Direct Messaging Tweeple

By Joel Feder | January 15, 2010

Using the Direct Message feature on Twitter (aka DM) is an easy way to message someone privately. You are still limited to the 140 characters imposed on regular public tweets. However, this type of message will not be visible to anyone other than the person it is directed at.

The catch22 with direct messaging that many people aren’t familiar with is that you can only direct message someone that is following you. One way to overcome this is by @replying someone publicly asking them to follow you. This is an acceptable method that many people use on a daily basis. The person might follow you merely long enough to receive the message and then unfollow you but you at least get to message them. Some people will not respond to you or follow you even when asked through an @reply. It differs from one individual to another.

In sum, Direct Messages are an effective way to communicate within the Twitter platform with people that follow you privately. A tool that should not be taken for granted but rather utilized.