Twitter DM Spam is Unbearable

19 November, 2009 - 07:00 AM - 16 Comments

Twitter DM Spam has made the DM column virtually useless in Tweetdeck and Hootsuite, many people are already starting to setup auto DM’s to tell their followers that they are no longer checking their DM box and you need to contact them via Reply. What twitter needs however is to put DM control back in the hands of its users by allowing for DM filter lists, Twitter is already using lists, let users have the ability to create a DM List and only people who are added to this DM list are authorized to DM the user on twitter, this way you won’t accept any DM’s from people you don’t recognize or know.

A Twitter DM list is long overdue, the ability to only allow your closest friends and have private conversations with a select group of people is a much needed feature on Twitter and this feature shouldn’t have been terribly difficult for Twitter to implement. You should be able to restrict who can DM you and reject DM’s from people you don’t know.

-Dragon Blogger

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Written by Justin Germino (1518 Articles Published)

Working in the IT Industry for over 10 years and specializing in web based technologies. Dragon Blogger has unique insights and opinions to how the internet and web technology works. An Avid movie fan, video game fan and fan of trying anything and everything new.

Follow Justin Germino on Twitter @dragonblogger

Ajinkya

Thats because ppl use automatic DMs to welcome their new followers but there is a way to stop that , check my post http://qwertyweb.blogspot.com/2009/07/stop-getting...
.-= Ajinkya´s last blog ..Spell Words with flick Logo images =-.

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Dennis Edell

I would definitely look into that.
.-= Dennis EdellÂ´s last blog ..How Do You Feel About A Static Homepage On A Blog? =-.

A most excellent idea DB, have you presented it to the twitter admin?
.-= Dennis EdellÂ´s last blog ..How Do You Feel About A Static Homepage On A Blog? =-.

dragonblogger

I haven't presented this idea to Twitter themselves, don't know who to contact.

Keith@Norman Rockwell Art

The DM list is a great idea. DM should be for conversation, not promotion. If Twitter doesn't solve it, the service that takes Twitter's place will!
.-= Keith@Norman Rockwell ArtÂ´s last blog ..Nov 17, The Museum of American Illustration is home to Norman Rockwell paintings =-.

Extreme John

I would have to agree with you here, I HATE Twitter DM spam it drives me nuts.

I am one of those people considering the auto-dm to tell my followers I am not checking DM's. It's pretty much useless at this point to even look through them.
.-= Extreme JohnÂ´s last blog ..Pictures of Girls in Limos =-.

I would do that except I sometimes have private conversations with my wife on twitter using the DM function as our Instant Message.

Ditesco

I agree 100% with you Justin. I hope Twitter will see this one and acknowledge. RT on the way
.-= DitescoÂ´s last blog ..Make Money With Google - Increase Your Earning Potential With Ad Planner =-.

Klaus @ TechPatio

It's weird, I never get DM spam. Maybe because if I receive an auto-DM from those I follow, I usually just unfollow again (but only if their auto-DM contains a link or something). That kind of promotion, I don't like.
.-= Klaus @ TechPatioÂ´s last blog ..iPhone Free Week: Introduction To A Week With HTC Tattoo (Android) =-.

Metallman

Hey there J,

I've been one of the lucky few that is not plagued by the DM spam. I've had only a few DMs and they are usually from people I know so I haven't had this problem. I
.-= MetallmanÂ´s last blog ..Dr. Oetker's Make it Like Mama Giveaway =-.

Greg Ellison

I just used auto delete from a 3rd party website because I had too much DM's in the box. Greg Ellison
.-= Greg EllisonÂ´s last blog ..My Windows 7 Computer with Dual Monitor setup =-.

I used to use the Auto DM Deleter as well until it stopped working, is there a new one that works currently?

Hesham @FamousBlogers

It's very annoying to me as well, and some times I think to block users who send me this kind of messages on twitter, but still giving chances!
.-= Hesham @FamousBlogersÂ´s last blog ..7 Blogging Tips For Beginners =-.

I don't block users because many times their accounts are compromised and they don't realize it, it isn't always malicious intent. People use services and sites which auto DM on the user accounts behalf, like the games and surveys and such.

Karen @ Blazing Minds

I'm getting sick of the Twitter DM spam, it seems there is just so much of it these days, if I get one in my DM box and I know the user I tweet them to tell them to change their password! But this idea of yours is perfect, come on Twitter pull your finger out ;)
.-= Karen @ Blazing MindsÂ´s last blog ..Blazing Minds Interviews Ashok from Rethink. =-.

Heather Kephart

Justin, that's brilliant! I don't think the DM feature was meant to be a spam box. However, I don't think it's as simple as unfollowing everyone who sends an auto-dm. Lots of people do this when they're new and just getting started out. They see that many are doing it and think it's the thing to do.
.-= Heather KephartÂ´s last blog ..Thesis Options Frozen =-.