Questions from a new twitterer

My org just started using Twitter and I'm looking for some best practices. Specifically, answers to these 2 questions:

- Should you follow everyone who follows you? I think not, because I don't necessarily want to follow someone who has nothing to do with what my org is about. Is that wrong? Should I block those people?

- My superiors want to edit everything before it goes on FB, Twitter, etc. I feel like for Web 2.0, you just have to let it go. Anyone else have experience with this? Is there a resource I can point them to that shows how Web 2.0 sites are about being conversational and relaxed and not being edited by 4 people first?

Ok, that was more than 2 questions -- any info would be most appreciated!

Thanks!

I see nothing wrong with NOT following everyone who follows you. This would become a huge task if the popularity of your page goes crazy.

The editorial process will be very controversial depending on the players involved. Unfortunately the eventual answer can only come from your organization. I have a feeling that the process will work itself out after a couple hundred articles pass through their hands. With this type of thing it is often easier to prove your point by example.

Thanks so much for your reply. Just discovered Hootsuite -- its "pending" functionality will solve all our editing problems.

newtwitterer:

- My superiors want to edit everything before it goes on FB, Twitter, etc. I feel like for Web 2.0, you just have to let it go. Anyone else have experience with this? Is there a resource I can point them to that shows how Web 2.0 sites are about being conversational and relaxed and not being edited by 4 people first?

It really comes back to who you are speaking for, and what if any affiliations you reference or cite in support of a comment or opinion (eg a signature file referencing a particular organization or similar) .

When you speak on behalf of an org you are accountable to the rules of the org - I think it's reasonable to expect most organizations to wish to audit and as necessary edit commentary placed on any online medium.

Of course when you speak for yourself (with no obvious affiliations) then anything goes!

So glad you asked about Twitter! I'm definitely a convert to Twitter and can attest to it being one of the most valuable social networking tools out there.

One of the big benefits of Twitter is that is quick: short and immediate updates. As such, it can be a little more relaxed and casual with its brevity. With the editing intermediary, you lose a lot of the personal touch and direct connection that is a key part of what makes Twitter a successful tool.That being said, you should be mindfull that you are the voice of an organization and what you tweet is public, much the same as you would for a forum or blog post. I update (tweet) for @techsoup, but I save those tweets about my cats for my personal Twitter account.

I did a presentation recently and gave attendees some resources, including my list of favorite Twitter resources that can hopefully be helpful to you.

Best,

Megan

newtwitterer:

- Should you follow everyone who follows you? I think not, because I don't necessarily want to follow someone who has nothing to do with what my org is about. Is that wrong? Should I block those people?

No, you should follow who you find interesting and helpful.  You shouldn't block people unless they are abusive to you. 

newtwitterer:

- My superiors want to edit everything before it goes on FB, Twitter, etc. I feel like for Web 2.0, you just have to let it go. Anyone else have experience with this? Is there a resource I can point them to that shows how Web 2.0 sites are about being conversational and relaxed and not being edited by 4 people first?

Leadership has the right to control communication that is made on behalf of the organization. 

That said, I think that there is an element of fear involved with something new I think.  I'm guessing that leadership doesn't control every word that comes out of staff's mouth when at conferences, or at meetings, or on the phone.  Like any other kind of communication, it is essential to be professional.  When you post something online, it is forever.

I do agree that after several hundred times of sending a 140 character post for vetting, there will likely be an easing up of oversight provided the suggested posts are appropriate.

The good news is, your agency is interested in dipping a toe into the Social Media pool.  Have Fun!

Matthew's spot on here. You definitely don't want to automatically follow everybody who follows you. There will be spammers or "numbers hounds" who are not worth your time. It's OK to not follow everybody immediately. Take a look at their profiles and their posts to decide if it's somebody you want to engage with. If they are, take the extra step to follow then welcome them with a piece of info to get the ball rolling.  Typically I only block offensive posters and spammers. As for following only those in your field, You never know when a follower who is out of your niche will say something useful, so don't narrow your focus too much.