StockTwits Etiquette

Our intent on StockTwits is to add value and build community.

To do so we have learned that a few simple guidelines, if followed most of the time by the majority, will promote such intent.

Adding Value

When you tag a tweet with a $ for inclusion to the stream you will want it to add value for other members of our community.

If it does, then it’s right.  If it does not, then it is likely not the best.

The best stocktweets will relate to a specific asset, specific set up or trade you are making and subjects where you are knowledgeable.  It may be an opinion or new information.  It may be a great link (see below for more on linking).

What To Leave Out

Tweets that do not have to do with markets should be left off the stream.

Shout outs for great trades are awesome when they reference specific calls and/or tweets by others but they are not as awesome when there is no reference made.

Extended discussions of politics should be left off the stream.  I get more complaints about this than anything else.  If the politics relates specifically to markets and adds value than it is ok.

One suggestion is to take things back channel by using an @reply without the $ or a dm (direct message) when discussions veer from adding market related value.

Vulgarity

Using vulgar language is not loved on StockTwits though we will usually put up with occasional usage.

I have personally spent years on a trading desk and know that in the heat of the moment colorful language is natural. Nevertheless, we’ve learned from community feedback that some find it offensive which makes sense.

The one exception of course is If your tweet is really funny.  You can get away with a well placed expletive if the tweet is hilarious.  If not, then not so much.

Linking

Links are awesome on StockTwits when they go directly to an article, chart or some type of information that is of value.  They are not awesome when they go to a sign in page or to another link.

They are also not awesome when the implicit reasoning for tweeting is site promotion rather than adding value and frankly we view this as spam.

Pace

Its important to pace tweets such that one person does not stuff the stream with a series of numerous rapid fire tweets in succession.  You might have noticed that this occurs most often when a bot gets on the feed but it sometimes occurs when someone gets very excited and forgets that they are broadcasting to thousands of people simultaneously.

Respecting Fellow Members

This is the most important thing.  Please try to treat others how you would like to be treated.

Humility\Transparency

Simply participating in markets assures that we will be wrong often and the nature of StockTwits assures that what you tweet here will be public.

As such, it is critical not only to publicize your winners but to
follow up on your losers as well.

To my mind there is no better way to earn the respect of the community than by modeling how you handle red trades.

Market vs Non Market Hours

In general, there is a bit less demand to adhere to etiquette during non market hours.

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Again, these guidelines are not set in stone.  They are, though, a road map for the benefit of everyone over the longer term as the community grows in number and richness of information.

@ppearlman


The information in this blog post represents my own opinions and does not contain a recommendation for any particular security or investment. I or my affiliates may hold positions or other interests in securities mentioned in the Blog, please see my Disclaimer page for my full disclaimer.

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