I just wrote a long blog on how I was frustrated at Twitter and the computer-generated lists that are based on following people and then unfollowing them if they don't reciprocate. Somehow, that blog got lost in cyber space. I am still amazed at how that happens. It is usually the result of me clicking before thinking. As my blog / website editor doesn't have an undo button (it saves as I go), I thought I was safe. I wasn't. Lesson learned (again). (They say only fools learn from their own mistakes...)
This was precipitated by my poorly executed automated thank-yous on Twitter. I have since tweaked the automation; apologies if I have offended anyone. This same program monitors those who you have followed and recommends unfollowing those who don't follow you back. It is all part of growing one's Twitter lists. As I can barely follow my own meager list, the only reason I can see for doing this is for marketing purposes. Hopefully it works for them.
I am already feeling embarrassed about my scheduled tweets. I want to improve my offering to people and not waste their time with recycled quotes (unless I genuinely like them) or adverts for purchasing things. I am transparent about my interest in people visiting my site and buying my books because I would like to sell my books. Apart from that, I am trying to learn what works and doesn't as an indie author and marketer. What I am concerned about is the time this takes mentally and emotionally. It is definitely impacting on my writing time. I find my mind has a difficult time getting into the zone as I struggle with these online platforms.
I'm sure everything will be fine in the end--as we are all irrelevant in the end. The twitter streams will flow over us whether we are watching or not. How we are able to dip in and enjoy the stream will be for each of us to determine for ourselves.