I agree with the whole DIGG, FLOAT request thing. I don't do it. As tempting as it is to get your post and blog receiving more visits due to the publicity, I don't like asking people to do so. Saying that, because I don't ask, barely any of my posts get Stumbled, DUGG or FLOATED. So that's probably saying something about my post quality. :)

The only posts that I tend to ask for support on are the ones that are 'for other people', ie, SoulTweet. I don't see the problem asking people to help and support worthwhile causes, but I usually only ask for support and RT's.

Regarding Self promotion. I disagree with this. Mostly because I do it ofcourse, but the end results for me are that I can offer bigger publicity for the offshoot projects like Wearejustcreative, Monoexpression, Soulttweet and lovehelvetica.

These are sites that benefit the community as a whole, so in order to publicise them i need to promote them.

There is a fine line, but ultimately, twitter is still a tool to be used how you see fit. If you don't like someones use of Twitter then the old failsafe, get out clause is don't follow. It is that easy.

Same with TV. If you don't like the shows being aired, then you turn over or turn off as they will always be more people liking and enjoying those shows.

It's the minority in these cases that tend to be more annoying than the people they are 'bashing'. I for one will continue to use Twitter for self gain and also to gain publicity for the more community aspects.

As I said, sweet article and gets people thinking.

But, be careful how you critique people or how people in general use a service that is pretty much self governed. 'Your' (not just you personally but generally) acts of criticism can be as annoying for some people as you find the act of self promotion annoying for you.

I have more than enough restraint and self etiquette when needed, but also allow myself to shoot off from the deep end when I so desire.

Twitter by nature is a very public AND personal media, the freedom of free speech is totally applicable here. To criticise how someone else conducts themself is your act of free speech, but also accept that people will generally rebutt against this more than the people who are able to maximise Twitter for self gain, especially in these troubled times.

As a note, ALL my work comes direct from Twitter and other online methods, I will use it how I see fit. :)

Learn to live with it would be my advice, or unfollow.
Graham

I still think the unfollow-button is a better friend than some of the people in my timeline..