Writer's Guide To Twitter > Twitter Etiquette > Someone posted (in Twitter) to send them a DM but I can't since they're not following me. How do I let them know?
To see an index of topics, please see the Main Twitter Guide For Writers page. To go back to my blog for kidlit/YA writers and illustrators, see Inkygirl. You can find me on Twitter at @inkyelbows (focus: craft & biz of writing) and @DebbieOhi (chatty replies, Twitter chats).
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I've been on both sides of this potentially awkward situation.
As the person not being followed, I felt a tad irritated. My impulse is to post "I can't DM you because you're not following me!" BUT that may not be the best move. Why? Because it's embarrassing to the other person.
A better strategy:
To post a tweet starting with "@" and their Twittername so they'll see your post in their Mentions list (e.g. @inkyelbows ---message here). Then say something like "I can't DM you for some reason but here's the info you wanted" or if the info is of a private nature, then something like "I can't DM you for some reason; may I e-mail you instead?"
Of course if they don't clue in, then politely let them know that you can't DM them because they're not following you. Chances are good that they WILL start following you at that point.
Last updated on March 22, 2011 by Debbie Ridpath Ohi