Feb. 13, 2012 – PPM – Writing a Wrong

This week's PET PEEVE MONDAY (PPM) is the misuse of TWITTER. The use of Twitter has exploded, which is OK. The problem is that local papers have instructed their journalists (?) to reach out to the readers and use this social media.

These employees are unaccustomed to dealing with direct feedback and questions. Some handle it well, others, not so much.

Some see it as a "Bully Pulpit" where they can disparage, degrade, and dismiss, anyone that has a contrary view.

Case in point, Joe Reedy. Joe covers the Cincinnati Bengals and is also on Twitter as @joereedy.

Recently, I offered my consultation and guidance to Joe. Joe's recent posts and replies on Twitter were caustic and condescending to many. His Twitter profile states: "The Enquirer's Joe Reedy with Bengals news and other perspectives with steady doses of sarcasm and humor." At first, I tried to enlighten and educate Joe on the difference between sarcasm/humor and acerbic responses. I wasn't the only person to bring this to Joe's attention. Here are a couple of his Twitter responses:

RT @Janelle717
@joereedy Why do you have to be rude? You lose followers/readers, you lose your job. #Ungrateful>Increased numbers each year

RT @tvonallmen
@joereedy consider yourself unfollowed. So sick of RTs of your childish comebacks to those that tweet you negatively.>Bye

In his reply to my offer of assistance, Joe mentioned that his followers had only increased the past three years and that he had more followers than me. I indicated that he could have done better with a little less arrogance or condescension. My guidance was that quantity should not be confused with quality; otherwise Justin Beiber (16M followers) and Kim Kardashian (12M) would be in the White House as Barrack Obama only has 11M followers.

Next, I mentioned that any journalist (?) should know the difference between "your" and "you're" based on his below Tweet:

RT @StevO_1960
@joereedy Any chance Whit moves to Guard and we draft a Offensive Tackle?>Your kidding, right?

His reaction was to "Block" me from following him on Twitter. I've never been "blocked" but that is fine, I was only following because he said he used sarcasm and I like sarcasm. What really bothered me was that Joe didn't use sarcasm. But, then again, LIKE I needed more sarcasm.

Joe, here are a few examples of sarcasm:

Joe, if you don't improve your grammar, how will you ever advance to a larger market, LIKEToledo or Boise? (Sarcasm)

Joe, if you are going to write at a 3rd grade level, then I guess there (or in you're case, their) IS ALWAYS the Weekly Reader. (Sarcasm)

Joe, I usually charge for these interventions and lessons. But in your (or is it you're) case I do offer needs-based scholarships. YOUR welcome (AGAIN, Sarcasm and a bit of Irony.)

Joe is not alone in trying to use "perceived" power to administer his taunts from a "Bully Pulpit." Unfortunately, it is backfiring as their interpersonal and social skills are in need of a tune-up. One only has to look at the declining readership at Newsweek, one of the early Twitter adopters.

My advice has always been: Don't be a hater. Try harder. Be accepting of others. Use good grammar. Pay it forward. Tip your waiters and waitresses. Don't be a BULLY.