank my RT’ers and believe that it’s simple common courtesy. I still get a thrill when someone like Guy Kawasaki or Chris Brogan responds to me, and I know that in a small way I can do the same for someone just starting out on Twitter. So spreading that good karma is a small way to give something back.
Chris
Twitter: prfuller
says:
Interesting question Deb
I think it just add to the clutter unless it is a personal thank you verses an automated one.
Peter
Peter Fuller MBA recently posted..How to Attract your Niche to your Blog – Day 3 of 5
Twitter: JWean
says:
You know I was beginning to question the whole notion of thanking someone for Re-Tweeting as well. I personally attempt to do my best to thank those who retweet me; however, sometimes it doesn’t seem to add anything. Basically, I’ve been going back and forth on the issue. I’d also say I’m more likely to thank someone for RT my personal post or tweet rather than a RT of someone elses.
Twitter: JWean
says:
So, here’s another twist to the discussion. I tweeted your post out yesterday. From that Tweet, your post was picked up by paper.li from a follower. The twist is really that paper.li auto selects what is included based on the persons input parameters.
So, what do you think TY4RT or not?
Jeremiah M. Wean recently posted..No Credit and the USDA Home Loan
Many people have already said it, but I’ll add my vote to the noise.
When someone re-tweets something of mine, if I know them personally, I absolutely thank them. If I don’t know them personally, I’ll check out their profile. If I follow them already and it seems legit, I thank them. If do or don’t follow them and it’s obvious that they just retweet anything with a particular word in it, I won’t and will unfollow them, sometimes going as far as reporting them for Spam.
If I don’t follow them, and they are legit, I will absolutely follow them at that point.
Geoff
Geoff recently posted..Don’t Wait for Inspiration
It seems that you have a very interesting topic and I’m asking it for myself. Well I actually thanks the people who RT my topic it seems that they catch their attention and interest of what I wanted to implement or express..but it is also important to view their profile as well.
Aloha Deb, I like your post and I know I would. But because twitter moves so fast at times you can miss out on the RT@.. Lol I know when I post on twitter and go back to see it, and it’s gone and the next one in line. But it applies to anything, depends on the individual. Glad I came by and great topic. Thanks for sharing. Mahalo, Lanikee.com
PS..you’re welcome to come by and visit me anytime.
Lani Kee – Sharing Mind Mapping Techniques recently posted..Using Youtube Video Response Goes Viral
Hi Deb, great question!
I used to thank people on RT’s. Instead I look for any tweets of theirs that I can reciprocate. If most of those tweets are not aligned with the audience, then I send a direct message thanking them.
To Your Genius,
Eiji
Eiji Morishita recently posted..55 Wisdom Quotes Martin Luther King Jr
Hi Deb,
I like that you raised the question in your great post here.
In my opinion, it doesn’t have to be a universal answer. It is a personal decision and reflects your own personality. It also can be a time issue as well.
Your reason for doing it are meaningful and with that feeling behind them, they should be welcomed as part of the twitter noise.
Dawn and (Dave)
Dave and Dawn Cook recently posted..Phishing- SMishing & Vishing
Twitter: LindaThomasEntp
says:
Hi Deb,
What a fun post! And I agree with you. Whenever I retweet I do not expect anything, but when I receive a thanks, at least I know that the person noticed. It does add to clutter, but it also is a touch that helps build relationships.
Thanks for thinking about this!
Linda
Hi Deb
I keep dropping in to see if you’ve published a new post, but nothing found.
I can’t really talk about twitter because I am a complete and utter social media Phillistine.
What I can say is that it don’t cost much to say thank you, or is that my mum talking!
No… it’s me.
Keith Davis recently posted..Oscar Speeches and the 3 G’s
Twitter: mywebgal
says:
Hi Keith,
Thanks for stopping by! Due to several things that have happened all at once lately I’m quite behind in putting up new posts.
I will be putting one up today or tomorrow and I should be back on track then.
Really appreciate your letting me know that you’re looking forward to a new one! You rock!
Twitter: AllegrasTweets
says:
Hey Deb,
I think that ‘noise’ can be managed on Twitter using lists, filters, tools like HootSuite, etc. Having said that, common courtesy, acknowledging others, and letting people know you appreciate them is not noise to me. It tells me something about the original tweeter if they can’t be bothered to say thank you. Now if they say thanks in a direct message, that’s cool, but I think the spirit of gratitude should not depend on the Klout or stature of the person who retweeted me. Everyone has value and I’m grateful that they thought my tweet worth sharing with their followers. Take care, Allegra
Allegra Sinclair recently posted..Who or What do YOU Love
Twitter: christine_tulsa
says:
Hi Deb ~ I had seen this same discussion on Facebook and like you, was surprised by the comments about how sending out “thank you’s” added noise…I totally disagree. However, I did change my view on how I now thank people for the RT’s…before, like most of the people who acknowledge RT’s, I would have several users in one tweet…now, thanks to something that Kim Castleberry commented, I make a point to thank each person individually AND personalize it as much as you can in 140 characters…lol!
Christine
Christine Casey recently posted..Failure is not an option
I try to thank people for RTing me. I don’t always get around to it, but I think that using good manners makes it easier to get to know people. Of course, I don’t get that many RTs right now. If I start getting hundreds a day, it might be very hard to keep up with.
Wishing you a song in your heart,
Miss Leslie @ Music with Miss Leslie.com
Miss Leslie recently posted..Happy Valentine’s Day
I think that thanking for RTs adds to the clutter and the noise. A more meaningful way of showing my appreciation would be to find something on their blog to tweet about, or to RT one of their own tweets. And if you can’t find anything nice to say, well, do you really want to draw attention to your tweet-ship with them anyway??
Anita Hampl recently posted..Expert Positioning- Does It Matter
Twitter: WillenaRose
says:
Deb, I think you’re right. But I am woefully negligent. I still find Twitter mystifying, as far as knowing what anyone is saying. I do have people gathered into lists, but it’s still way WAY too big for me.
You’re right, though. I am going to take a look at who has been RTing me.
Willena Flewelling
Willena Flewelling recently posted..Wedded Bliss – 29 Years and Counting!
Retweeting is one certain fact that lets you be popular, and your thoughts grow and your name spread. But one definite thing should be there, a humble mention that its yours and you should be given credit for your thoughts.
James Foster recently posted..Budget Decorating For Your Kitchen
Deb,
Great post! I think it depends on the re-tweet however it is courteous to say thanks. It’s like when someone links to your post, sending a quick thank you is just great PR. Thank you for sharing
Lynda recently posted..Payday Bank Coupon Code
I agree with many of the points – it does depend on who has RT’d it. If you get a fair few number of RT’s it could get a little overwhelming to thank everyone. But if you are new on Twitter it might be a idea to thank them. They will appreciate the effort and might RT again in the future.
Sharon Fielding recently posted..Spotting Fake Omega Watches
Like what Sharon above me was saying, if you get a lot of re-tweets than it will be harder (or nearly impossible) for you to thank them all. So that’s the point when you need to be selective about your “thank-yous”.
On the other hand, if you’re just getting a few RTs, it’s recommended to thank all of them. By doing that you’ll probably make some of them re-tweet you again in the near future. And if you are at the beginning of your “blogging experience” believe me…you need as many followers, re-tweeters etc. as you can get.
Interesting idea, never thought of it.
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