There are a bunch of Twitter accounts popping up that are negatively directed toward me. I’m not going to flatter myself into thinking that I’m the only one this is happening to. And I’m not going to feed these trolls by engaging or carrying on about it.
What I am really wanting to do is make the people who own and run Twitter more responsible. Although, I’m sure that isn’t going to happen any time soon.
I’ve been having Twitter troll issues since August. I’m sure many of you remember my panicking about it. While that particular account has since been shut down, quite a few more have replaced it. This morning, I woke up, checked my Twitter and found that one had been made last night, a horrible variation of my Twitter and blog name, with ONE nasty tweet spewed at me.
I did what any annoyed Twitter account holder would do, I went to file a claim ticket. It seems that Twitter has blocked me from filing any. I’m assuming it’s because I’ve filed a couple before and perhaps they were getting annoyed with me? But having venomous accounts pop up, intimidating us and emotionally terrorizing us…is unacceptable. Action by Twitter needs to be taken to protect it’s legitimate users, the ones that are on and playing nice.
While this new negative tweet didn’t threaten harm to me directly, like the original account that Twitter wouldn’t do anything about did, it’s still cyber-terrorism when a tweet is being directed at you telling you to “tell Twitter why you are such a bitch”.
Nice.
I can’t report it. I can’t do anything about it. Because according to Twitters R & R, there needs to be direct and harmful threats. I’ve only been getting tons of accounts like this one, with comments like that one.
I don’t know about your thoughts but I think that when there are Twitter accounts that are made with negative variations of your Twitter handle that are shooting vile, poisonous arrows at you, that’s still a threat. Which, in my book means, Twitter doesn’t really care about keeping the platform a decent environment in which to engage.
The R & R states that they encourage you to make your tweets private and to block the offender, thus discouraging any interaction.
Twitter…it doesn’t work. We ignore one account and 20 harassing accounts pop up.
There needs to be more stringent rules in place. And more drastic measures need to be taken. I don’t know the answer because I’m just a blogger nerd.
But it seems open and obvious that when accounts are opened with a variation on the name that the troll is targeting, THAT is AGAINST the rules.
Am I wrong?
And I would also like to know WHY I’ve been blocked from filing a claim ticket with Twitter. I’ve filed a couple of LEGITIMATE tickets because there was definitely some concerning activity targeting me. The sorry shrug I received was not reassuring and now I can’t even report my concern about the most recent one because it seems Twitter got prematurely tired of me.
Good thing I have a LONG LINE of attorneys in my family.
Cyber bullying. Cyber terrorism. Of ANY KIND…should have ZERO TOLERANCE.
This, Twitter, is UNACCEPTABLE.
Vera @ Lady and the Blog says
this is HORRIBLE!
Vera @ Lady and the Blog´s last blog post ..VIDEO- The Magic Of Cream Eye Shadow
Tara R. says
it’s like, ‘kids will be kids’ mentality. The idea that nothing gets done about this type of harassment/bullying/terrorism until someone is physically injured is ridiculous. It would take nothing for Twitter have their own investigative process and ban users who continually abuse the system.
Tara R.´s last blog post ..A very good day
Kellyology says
This is the first I’ve heard of this obviously, crazy behavior. And I don’t mean “Wow that’s crazy” crazy. I mean mentally unstable crazy. I too am surprised Twitter has blocked your complaints. They shouldn’t really be allowed to do that. What if the obviously crazy, unstable behavior does reach their level of dangerous? What are you supposed to do then? It’s very disappointing to see such a large, very influential Internet presence behaving so carelessly.
Kellyology´s last blog post ..The Anti-New Years Resolution Post
Theresa says
Do you know who it is? I think you could take legal action.
Theresa´s last blog post ..Pajama Jeans vs Sweatpant Jeans…is there a difference
Gena Morris says
I am sorry to see that. 🙁 I don’t get why people have to behave like this. I hope that Twitter figures it out. It seems like they should be well aware of it. I would document all the names, tweets and times. 🙁
Gena Morris´s last blog post ..How we are surviving as a homeschool family
Lauren says
That is absurd. Since when is name calling and treating others with hate and disrespect acceptable? Why has the illusion of anonymity given people the right to do this? IT HASN’T. If this was taking place in an office or school it would be dealt with. The internet is just another location and while I believe in freedom of speech I don’t think that verbal abuse falls under that umbrella. I hope that Twitter finally does something because this is ridiculous. If you need any help I’m here.
Mary@Everyday Baby Steps says
Insane. That is even more infuriating that Twitter has blocked your complaints. Makes no sense. I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this.
Mary@Everyday Baby Steps´s last blog post ..Four Loko Controversy
Audrey - Mom Generations says
I cannot believe that Twitter has blocked your complaints! That’s horrible! Oh, Melissa… so sorry you need to have this on your plate to deal with. hang in there.
melissa from girlymama says
Oh my word! that is awful!! i’m so sorry you have to deal with this, melissa.
melissa from girlymama´s last blog post ..fashion friday- workout gear
Rachel Ferrucci says
So sorry that’s happening to you. I never knew what it was because it’s never happened to me. I’m truly impressed how you handled it. I would have flipped, I’m not good at holding back anger when people hurt me or people close to me on purpose. I’d love to find out who it is so I can personally kick their ass. Rock on sista!!!!
Rachel Ferrucci´s last blog post ..My Dinner Explodes
Kami says
May I suggest you ask @temptingmama for advice? She’s awesome about this kind of stuff. She’s an effing warrior against injustices. Also, my 2 cents: this is bullshit. Force Twitter’s arm on this matter. Harass them till they’ll listen.
Another Suburban Mom says
Well that is just tacky! If you email me the names of the accounts I will go find them on twitter and report them.
Another Suburban Mom´s last blog post ..Friday Foodie- Its A Giveaway!
ConnieFoggles says
I’ve had issues with Twitter, but nothing like yours, so sorry. Try to ask for help from this person on Twitter – @delbius and Twitter @safety which she leads. It may take a few weeks to hear back from her, but she has been helpful to me. I hope this helps you out.
ConnieFoggles´s last blog post ..Sleep Deprived Children
San Diego Momma says
Give me the info! I will file a claim for you!
And call their mothers.
San Diego Momma´s last blog post ..Pansy
NYCPatty says
That just makes me sick that they won’t do anything about it. What the hell, Twitter?
NYCPatty´s last blog post ..An Its All Relative Weigh-In
Lolli @ Better in Bulk says
I have never heard of anything like this, and it boils my blood! Why would someone want to target you specifically? I don’t get it! But I REALLY don’t get why twitter won’t let you report!!
Lolli @ Better in Bulk´s last blog post ..Food Photographer- I am Not – GMYBS-PSF
Elena (@NaynaDub) says
Such an annoyance! Real easy for the person who is doing this to hide behind their computer screen. Hope you get some resolution!
nic @mybottlesup says
good grief. there are too many of these accounts out that spew venom and ugliness. it’s so disheartening. i’m kinda surprised at twitter though, not taking more action.
hang tough mama.
Henway says
This is awful.. and it can potentially be damaging to a person’s online reputation. Imagine if someone was using your real name, and saying outrageous claims about u? An employer could easily find your Twitter acct and find it through Twitter Search.
Henway´s last blog post ..Medifast Wiki
Jack says
Some people sadly have nothing better to do. In the interim I would suggest to try to avoid feeding the trolls.
Jack´s last blog post ..Friday Morning Music- What We Read-Listened To
karen says
this is NOT a kingdom post, there was no King, Queen or surfs!
karen says
I mean SERFS!
Mike Ramsey says
That happens when you’re a big company/website and you don’t give a damn about your customers, twitter is just another of these “guys” and they forgot who made them big..
Mike Ramsey´s last blog post ..Excessive Sweating In Children
Tara R. says
test, test… is this thing on?
Tara R.´s last blog post ..A very good day
Juanita says
I think that Twitter should make you say why you follow someone, then verify the follow through an email before you can even @REPLY or @MENTION someone. That would be too much trouble for people who are spamming hate to go through.
Juanita´s last blog post ..If you teach someone critical thinking they might question………… via @jchronowski47
Bejewell says
I’ve been the target of hate blogs before, never Twitter but I kind of think it’s the same principle. It sucks but in an age of technology with little regulation, there’s probably NOT a lot you can do except say “Fuck ’em.” That’s what I said, and it totally worked. They eventually went away and I kind of forgot all about them. Until now. So what I’m trying to say is, thanks a fucking lot for reminding me.
🙂 XOXOXO
Bejewell´s last blog post ..The BFF- the Bag O’Crap- Cranberry Sauce and My Exceptionally Strong Toenails
Nancy [Fear and Parenting in Las Vegas] says
I’m sorry this is continuing to haunt you. I had hoped it had died down. Trolls are the worst. But don’t give up. You’re better than that. Never let the assholes win by thinking they can take your voice.
Can we find something positive to do with this? Perhaps have a contest to see who can garner the most troll comments/tweets in a year and then Travelocity (home of the traveling troll, uh I mean gnome) send you on a trip? Sounds good to me.