Great points, and I certainly didn’t intend for it to be a black and white issue. While the commenters have raised valid points, what I wanted to get across was that Twitter isn’t an excuse to loose the decorum we’ve always used when approaching press in the past. Let’s face it – the press knows we want something that they can offer, so a little respect can go along way. I do not believe shouting at someone publicly to attend or cover an event is an appropriate way to communicate a story. I think Twitter opens up the opportunity for a less respectful exchange.

I’m not sure where you took from my post that Internet relationships weren’t meaningful, as I certainly didn’t say that. If that were true, I wouldn’t spend so much time nurturing relationships on Twitter. Aside from the media aspect, I consider anyone who approaches me on Twitter to have the upperhand. For example, if I’m hiring and someone messages me about it on Twitter, I’ll almost always give them an interview because I can tell they are paying attention to me. And I cherish some of the great friends I’ve made – some of whom commented above. This post was not about Internet relationships being invalid – it was about not harassing press (or celebrities) on Twitter. Very different.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Great example – thanks for sharing! It’s great when Twitter connects us (even though you didn’t know) but then we can move to next level by connecting in real life. I’m traveling to NY next week and will join more than 15 PR people I;ve only met on Twitter for a real life happy hour. I’m so excited!

Rachel

I have, for a long time, advocated we need another term for social media relationships. Yes, you might not be my “friend”, but if you’re reading my Twitter feed or following me you have a lot more likelihood of capturing my time and attention than some random person I meet at a mixer.

I’ve found the opposite true. Especially recently when I was laid off. Sure there’s some folks who I’m only Twitter pals with, but some of them took the time to bug their actual friends and contacts for job leads.

Same is true of some of the bloggers and members of the media I’ve friended on Twitter. Sometimes they’ll pick up a story faster because I’ve been following and responding to other forms of communication.

It’s all a matter of being a real person, not just trying to get your foot in the door. Establishing internet relationships may not be “as good as the real thing” but that’s not to say it’s completely invalid.

When I got on Twitter later that night, I realized the girl I sat across the table from, (and probably had the best, REAL conversation with) was already following me on Twitter – and vice versa.

As in, before the event, before we ever saw each other’s faces, we “knew” one another, but didn’t take advantage of it.

I’m glad I know her voice now, and am equally glad I met her in person. Now if we ever RT one another, at least I know who she “really” is.