I always think the best kinds of welcomes are public and personal. Note how these new friends have taken the time to read my bio. By welcoming me in an open message on Twitter they’ve also proudly introducing me to their Twitter followers. And that is a true welcome! Thanks, Dean and Bek!

And a final example:

We’ve only just met and already you’re asking me for a favor. This already feels like a one-sided relationship. I can see where this is going, and I want out.

And a third example of what he said and what I thought:

Thanks, but no thanks. Your website information should be part of your profile not part of your handshake.

Here’s another example of what I read when I see your auto DM:

The sentiment is nice enough, Mark, but I just don’t buy that this is the way you normally talk to people. “Endeavor to always keep it interesting”? Umm…no.

Whenever I receive an auto DM on Twitter, I have to resist the overwhelming urge to unfollow. Here is the first of several examples of auto-DMs I’ve received just this past two days and what I’m thinking as I read them.

Disclosure: I don’t know Larry, or any of the other individuals in subsequent posts, personally. They may be perfectly fine people with the best of intentions. I’m just using their DMs as examples.

Larry, Larry, Larry. {shakes head} I’ve only just started following you. We haven’t even had a conversation and here you go trying to take our relationship to the next level. You’re scaring me just a little bit. That and the dark glasses. What’s up with that?