Using @reply or Direct Messages in Twitter

There are some great resources out there for learning how to use Twitter, but we’d like to offer a few thoughts on a matter that’s particularly important to ChirpBot – @replies and direct messages.

In order to send a command to ChirpBot, you must direct that command (aka chirp) at ChirpBot’s Twitter account. This works easiest if you first follow ChirpBot on Twitter – in fact, you cannot send direct (private) messages to ChirpBot unless your follow us on Twitter.

Here are the two methods you can use to direct a message at another Twitter user:

@replies

This method starts a tweet with @ and then a user name. For example,

 @dskeen How did your noggin get so huge? Do you have trouble finding hats that fit?
 10:59 AM May 09, 2009 from web in reply to dskeen

If someone @replies you—note, this means they start a tweet with @yourusername — you will see that in your main timeline in Twitter if you follow the person. But you’ll see it in your replies tab, whether you follow them or not (unless you’ve blocked them). So, @replies are not completely private, but they are also not likely to be seen by your followers. For more on @replies, check out the Twitter blog.

Direct Messages (DM)

This method starts a tweet with d and then a user name, such as d chirpbot horoscope

But you can also send a direct message through one of these methods, in which case the d is not required:

• the “message” link on the profile page of the Twitter user you want to message
• the reply icon attached to messages in your direct message inbox on Twitter.com
• the drop down box on your direct message inbox page on Twitter.com
• direct message options in whatever Twitter client you may be using

A direct message sends a message to a Twitter user that cannot be seen by others. Direct Messages sent to you will appear only in your Direct Messages area of Twitter.com. For more info on direct messages, visit this page in the Twitter forums.

How ChirpBot responds to @replies and Direct Messages

In some cases ChirpBot will respond via email, but when it comes to tweets, ChirpBot will respond using the same method in which the original request was sent.

If you send an @chirpbot message, chirpbot will respond with an @yourtwitterID message. If you send a direct message, Twitter will send back a direct message. It’s important to keep this in mind so that you’ll know where to look for ChirpBot’s responses.