When Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu’s new Twitter account is suspended for “aggressive following”, it is a sign Twitter needs a better way to identify spammers. The Bishop’s account was only following 30 accounts, probably a few recommended by Twitter.
No one disputes the need to handle the real spammers on Twitter, but even the average user can easily identify those accounts or bots as they are often called. To simply create these random automated (which they do not allow users to use anymore) filters and shut down accounts is not the answer.
Social Media Delivered’s Mallory Scudder recently discussed the frustration felt by many regarding Twitter’s Account Suspending Spree. Certainly there is a need to clean up spammers, but their solution amounts to throwing the baby out with the bath water, as this embarrassing situation highlights.
Are you on Twitter? Has your account been shutdown by Twitter, with a hand slap for breaking the rules? Tell us more here or via Twitter at @NDGEditor. Also, you can follow the account created by Bishop Tutu’s foundation at @TutuLegacy. If they do not follow back, don’t feel bad, probably just trying to avoid another suspension.
