I have been using twitter since February and it has been great.
I had over 1600 followers and was the 7th most popular twitterer in Leeds. It took a lot of time and effort – but the returns were there in as much as my network was considerably expanded both at the very local and international level. I used twitter to network with a wide range of people who shared my passion for management, leadership, enterprise and entrepreneurship. I had even found new clients through twitter recommendations!
But on July 22nd something strange happened. All of my followers were ‘lost’ as was nearly everyone that I follow.
I logged a support request with Twitter which they immediately deemed closed without any communication or investigation that I could see.
As some of my followers got wind of what had happened they started to to put the word out and people slowly started to follow me again. This was a wonderful and humbling response as many people really missed my presence in their networks.
Then, today, without explanation, Twitter suspended my account. As far as I can see I have not transgressed any of their guidelines and I do not use any automated systems to refollow or direct message people. Many creative, constructive and potentially commercially important conversations have been disrupted.
So beware if you are investing much time in Twitter. I would hate the same thing to happen to you.
28th July Addendum
Had some help from @delbius who works for Twitter support. Apparently my account was trashed by a ‘bug’. It has now been reinstated and most of the people I follow have been restored. However my network of followers has not – at least not yet.