This topic has been making its way through the social media networks for awhile now, and it's a question that I can relate to on a personal level.

If you don't know what I am talking about, when someone follows you on Twitter, you can utilize a special feature to send a pre-written, direct thank you message, most times soliciting your site or product. Before I get to how I feel about these canned responses, I would like to share how I can equate this to my 20-year radio career.

My background is in radio/radio programming, and about 15 years ago, there came this great invention called "voice-tracking".  It was a way to be on the air without being in the studio!  Just record your tracks ( a typical 4 hours shift could be done in 30 minutes) and you're done.  As a personality, I did not like the idea of trying to fake everyone out...it just seemed to take away from the spontaneous, purity factor.  As a manager, this was an effective way to save money, and I liked it for that reason. And I utilized it.  As a matter of fact, most shows on the radio are now voice-tracked.  You'd be hard-pressed to get an answer on the phone at your favorite radio station between 10a-3p and 7p-5a.  Try it out.

Here is a an example of a not so personable DM:


I, personally, take the time to sift through my new followers on Twitter and Facebook and thank them with a personal note.  I try to do it within 24 hours, because I want to connect quickly and effectively.  And yes, I do promote my blog in my messages.  If I don't promote me, who will?