Last night, the app operating @comicsgatevideo Twitter account was restricted by Twitter for an unintentional terms of service violation. Twitter accounts, whether automated or not, are not allowed to use excessive tagging. Specifically, that means the Twitter handle associated with Comicsgate.org is not allowed tag creators in tweets that promote their videos and projects without their explicit permission.
Therefore, I am asking every creator to reply to this tweet opting into being tagged.
Ok, #comicsgate, here’s what’s up. The app operating @comicsgatevideo is not allowed @ you in tweets that promote your videos and projects without your explicit permission. So I need every creator to reply to this tweet opting into being tagged. pic.twitter.com/lBFs2UFxLR
— Comicsgate.org (@ComicsgateVideo) July 3, 2021
My heart sank when the app was restricted last night. Between shadow banning and other restrictions, it’s getting harder and harder to promote books on social media. But maybe Twitter will be cool with an opted in system if we can show them it works. Still, this stinks for promoters. How else are we supposed to let creators know when we’re promoting them without tagging them? Be careful, guys! Your accounts could be restricted, too, so probably best to start gaining individual permissions to expand your ability to help each other out.
Please note, this impacts all #comicsgate and indie comic book promoters. Twitter is saying “this behavior is not allowed regardless of whether or not it is automated”. But, if we all grant each other permission to tag each other, Twitter says it’s cool. So let’s work together!
The way the @comicsgatevideo Twitter handle works, and the Facebook page, too, is it utilizes a plugin that interfaces with both social media apps to enable that every video and project posted to the website is automatically posted to Comicsgate.org‘s social media accounts. But, after doing it for several months, I’ve discovered it is not as effective if the creator whose videos and projects being promoted are unaware of it. Whereas, when you tag the creator into the tweet, the odds increase drastically you’ll get a like or a retweet.
In the past week, with tagging, the @comicsgatevideo Twitter account picked up 60 new followers, all because of tagging. It works!
So, I really need #comicsgate‘s help to make the most of Comicsgate.org. Social media is essential to driving traffic to YouTube videos and channels, and to Indiegogo projects! And tagging is essential to helping creators see when they’re being promoted. It all works together. And I believe a rising tide will inevitably lift all boats. When everyone replies to the tweet and opts into tagging, I will return to Twitter Support and request permission to resume tagging. Thank you in advance!
Robert Romano is the editor-in-chief of Comicsgate.org.
