Alana & Derek,
I agree. I get annoyed when I get the instant DM “Thanks for the follow back. BTW, check out my site and my latest book venture. Here’s the link.” Then I never hear from them again until they want to push something else. I make a point not to follow people who act as their own personal bot. I think it is about you being you, not a media blitz. I mean, the concept is SOCIAL networking, isn’t it? I like getting to know people and seeing what they’re about. Then, if I’m interested in taking a look at their wares, I will. I have met some really great people on Twitter, but there was something about THEM that attracted me to them, not their goods and services.

There are readers on Twitter Bill, but probably in a smaller proportion than say Goodreads or Shelfari, which are dedicated to books. However, the proportion of pesky book floggers is about the same. I think it’s a matter of doing a little on a few platforms. But Twitter is still a good platform for making connections as is is so open in nature. With regard to it being a marketing tool, I still believe you should market yourself on social media, and not your product.

You’re right Alana. Traditional heavy handed selling doesn’t work on social media. It is very useful however for promoting yourself. This can be done in many communicative and entertaining forms and from there your book (or product) can be associated with yourself. Too many authors are doing it backwards. When I see a profile saying ‘Author of X book, I really feel they have missed the reason for being on Twitter.